---

Cambridge

---

An Evening with Sarah LeFanu talking about her new book Dreaming of Rose: A Biographer's Journal

Tuesday, Jun 25, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Dreaming of Rose: A Biographer's Journal is a fascinating account of a biographical quest and of a personal journey. While working on her biography of the writer and traveller Rose Macaulay, Sarah kept a journal which charts the details of that quest.

This is the companion to Sarah's biography of Dame Rose Macaulay, who wrote 35 books herself, with her masterpiece Towers of Trebizond completed shortly before her death in 1958.

Booking Essential
Tickets cost £6, with £3 off author's book on the night.

Advance Tickets are avaliable from Heffers tills or by phoning 01223 463220 and paying by credit card.

---

James Runcie Returns with  The Perils of the Night, the second Sydney Chambers novel.

Wednesday, Jul 3, 2013 at 6:30 PM

‘The clerical milieu is well rendered as an affectionate eye is cast over post-war England - a perfect accompaniment to a sunny afternoon, a hammock and a glass of Pimm's’ Guardian

Sidney Chambers and the Perils of the Night is the second in the Granchester Mysteries series, which is in development as a series for ITV with Lovely Day. From a deadly village cricket match to a police cell in East Germany everybody’s favourite crime detective is back with six interlocking mysteries to unravel. Sidney Chambers is Father Brown with attitude, Agatha Christie with Cathedrals, and Barbara Pym with sex.

1955. Canon Sidney Chambers, loveable priest and part-time detective, is back. Accompanied by his faithful Labrador, Dickens, and the increasingly exasperated Inspector Geordie Keating, Sidney is called to investigate the unexpected fall of a Cambridge don from the roof of King's College Chapel, a case of arson at a glamour photographer's studio and the poisoning of Zafar Ali, Grantchester’s finest spin bowler.
Alongside his sleuthing, Sidney has other problems. Can he decide between his dear friend, the glamorous socialite Amanda Kendall and Hildegard Staunton, the beguiling German widow? To make up his mind Sidney takes a trip abroad, only to find himself trapped in a web of international espionage just as the Berlin Wall is going up.


James Runcie is the Head of Literature at The Southbank Centre, an award-winning film-maker and the author of five novels. Sidney Chambers and The Shadow Of Death, the first of 'The Grantchester Mysteries' series, was published in 2012. He lives in London and Edinburgh.

Advance booking is essential as last year this event was a sell out!

Tickets £6, with £3 redeemable against a copy of Perils of the Night purchased on the night.

Tickets from Heffers tills or 01223 463220 for credit card bookings.

---

An Evening Celebrating Virago's 40th Anniversary

Wednesday, Jul 10, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Virago is a British publishing company founded in 1973 by Carmen Callil, primarily to publish books by women writers. Both new works and reissued books by neglected authors have featured on the imprint's list.

Lennie Goodings
Lennie Goodings is the editor and publisher of Virago Press. Lennie came to the UK from Canada in the 1980s and has been with Virago Press ever since. She is known for her ability to publish both commercial and literary successes. She is also an author in her own right; her children’s book ‘When I Grow Up’ was published by Macmillan in 2002.

Susie Boyt
Susie Boyt is the author of four acclaimed novels and a memoir, ‘My Judy Garland Life’, which was serialised on Radio 4 and will be staged at the Nottingham Playhouse in spring 2013. Since 2002 she has written a
weekly column about art and life for the Financial Times. She lives in London with her family.

Sarah Dunant
Internationally bestselling writer Sarah Dunant is famous for her Italian historical novels: ‘The Birth of Venus’, ‘In the Company of the Courtesan’ and ‘Sacred Hearts’, which have been translated into more than thirty
languages. She has worked widely in television, radio and print, and has written ten novels and edited two collections of essays. She lives in London and Florence.

Kate Figes
Kate Figes is the author of four previous works of non-fiction: ‘The Big Fat Bitch Book’, ‘Life After Birth’, ‘The Terrible Teens - What Every Parent Needs to Know’ and, most recently, ‘Couples: How We Make Love Last’, as well as two novels.


Booking Essential as places are limited
Tickets £6 in advance from Heffers tills or credit card payment by telephone: 01223 463220
Ticket price includes an exclusive Virago Gift (subject to availability)

---

Crime Pays: 3 Crime authors for the price of one ticket!

Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Come and meet three much acclaimed crime authors, who are published by Mantle this year and whose novels have been shortlisted for seven awards.Between them they have had previous careers as a Detective/Spy, Criminal Barrister/BAFTA nominated TV scriptwriter and City Lawyer so their insights into the real and fictional world are highly topical as well as entertaining.

