Despite a writing career of only twenty years, George Orwell produced six novels, three documentary books, a small collection of poetry, and several hundred essays, commentaries and pieces of criticism. He was a prolific writer whose reputation seemingly now rests more upon his nonfictional prose than his fiction, in the eyes of many scholars. / Today it is Orwell's reportage and any of several essay collections which often draw the attention of readers of his work; the early novels especially, most of which are now out of print, have slipped to secondary status--more often cited to show Orwell at his less-polished. / This dissertation asserts that Orwell made several valuable contributions to and exercises in the form of the novel during his lifetime, and that although he never wrote a book-length work describing his own writing process or one which he might suggest to others, in his collected works, there is the basis for such a volume. / The text opens with a prefatory chapter establishing Orwell's ability as a novelist and prose writer in general, in the eyes of his peers and critics alike. This includes secondary criticism spanning Orwell's career through the more contemporary work of recent years. / After this set-up, the dissertation moves similarly into a more focused discussion of Orwell's background, work ethic and ability, followed by chapters considering his style, creation of characters and setting; before finally concluding with remarks on his impact on other writers, his view of the future of literature, and his final place in English literature of this century. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-03, Section: A, page: 1146. / Major Professor: Hunt Hawkins. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1996.

This dissertation will explore the life and career of Jean Andoche Junot. Junot came from a middle class background and his position in French society rose quickly when he met and befriended Napoleon Bonaparte. His skills as a brave and dynamic soldier distinguished him and he accompanied Bonaparte on his campaigns to Italy and Egypt. After Napoleon was made Emperor of the French, Junot held civilian, diplomatic, and military posts. In 1807, he conquered Portugal but was expelled from the country in 1808 by the British. He continued to serve Napoleon in various capacities until his death in 1813. During his service to France, he emerged as a competent, loyal, and skilled administrator, general, and governor. Junot was at the cross roads of many significant events in Napoleonic Europe and impacted directly their events. For years, he influenced the events in the Peninsular War, he participated in the Russian Campaign, and served as one of Napoleon's hand picked symbols. No serious works in any language have been devoted to his life, although, there have been a fair amount of articles written in French, English, and Portuguese which covered aspects of his life. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-12, Section: A, page: 4908. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1995.

Purpose and significance of the study. Robert Dempsey became Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in 1982 and served until his resignation in 1988. He not only established a personal reputation as a highly effective manager but also brought marked improvement to the department in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, responsiveness, and member satisfaction. / The purpose of this study was directed to the theories and behaviors he utilized in his decision-making procedures; leadership methods, qualities, and power; and relationships with the external environment. / Nature of the study. Data were collected from Mr. Dempsey; unstructured interviews with 44 individuals, both inside the organization and outside; FDLE documents; and questionnaires from FDLE members. Of 235 questionnaires distributed throughout the state, 66.4% were returned. Interview and questionnaire data were collected after Dempsey's resignation. / Findings. Mr. Dempsey exhibited various leadership styles. He was often participative, humanitarian, and genuinely concerned for people. At the same time, he was highly task oriented and on occasion autocratic, most notably in situations of crisis. Generally, he delegated broad responsibilities. Mr. Dempsey considered people the most essential element of the organization, referring to them as "members," rather than employees. Various mechanisms were utilized to facilitate communication. / Conclusions. Mr. Dempsey sought consciously to create a new leadership climate in FDLE. He worked within the terms of a well-articulated philosophy that the agency's human resources are the fundamental key to success. His commitment to valuing the contribution of each of the organization's members appeared to have led to high consensus and open, effective communication. The study found virtually no disagreement among FDLE members in respect to agency mission and strategies. The high degree of expressed satisfaction suggested that Mr. Dempsey positioned the organization well for the future, as well as meeting short term goals. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 50-05, Section: A, page: 1431. / Major Professor: Frank P. Sherwood. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1989.

This dissertation aims at providing a fresh evaluation of the military career of Nicolas Charles Oudinot, using extensive archival sources, as well as previously overlooked family papers. A new study is justified because his two previous biographies, both published in the middle of the nineteenth century, are apologetic and often inaccurate. / Oudinot, in many ways was a product of the French Revolution. The son of a brewer, he began his military career during the Revolution in the National Guard, ultimately rising to the rank of marshal of France. His success was made possible by the Revolution's principle of promotion by talent rather than birth. / Though one of the lesser-known marshals, Oudinot played an important role in the military success of France during the Revolution and Empire. As the chief of staff to Massena in 1799 he helped plan the attack on Zurich. Commanding the Grenadier Division between 1804-1808 he fought at Wertingen, Amstetten, Hollabrunn, and Austerlitz. In 1807 Oudinot's Grenadiers defended their position outside Friedland for hours until Napoleon arrived with reinforcements to win the battle. In 1809 he fought at Aspern-Essling and, after the death of Marshal Lannes, assumed command of the Second Corps, acquitting himself with honor at the Battle of Wagram. In 1812 Oudinot was instrumental in saving the army at the crossing of the Beresina. Oudinot continued to lead his troops during the campaigns of 1813 and 1814, fighting at Bautzen, Luckau, Grosbeeren, Dennewitz, and La Rothiere. At both Leipzig and Bar-sur-Aube, Oudinot served as the rear guard of the army, protecting its retreat. / Oudinot was an important figure during the Napoleonic period. His career and reputation is in need of reassessment by historians. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-05, Section: A, page: 1735. / Major Professor: Donald D. Horward. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1990.

