Academic Tales
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"Ah, it was starting to snow substantially. A graduate student in English Literature, such as Martin Levin, might even be tempted to think that the snow was general throughout Harvard Yard, or, indeed, all of Cambridge, as he tromped on the packed accumulation from the entire winter, striding through the newly descending flakes, the already sheer darkness of early night. What a time for a make--up class in the imagery of James Joyce: a two hour class, beginning at 5:00 on a late February afternoon, so that already beleaguered students would have to make their way home,by various bicycles and buses, when they should already have been there. Martin supposed that Professor Wickers, one of, if not THE, Joyce experts in the world was damn busy and that was the only time he could find to schedule the class."
"After a decent interval of watching the movie, about fifteen--twenty minutes, Jason put his arm around the back of Elaine's seat and slid it gradually upward until it was on her back, his right hand just brushing her right shoulder. he was allowed this advance for about ten seconds but, then, she reached across with her left hand, took hold of his offending right hand by several fingers and casually dropped it off her shoulder, thereby restoring it to the steel back of her seat. Jason felt encouraged by the nearly quarter minute of touching he had been allowed and after letting another fifteen or twenty minutes go by he tried again."
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About the Book
Life in “the academy” is the stuff of legends, dreams, rumors, and the occasional scandal, whether the school itself is ivy-clad or not.
With a knowing wink to the sometimes-stuffy reality of the academic world, Elliott M. Abramson invites readers into a fictional universe inspired by his long career as a professor of law. He tells colorful stories about how life really is in academia and introduces readers to situations and people ranging from the banal to otherwise. Written to honor, inspire, and amuse both teachers and students alike, these are glimpses into a different kind of life. At the core is a look into the complicated relationships shared by educators and their students—and how each learns from and teaches the other.
Among the many lessons learned on both sides are the things one might expect in the world of higher education—politics, drama, and more—as well as a few unexpected revelations along the way. Abramson’s stories celebrate the adventures of life, as young people discover who they are, and as old teachers do their best to shape their young charges.
About the Author
Elliott M. Abramson, born in Brooklyn, New York, was an avid Dodgers fan. He attended Columbia College and Harvard Law School, serving as a professor of law for a large part of his career in Salem, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois. He also worked as an attorney in both private and government practice. He currently lives in Florida.