‘Whodunnit heaven’ Times Literary Supplement

M R Hall - The Coroner, The Disappeared, The Redeemed, The Flight , The Chosen Dead
 
‘a terrific series, meticulously researched, sharply plotted and peopled with sympathetic characters, led by Cooper, who is always aware of the human consequences of human failure.' 
Financial Times


Chris Morgan Jones - An Agent of Deceit and The Jackal’s Share

‘Morgan Jones’ prose is clean and cold, crisp and ominous…this is a debut that definitely stands on its own merits’ 
Observer Thriller of the Month

William Ryan - The Holy Thief, The Bloody Meadow and The Twelfth Department

‘The resemblance to an Agatha Christie country-house mystery (but with an injection of politics) grows as he quizzes a colourful set of suspects, in a novel that confirms Ryan’s talent’
Sunday Times


Advance booking is recommended
Tickets £6 and each ticket allows £3 to be redeemed against an author book purchased on the night.

Tickets from Heffers tills or by telephining 01223 463220 and paying by credit card

---

Tim Hayward talks about his new book FOOD DIY How to MakeYour Own Everything'

Thursday, Sep 19, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Tim is the proprietor of the Fitzbillies bakery and restaurant in Cambridge as well as a food writer and broadcaster. He is a contributing writer at the Financial Times and a regular contributor to the Guardian 'Word of Mouth' Food Blog and Radio 4 Food Programme, among others. Tim is the publisher and editor of Fire & Knives, a quarterly magazine of new food writing, and winner of the 'Best Food Magazine'at the 2012 Guild of Food Writers Awards, and the publisher of Gin & It, a quarterly journal of new writing for drinkers and thinkers.

His first book  Food DIY  is the first comprehensive manual for the DIY cook.

Over recent years, across much of the world, people have started rejecting shop bought food and are getting into making it themselves. The DIY food movement is spreading.

But why DIY? Because it's fun, an adventure, thrifty, a great way to get your hands gloriously dirty, and because at a time when skills like baking, preserving and curing are in danger of being lost forever, it's more important than ever to learn how things work. Most importantly though, when you do it yourself you can make sure that all the food you eat is absolutely delicious.

Come and find out for yourself (and maybe get a taste of the good life!)

This event WILL sell out, so get your tickets NOW to avoid disappointment!

Tickets £6 from Heffers tills or 01223 463220 for credit card payments

---

Edinburgh

---

IAIN MACWHIRTER: THE ROAD TO REFERENDUM

Thursday, Jul 18, 2013 at 6:30 PM

On the 18th September 2014, Scotland will decide the future of the United Kingdom. This is the story of how we got here – and where we might go yet.

The upcoming referendum on Scottish independence is a landmark in the history of the United Kingdom, potentially ending the 300 year old union between the countries within Britain. And it has raised so many questions – why have Scots seemingly fallen out of love with the union? Why have the SNP risen to unprecedented heights? And what does the future hold for both countries, north and south of the border?

Cargo has joined forces with The Herald and STV to bring you Road To Referendum - a companion book to the landmark three-part television series presented by one of the UK’s foremost political correspondents, Iain Macwhirter. In this unique, instantly accessible book, Macwhirter takes us back through Scottish history to look at the social, political and economic changes that have seen the rise of the Scottish nationalism and taken us to the potential end of the United Kingdom. Macwhirter’s deft and skilled analysis takes us behind the scenes of UK politics, to see the rise and fall of the major players, to give us the inside story on "the most dangerous man in Britain", First Minister Alex Salmond, and to find out who really holds the power in UK politics.

Road to Referendum takes us on a journey through the history of the UK and shows us where the road might lead us with unparalleled insight.

This event will be chaired by Gerry Hassan, writer and political commentator.

"Iain Macwhirter is shrewd, insightful and with few rivals in the business of understanding – and explaining – the changing politics of Scotland."-Jonathan Freeland, The Guardian.

