Dr. Victoria C. Roskams
Victoria C. Roskams specializes in literature and music as a reader, researcher, and practitioner. As an academic, Roskams's interests span the long nineteenth century and all sorts of interactions between all of the arts, especially in movements such as Romanticism, aestheticism, and decadence. A long-term obsession has been Oscar Wilde, his disciples, his imitators, and his antagonists. As a creative writer, Roskams is especially interested in uncanny encounters with the arts, strange or queer artists, and haunting afterlives. As a musician, Roskams is primarily interested in the eclectic.
Articles by Dr. Victoria C. Roskams
Why Oscar Wilde Wrote His Famous “De Profundis” from PrisonDe Profundis, the letter Oscar Wilde wrote from prison, is one of his most moving works. It is addressed partly to his former lover, partly to his former life.
The Cross-Dressing Marquess Who Made Arthur Conan Doyle Turn DetectiveHenry Paget, the fifth Marquess of Anglesey, who loved expensive costumes and jewelry, turned to Arthur Conan Doyle when his jewels mysteriously disappeared.
Henry Paget, the fifth Marquess of Anglesey, who loved expensive costumes and jewelry, turned to Arthur Conan Doyle when his jewels mysteriously disappeared.
How German Philosophy Inspired Classical MusicFrom Ludwig van Beethoven to Richard Wagner, many 19th-century composers were inspired by German philosophical movements, including Romanticism, Idealism, pessimism, and nihilism.
From Ludwig van Beethoven to Richard Wagner, many 19th-century composers were inspired by German philosophical movements, including Romanticism, Idealism, pessimism, and nihilism.
Wordsworth Revolutionized Poetry But His Life Was Equally InterestingWho was William Wordsworth, and what made his poetry so revolutionary? Read about the life and works of this major Romantic poet.
Who was William Wordsworth, and what made his poetry so revolutionary? Read about the life and works of this major Romantic poet.
Why Victorian Readers Traded Ghosts for GritThis is a guide to Victorian Realism, one of the literary movements most closely associated with the Victorian period.
This is a guide to Victorian Realism, one of the literary movements most closely associated with the Victorian period.
6 Jane Austen Quotes About Wit, Love, & LiteratureDiscover some essential quotes by one of English literature's best-loved authors: Jane Austen.
The Grand Tour and How It Shaped English LiteratureHow did the Grand Tour, the 17th- and 18th-century trend among rich young men for traveling through Europe, change the way that authors in English wrote?
How did the Grand Tour, the 17th- and 18th-century trend among rich young men for traveling through Europe, change the way that authors in English wrote?
The Enigmatic “Fairy-Tale” King of BavariaWho was King Ludwig II, who dwelled in fairytale castles, dreaming of scenes from Richard Wagner's operas?
13 Defining Works of Gothic LiteratureFrom haunted houses to vampires and doubles, from well-known spine-tinglers to more forgotten fare, the Gothic genre will never die.
From haunted houses to vampires and doubles, from well-known spine-tinglers to more forgotten fare, the Gothic genre will never die.
Catherine of Aragon, the Queen Who Challenged a KingThis article narrates the life of Catherine of Aragon, her political influence, and her role in the English Reformation.
Mary Wollstonecraft, The Woman Who Laid the Foundation for FeminismThink 18th-century feminism must be outdated? Think again—there is still so much to learn from the life and writing of Mary Wollstonecraft.
Think 18th-century feminism must be outdated? Think again—there is still so much to learn from the life and writing of Mary Wollstonecraft.
Henry VIII’s Reign and England’s TransformationThis article explores the life and reign of Henry VIII, his six marriages, and the profound impact of his rule on British history.
This article explores the life and reign of Henry VIII, his six marriages, and the profound impact of his rule on British history.