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Emerita Professor Helen Chambers

Professor Helen ChambersContact Details

hec@st-andrews.ac.uk

Full research profile

Research areas

My principal research areas are 19th- and early 20th-century German and Austrian literature, especially Theodor Fontane and Joseph Roth, as well as women's writing, gender, reportage, Anglo-German cultural relations, reception history and literary translation. Through my work on Fontane and Roth I developed an interest in literary irony, which led to a major study of humour and irony in nineteenth-century German women's writing. Humour is not widely recognised as a characteristic of German writing, and there is a widespread perception, not only in German-language culture, that it is not a female prerogative, particularly in the 19th century. My research into the work of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff and Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach among others shows otherwise.

Publications

Humor and Irony in Nineteenth-Century German Women's Writing: Studies in Prose Fiction, 1840-1900
Chambers, H. 2007 Camden House . 222 p.
Research output : Book/Report Book

Violence, Culture and Identity: Essays on German and Austrian Literature, Politics and Society
Chambers, H. (ed.) 2006 Peter Lang . 432 p.
Research output : Book/Report Book

Theodor Fontane and the European Context. Literature, Culture and Society in Prussia and Europe
Howe, P. (ed.) & Chambers, H. (ed.) 2001 Rodopi .
Research output : Book/Report Book

The Changing Image of Theodor Fontane.
Chambers, H. 1997 Camden House . 172 p.
Research output : Book/Report Book

Theodor Fontane: The London Symposium
Chambers, H. (ed.) , Bance, A. (ed.) & Jolles, C. (ed.) 1995 Stuttgart: Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz . 311 p.
Research output : Book/Report Book

Co-existent Contradictions: Joseph Roth in Retrospect
Chambers, H. (ed.) 1991 Riverside, Calif.: Ariadne Press .
Research output : Book/Report Book

Supernatural and Irrational Elements in the Works of Theodor Fontane
Chambers, H. E. 1980 Stuttgart: Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz . 278 p. (Stuttgarter Arbeiten zur Germanistik).
Research output : Book/Report Book

 

Daniel Kehlmanns "Die Vermessung der Welt" und die Rezeption englischer und amerikanischer Literatur und Kultur
Chambers, H. 2012 In: Wechselwirkungen II: Deutschsprachige Literatur und Kultur im regionalen und internationalen Kontext. Szendi, Z. (ed.). Vienna: Praesens , p. 135-146. (Pecser Studien zur Germanistik).
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Sex und Behoerde in Joseph Roths Reportagen der zwanziger Jahre
Chambers, H. Sep-2011 In: Joseph Roth: European Jewish Writer and Austrian Universalist. Lughofer, J. G. & Miladinovic Zalaznik, M. (eds.). Berlin: de Gruyter , p. 169-180. 12 p. (Conditio Judiaca).
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Fontane and Gutzkow. Theatre Criticism and Literary Reception
Chambers, H. 2011 In: Karl Gutzkow and His Contemporaries Karl Gutzkow und seine Zeitgenossen: Beitraege zur Internationalen Konferenz des Editionsprojekts Karl Gutzkow vom 7. bis 9. September 2010 in Exeter. Vonhoff, G. (ed.). Bielefeld: Aisthesis , p. 203-219.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Bibliographie Charlotte Jolles
White, M. J. , Chambers, H. E. & Erler, G. 2010 In: Charlotte Jolles: A Life for Theodor Fontane. Königshausen & Neumann
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

'Die Toten ohne Namen'. Gewaltsamer Tod in der Großstadt in Reportagen von Joseph Roth, Theodor Fontane und Egon Erwin Kisch
Chambers, H. 2010 In: Joseph Roth und die Reportage. Eicher, T. (ed.). Mattes Verlag , p. 81-97.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

The Child Bride: Engagements 1890s-style in Fontane, Böhlau, Ebner-Eschenbach and Huch
Chambers, H. 2008 In: The Text and its Context: Studies in Modern German Literature and Society: presented to Ronald Speirs on the occasion of his 65th birthday. Harris, N. & Sayner, J. (eds.). Peter Lang , p. 49-62.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Introduction
Chambers, H. 2006 In: Violence, Culture and Identity: Essays on German and Austrian Literature, Politics and Society. Chambers, H. (ed.). Peter Lang , p. 11-26. (Cultural Identity Studies).
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Signs of the Times: Joseph Roth's Weimar Journalism
Chambers, H. 2006 In: German Novelists of the Weimar Republic: Intersections of Literature and Politics. Leydecker, K. (ed.). Camden House , p. 101-124.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