　

This event is ticketed, but tickets are FREE. Tickets are available from the front desk at Blackwell's Bookshop or by phoning 0131 622 8218

For more information or if you would like a signed copy please contact Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8222 or events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

---

Our regular events in June & July

June

Tuesday 4th June, 6pm - Blackwell's Book Quiz  (PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE FROM OUR NORMAL MONDAY)

Sunday 9th June, 2pm - Blackwell's Teenage Book Group discusses Dying To Know You by Aidan Chambers

Monday 10th June, 6pm - Children's Book Group discusses How to Make a Golem and Terrify People by Alette J Willis

Monday 17th June, 6pm - The Blackwell's Book Group discusses The Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen

 

July

Monday 1st July, 6pm - Blackwell's Book Quiz

Monday 22nd July, 6pm - Blackwell's Book Group discusses The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat by Oliver Sacks

---

London

---

Charing Cross Road Fest 2013

Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM

We are delighted to announce the second Charing Cross Road Fest for June 2013. Events will take place over the whole weekend of June 22nd and 23rd this year, and highlights include talks with Terry Deary, Christopher Priest, Laura Dockrill, a balloon debate to find out who is the greatest fictional detective and a cookery demonstration from the brain behind Ceviche Peruvian Kitchen. Favourites from last year's festival, including the Penguin Books Treasure Hunt and Literary Pub Quiz in the Phoenix Artist Club will return alongside the new Book Detectives, who can help you find the perfect book.

We have a new website, still at www.lovecharingcrossroad.com and many more shops are on board from all the way down the street to help make this year's festival, bigger and better and to bring more people back to Charing Cross Road, the cultural heart of literary London.

The full programme of events as well as booking information and information about participating shops can be found on the website at www.lovecharingcrossroad.com.

---

Oxford

---

Blackwell's Music Presents:

The King's Singers

Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 at 1:30 PM

One of the world's most celebrated ensembles, The King's Singers have a packed schedule of concerts, recordings, media and education work that spans the globe. They champion the work of both young and established composers and are instantly recognisable for their spot-on intonation, impeccable vocal blend, flawless articulation of the text and incisive timing. They are also consummate entertainers: a class act with a delightfully British wit.

During the 2012-13 concert season, The King’s Singers will perform across the globe in some of the world’s most famous venues, including Carnegie Hall, King’s College Chapel and Dresden Frauenkirche. With a discography of over 150 recordings, The King’s Singers have garnered both awards and significant critical acclaim, including a Grammy® in 2009 for their studio album ‘Simple Gifts’ on Signum.

The group will be joining us in our world-famous Norrington Room for a free performance from 13:30. Make sure to arrive early so you don't miss out!

This is a free performance. For more information, please email events.oxford@blackwell.co.uk

---

Creation Theatre's Jekyll and Hyde: Post-show talk with Professor Roger Luckhurst and Dr Neil Cocks

Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 at 10:00 PM

Following the 9pm performance of Jekyll & Hyde on Thursday 20 June there will be a post-show talk and Q&A hosted in Cafe Nero (1st floor).

Guest speakers will include Professor Roger Luckhurst, editor of the Oxford World's Classics edition of Jekyll & Hyde, and Dr Neil Cocks, a 19th century literature professor at Reading University.

All audience members are welcome to join to listen to and contribute to the post-show talk. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes (10.00-10.30pm).

This is a free event, included in the ticket price.

---

Blackwell's Oxford Architecture Walking Tour

Monday, Jun 24, 2013 at 2:00 PM

To coincide with the Love Architecture Festival 2013, Blackwell's, in association with the RIBA, is proud to present a walking tour of Oxford's architecture with our experienced tour guide. See the five orders of architecture in Oxford, the university's many architecturally significant buildings, and the beautiful 15th Century Divinity School ceiling in the Bodleian Library. We also hope to go in to see one of the Oxford colleges.

The tour will start at 2pm and finish at 3:30pm. Please arrive at 1:45pm, 15 minutes before the tour is due to start. Tickets are £6 and places are limited, so make sure to sign up early. To purchase your ticket, please go to the Ground Floor till of Blackwell's Bookshop, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford. Or call 01865 333602. 

---

Oxford Architecture Event in Association with the Royal Institute of British Architects

Monday, Jun 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM

To coincide with the Love Architecture Festival 2013, Blackwell's, in association with the RIBA, is proud to present an event celebrating Oxford's Architecture.

A panel of  esteemed experts will be debating the merits of Oxford's Classical Architecture against the city's many contemporary buildings.

Joining us on the night will be:

- Alan Berman, architect at Berman Guedes Stretton. He has lectured, part-time, at Oxford Brookes University School of Architecture.

- George Saumarez Smith,  chartered architect at ADAM Architecture. In 2011 George was one of six shortlisted architects for the Young Architect of the Year Award.

- Matthew Gaskin, head of the School of Architecture at Oxford Brookes University. He is currently the Programme Leader for the Part 2 course at Oxford Brookes University, and teaches architectural theory for the Pomona Programme in Oxford.

- Andrew Ballantyne,  Professor of Architecture at Newcastle University. Andrew is author and editor of several books. Architecture: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2002) has been translated into 23 languages including Chinese, Greek and Hungarian.