As a comparative study, this dissertation analyzes the novels of Mademoiselle de Scudery as they relate to theories expounded by twentieth century psychiatrists and psychologists. The looking-glass self concept as a literary and psychological vehicle, expressed by the female characters of Mademoiselle de Scudery's novels, is the focal area of comparison. / The nature of this work promises a vitality and originality as there has never been a scholarly work with this unique orientation. / The relationship of symbols, spirituality, and the unconscious projections of the human psyche are analyzed extensively in the works of Jung, Mademoiselle de Scudery, and other thought-provoking writers. / A biography of Jung and Mademoiselle de Scudery is included in this study as their imaginative creations are expressions of their unique life-styles. More extensive emphasis is placed on Mademoiselle de Scudery's personal life as it is so closely a projection of her personal acquaintances and philosophy. / The scholarly contemporary reader deserves to be exposed to the abilities of this remarkable woman. Her complicated plots, absence of precise descriptions, and extensive study of love are a deterrent to many modern readers. This dissertation attempts to bring a new vitality, comprehension and appreciation for Mademoiselle de Scudery by employing a uniquely contemporary approach. / This dissertation is divided into four chapters followed by a conclusion. The first chapter discusses biographical information about Madeleine du Scudery as it relates to her works as well as to the theories of Jung. In the second chapter selected volumes of Ibrahim are analyzed, with emphasis placed on mirror images, masks, and the Jungian concept of symbols and reflections of man's innermost self. The third chapter explores the looking-glass self concept in designated volumes of Artamene ou Le Grand Cyrus. The point of departure is the maturation and development of mirror-images as they continue to substantiate Jung's philosophical and psychological orientation. The fourth chapter focuses on selected volumes of Clelie with continued exploration of the looking-glass self and its dynamic Jungian qualities. In the conclusion an attempt is made to establish and summarize the intimate relationship between the looking-glass self concept in Mademoiselle de Scudery's female characters and the philosophy of Jung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-06, Section: A, page: 1471. / Major Professor: Azzurra B. Givens. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1988.

William Shenstone was a polymath. He wrote letters, essays, composed poetry, painted water-colours, played musical instruments and indulged in architectural design, but above all he created a landscape garden at The Leasowes in the West Midlands that became a celebrated place to visit in the eighteenth century. Shenstone worked during the early days of the English landscape garden movement, and while others created grounds with political and/or historical themes he fashioned a garden in a 'naturesque' style. He created a version, called a ferme ornée that was a distinctive form of English garden at the time. This thesis is the first detailed study of The Leasowes and presents a re-evaluation of his garden. Though many people have written about the landscape in the past, few have had the opportunity to look at it from a multidisciplinary perspective which marries an exploration of archival and literary material with landscape studies and archaeological evidence. The study evaluates why and how Shenstone created his garden. It explores his cultural networks and influences and what he did to make it distinctive. It looks at the planting regime and the verse and poetry that illuminated the garden. Finally, it discovers other gardeners who were influenced by his work before and after his death.

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William Lovell Finley was an American conservationist active in Oregon and California from 1894 to 1947. He was president of the Oregon Audubon Society and a field representative for the National Audubon Society. He also served as Oregon State Game Warden, State Biologist and as a Commissioner on the Oregon State Fish and Game Commission. He wrote for ornithology journals and popular magazines, was an early wildlife field photographer, and made wildlife films. This thesis examines the Finley's career from 1887 to 1911 to demonstrate how Finley, as a self-taught naturalist, forged a professional identity and became part of a social and professional network of conservationists. Using Finley's correspondence and published pieces the thesis presents a detailed account of his photography partnership with Herman T. Bohlman, a Portland plumber and artist, and of Finley's involvement in three ornithology organizations, the Northwest Ornithology Association, the Cooper Ornithological Club, and the National Audubon Society.

acase@tulane.edu

Commentary on the playing style of clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. Includes a biography of Richard Stoltzman.