"Eine ganze Welt baut sich im Gerichtssaal auf.": Law and Order in the Berlin Reportage of Joseph Roth and Gabriele Tergit'
Chambers, H. 2005 In: Vienna meets Berlin. Cultural Interactions 1988-1933. Warren, J. & Zitzlsperger, U. (eds.). Peter Lang Publishing , p. 95-108.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Die Sealsfield-Rezeption in Großbritannien seit 1840; Dokumente zur Rezeption von Charles Sealsfields Werk in Groβbritannien
Chambers, H. 2002 In: Charles Sealsfield, Dokumente zur Rezeptionsgeschichte, Teil 1: Die zeitgenoessische Rezeption in Europa. Kucher, P-H. (ed.). Olms Presse , p. 48-79, 375-430.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Nineteenth-century German translations of Jane Austen.
Chambers, H. 2000 In: Die Rezeption der britischen und irischen Literatur des 19 Jahrhunderts im deutschsprachigen Raum. Bachleitner, N. (ed.). Rodopi , p. 231-254.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Humour and Irony in Nineteenth-century Women's Narratives in German.
Chambers, H. 2000 In: Das schwierige neunzehnte Jahrhundert Germanistische Tagung zum 65 Geburtstag von Eda Sagarra im August 1998. Barkhoff, J., Carr, G. & Paulin, R. (eds.). Niemeyer , p. 389-401.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Groszstädter in der Provinz: Topographie bei Theodor Fontane und Joseph Roth.
Chambers, H. 2000 In: Theodor Fontane Am Ende des Jahrhunderts. Delf von Wolzogen, H. (ed.). Königshausen und Neumann , p. 215-225.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Johanna Kinkel's "Hans Ibeles in London": A German View of England
Chambers, H. 1996 In: Exilanten und andere Deutsche in Fontanes London. Stuttgart: Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz , p. 159-173.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Von Frauen und Frauenbeinen -- Girls Maedchen und andere in der Reportage von Joseph Roth und Gabriel Tergit
Chambers, H. 1995 In: Order from Confusion: Essays presented to Edward McInnes. Deighton, A. (ed.). Hull: New German Studies German Department University of Hull , p. 186-204.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Fontane Translation Workshop
Chambers, H. E. & Bance, A. 1995 In: Theodor Fontane: The London Symposium. Bance, A., Chambers, H. & Jolles, C. (eds.). Stuttgart: Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz , p. 297-310.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

T.Edmund Harvey's 1902 Translation of Theodor Fontane's "Herr Ribbeck von Ribbeck auf Havelland"
Chambers, H. 1995 In: Theodor Fontane: The London Symposium. Bance, A., Chambers, H. & Jolles, C. (eds.). Stuttgart: Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz , p. 137-148.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Douglas Parmee's English Translation of Theodor Fontane's "Effi Briest"
Chambers, H. 1995 In: Theodor Fontane: The London Symposium. Bance, A., Chambers, H. & Jolles, C. (eds.). Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz , p. 95-109.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

'Ein schwer definierbares Ragout': Ida Hahn-Hahn's "Graefin Faustine": vapours from the Hexenkueche or social and psychological realism?
Chambers, H. 1995 In: Perspectives on German Realist Writing: Eight Essays. Ward, M. G. (ed.). Lampeter: Edwin Mellen Press , p. 79-94.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Elizabeth von Arnim's novel Fraulein Schmidt and Mr Anstruther -- an anti-Werther?
Chambers, H. 1993 In: Connections: Essays in Honour of Eda Sagarra on the Occasion of her 60th Birthday. Skrine, P., Wallbank, R. E. & West, J. (eds.). Stuttgart: Akademischer Verlag Hans-Dieter Heinz , p. 55-60.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Fontane's Translation of "The Charge of the Light Brigade"
Chambers, H. 1992 In: Anglo-German Studies. Byrn, R. F. M. & Knight, K. G. (eds.). Leeds: The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society , p. 83-104.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Predators or Victims? -- Women in Joseph Roth's Works
Chambers, H. 1991 In: Co-existent Contradictions: Joseph Roth in Retrospect. Chambers, H. (ed.). Riverside, Calif.: Ariadne Press , p. 107-127.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Die Rezeption Joseph Roths in Grossbritannien
Chambers, H. 1990 In: Joseph Roth: Interpretation -- Kritik -- Rezeption. Kessler, M. & Hackert, F. (eds.). Tuebingen: Stauffenberg , p. 65-76.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Thomas Bernhard
Chambers, H. 1989 In: After the 'Death' of Literature: West German Writing of the 1970s. Bullivant, K. (ed.). Oxford: Berg , p. 197-211.
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

Theodor Fontane, Albert Smith und Gordon Cumming
Chambers, H. 1987 In: Theodor Fontane im literarischen Leben seiner Zeit. Keiler, O. (ed.). Berlin: Deutsche Staatsbibliothek , p. 268-302. (Beitraege aus der deutschen Staatsbibliothek).
Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter

 

Theodor Fontane reads Karl Immermann’s novel „Münchhausen“: reception and affinities
Chambers, H. 2012 In : Immermann-Jahrbuch . 11-13 , p. 167-194. 28 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

