Olivia Russell (UK)

Originally from Northern Ireland, I completed my undergraduate degree in French and German at the University of St Andrews. During my time there, I discovered the wonders of the eighteenth century when I happened to take a module on the infamous Italian adventurer, Casanova. From this point onwards, I gave my full attention to the Age of Enlightenment where possible, and devoted my final year dissertation to Casanova and his perspective on death and the passing of time. Through a close reading of his memoirs, I sought to understand how fear of death influenced the libertine’s lifestyle and his eventual mythical status.

I am now pursuing an MSt in Modern Languages at Oxford, with a particular focus on the European Enlightenment. I am especially interested in death, libertinage and individualism in the eighteenth century.

I am extremely grateful both to my tutors at St Andrews for their continuing support and kindness, and to Ertegun House for its generous scholarship and community, of which I am humbled to be a member.