Did you know that a lot of the research on Anne Lister’s famously queer diaries was in fact done by fan researchers? Sarah Wingrove (Surrey University) explains why the fan community’s specialist knowledge and meticulous fact-checking should not be underestimated and how she herself got into Anne Lister aka Gentleman Jack. My favourite part: a new euphemism for masturbation, fresh from Miss Lister’s not so secret diaries…

Tiny mistake there in the terminology though: post-editing, Sarah informed me that Lister actually ‘incurred’ rather than ‘marked’ the cross, and that she died at 49. Thanks for the fact check, Sarah!

Want to stay on top of Gentleman Jack? Follow @saz_wingrove on Twitter to learn more. At least two puns intended. Also, @queerlitpodcast has an Instagram. Just sayin’.

Texts and resources mentioned:

Gentleman Jack

Anne Lister Birthday Week

https://www.annelisterbirthdayweek.com/

@ALBW2021 (Twitter) @annelister_bw (Instagram)

Anne Choma’s Gentleman Jack: The Real Anne Lister

Eliza Raine

The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister, edited by Helena Whitbread

West Yorkshire Archive Service

https://wyascatablogue.wordpress.com/exhibitions/anne-lister/anne-lister-diary-transcription-project/

@wyorksarchives (Twitter) @westyorkshirearchive (Instagram)

Jill Liddington’s Presenting the Past: Anne Lister of Halifax, 1791-1840

Packed with Potential

https://www.packedwithpotential.org/home

@PackedWith (Twitter) @packedwithpotential (Instagram)



Questions you should be able to respond to after listening:

1. What is the role of fandom in Anne Lister research?

2. How is traditional academic research similar to and different from fan research?

3. Have you ever turned yourself into an expert on something you’re a fan of?

4. Where can you access the diaries of Anne Lister?