The Inadequacy of the Wife-and-Mother Model: Female Happiness in Theodor Fontane’s "Unwiederbringlich"
Chambers, H. May-2011 In : Seminar, A Journal of German Studies . 47 , 2 , p. 285-297.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Reading and Responding to English Women Writers: Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach and Helene Druskowitz
Chambers, H. Feb-2011 In : Women's Writing . 18 , 1 , p. 86-102.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

'Sein Geliebtestes zu toten': Literary psychological studies on the sexes and generation conflict in the narrative works of Theodor Storm
Chambers, H. Jan-2008 In : Modern Language Review . 103 , 1 , p. 275-276. 2 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Ada Christen, 'Sturmvogel vor der groβen Hochflut des Naturalismus'
Chambers, H. 2008 In : Austrian Studies . 16 , p. 188-204.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Facing modernity, fragmentation, culture, and identity in Joseph Roth writing in the 1920s.
Chambers, H. 2007 In : MODERN AUSTRIAN LITERATURE . 40 , p. 101-103. 3 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

The wasting heroine in German fiction by women, 1770-1914
Chambers, H. Apr-2006 In : Modern Language Review . 101 , p. 573-574. 2 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Theodor Storm: The tense relationship between belief and superstition in his novels.
Chambers, H. Jan-2005 In : Modern Language Review . 100 , p. 258-259. 2 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

The sisters of Doktor-Faust: A history of female Faust figures
Chambers, H. Oct-2003 In : Modern Language Review . 98 , p. 1065-1065. 1 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

A history of women's writing in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Chambers, H. Apr-2003 In : Modern Language Review . 98 , p. 525-527. 3 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Understanding Joseph Roth
Chambers, H. 2002 In : GERMAN QUARTERLY . 75 , p. 324-325. 2 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

The German Bildungsroma: Incest and inheritance
Chambers, H. Jul-2001 In : Modern Language Review . 96 , p. 900-902. 3 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Fontanes Gedicht "Goodwin-Sand".: Das Schlangen-Motiv: Symbol fuer die Bedrohung menschlichen Lebens
Chambers, H. 1992 In : Fontane-Blaetter . p. 73-78.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Theodor Fontanes Longfellow-Vortrag vom 29.2.1860 in Berlin
Chambers, H. 1989 In : Fontane-Blaetter . 47 , p. 27-48.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

German Literature 1830-1880
Chambers, H. 1988 In : The Year's Work in Modern Language Studies . p. 824-862.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

German Literature 1830-1880
Chambers, H. 1987 In : The Year's Work in Modern Language Studies . p. 720-759.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

German Literature 1830-1880
Chambers, H. 1986 In : The Year's Work in Modern Language Studies . p. 806-845.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Mond und Sterne in Fontanes Werken
Chambers, H. 1984 In : Fontane-Blaetter . 37 , p. 457-476.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

Thomas Bernhard Checklist
Chambers, H. 1976 In : Theatrefacts . III , 4 , p. 2-11.
Research output : Contribution to journal Article

 

UNDERSTANDING BERNHARD,THOMAS - DOWDEN,SD
CHAMBERS, H. Sep-1993 In : Journal of European Studies . 23 , 91 , p. 341-342. 2 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Book/Film/Article review

DROSTEHULSHOFF,ANNETTE,VON - A GERMAN POET BETWEEN ROMANTICISM AND REALISM - GUTHRIE,J
CHAMBERS, H. Jan-1992 In : Modern Language Review . 87 , p. 256-257. 2 p.
Research output : Contribution to journal Book/Film/Article review

 

Afterword
Chambers, H. 2010 London : Angel Classics
Research output : Other contribution

No Way Back
Chambers, H. (Translator) & Rorrison, H. (Translator) 2010 London : Angel Classics
Research output : Other contribution

Frauen über Männerkörper: die literarische Vermittlung von Gefühlen in Texten von Autorinnen des Realismus
Chambers, H. 2003
Research output : Other contribution

Theodor Fontanes Erzählwerk im Spiegel der Kritik
Chambers, H. 2003
Research output : Other contribution

Introduction
Chambers, H. 2000 London : Penguin
Research output : Other contribution

Fontane Rezeption im westeuropäischen Raum
Chambers, H. 2000
Research output : Other contribution

Effi Briest
Fontane, T. , Rorrison, H. (Translator) & Chambers, H. E. (Translator) 2000 London : Penguin
Research output : Other contribution

Theodor Fontane
Chambers, H. 1999
Research output : Other contribution

Eine Finesse für Charlotte
Chambers, H. 1999
Research output : Other contribution

A new and radiant star ...' Frederick Hardman's reception of Charles Sealsfield'
Chambers, H. 1997
Research output : Other contribution

Gerhart Hauptmann
Chambers, H. 1984 Oxford : Oxford University Press
Research output : Other contribution