h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have just received confirmation that I am now officially 'David Bedford MA', having gained a Masters degree in Literature. I somehow got a distinction for my dissertation, but my previous results aren't high enough for me to get a distinction for the whole course. So there must have been something worth reading in 'The Influence of the Theatre on the Novels of Henry Fielding'. Huzzah!

Congratulations!

Congratulations on the new degree. So now they are going to give you a big raise and a larger office?

I like the British tradition of placing all your degrees after your name. In America, you have to go all the way (Ph.D., MD, etc.) before you can add the letters.

Congratulations

Thanks for the congrats!

Unfortunately, as I work in a library, neither a pay rise nor a larger office is even remotely likely! In fact, I have to re-apply for my job in January...

Well, congratulations anyway! Oh and with the re-application thingy.

I'm afraid I don't know anything by Henry Fielding (yet), but the subject sounds interesting.

Fielding was a fascinating man. A playwright and director, he had to leave that field because his overly political plays brought about the Stage Licensing Act of 1737 which introduced the censorship that was in place until the late 1960s. He took up novel-writing, and later became a magistrate as well, still as political as ever. Vast over-simplification, obviously, but you get the gist...

Well done! We always knew you were clever but now you have the piece of papaer to prove it!
*Examines paper*
University of Barfrestone, fascinating! I used to live there!

I've read Joseph Andrews last week. Liked it too. Thanks for introducing me to an author I probably wouldn't read otherwise!

Oh, and a merry Christmas too.

Merry (now belated, oops) Christmas to you, as well!

Happy New Year!

Ooh yes, that too!