- Linda Irving-Bell, Home Bursar for The Queen's College, University of Oxford. She has overseen substantial building projects during her time at Queen's college, and has commissioned a new kitchen, new dining room, installed en-suite facilities to part of the Main College, and built a new auditorium. She iscurrently progressing plans for the refurbishment of the historic library.

Tickets cost £3 and can be obtained by telephoning or visiting the Customer Service Department in the Norrington Room. 01865 333623

---

Tim Lott: A Creative Writing Workshop

Tuesday, Jul 2, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Tim Lott will be running a Creative Writing Workshop on Tuesday 2nd July, 7pm-9pm here at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford.

Tim Lott has written eight books (including White City Blue, Fearless and The Scent of dried Roses and won a number of literary awards. He teaches creative writing at London's

Faber Academy, and the Guardian Academy.

This brief introduction to novel writing will cover the basics principles and tools needed to complete a fully fledged work of fiction. Tim is very highly regarded and his workshops are very popular, if you want to find out a bit more about him, please have a look at his website: http://www.timlott.co.uk/

The cost of attending this workshop is £30. Please register quickly if you are interested as there are only 20 places and it is anticipated that this will be very popular. To register, please email oxford@blackwell.co.uk or telephone 01865 333636

---

Alice's Day 2013 at Blackwell's Oxford

Saturday, Jul 6, 2013 at 11:00 AM

Come and join us in the children's Department from 11am-5pm for a day of nonsense, including: Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Arts & Crafts, Music, Games, Fancy dress, Poetry and lots of Nonsense! Write a line in our giant Blackwell's nonsense poem or be entertained by our comical nonsense musicans, all activities throughout the day are free.

For more information on Alice's Day and all the different activities taking place across Oxford City centre please visit The Story Museums website http://www.storymuseum.org.uk/alice 

Free

---

Stradivari: The Pursuit of Perfection

With Dr Jon Whiteley, Ashmolean Exhibition Curator

Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Antonio Stradivari is a household name although the instruments that have given him his colossal reputation remain a mystery. There is no simple answer to the splendour of his work. It is based, as all great work is based, on excellent materials and craftsmanship but also on tireless experiment and change. This talk will follow the stages in his long working life as he evolved towards the perfection of his "Golden Period" and beyond.

The evening includes two performances from a string quartet and ticket price includes a glass of wine.

Tickets: £5, booking is essential. Tickets are available from our Customer Service Department, Blackwell's Bookshop, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford. Telephone: 01865 333623.

---

Hadley Freeman / Be Awesome: Modern Life for Modern Ladies

Thursday, Jul 25, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Hadley Freeman, Guardian features writer and author of the popular ‘Ask Hadley…’ column, reminds the modern lady to Be Awesome.

Covering topics vital for any modern woman to consider (from ‘How to read women’s magazines without wanting to grow a penis’ to ‘Beyond the armpit: a guide to being a modern day feminist’), Be Awesome tackles body image, sex, dating and feminism head on. With an attitude that is unfalteringly funny, smart and surprisingly heart-warming, Hadley Freeman is a voice of sanity that every woman should hear.

Hadley Freeman is the author of The Meaning of Sunglasses and has been a columnist and staff writer for the Guardian since 2000, where she writes the popular ‘Ask Hadley’ fashion column. She also contributes to US Vogue.

Tickets cost £3 and are available from our Customer Service Department, Blackwell's Bookshop, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford. Telephone: 01865 333623.

---

Group 2012 Writers' Group

Interested in joining a group for writers?

We welcome new members!

Group 2012 is a writing group which meets monthly in Oxford. It was established in January 2012 as a collaboration between Blackwell’s Bookshop, Cherry Mosteshar of The Oxford Editors and Ilaria Meliconi of Hersilia Press.

Meetings are varied and include talks by authors, discussion, publishing and book trade workshops and writing critique.

There is a membership charge of £20 per year to cover our costs. Membership allows you to come to all meetings for free. If you are not a member, you can still attend the meetings for an entry charge of £3.

If you have any questions or need further information please don’t hesitate to contact us at one of the e-mail addresses below:

cherry@theoxfordeditors.com

oxford@blackwell.co.uk

group2012.wordpress.com

---

Blackwell's Walking Tours

The Literary Tour

Tuesdays at 2pm and Thursdays at 11am

Join the Literary Tour and discover the University and city where authors such as Graham Greene, Dorothy L. Sayers, John Buchan, William Golding and T.S. Eliot lived and learned.

The Inklings Tour

Wednesdays at 11.45am

A must for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, Nevill Coghill and other members of the Inklings group. Visit their favourite haunts from their days at Oxford.

The Music Tour

Fridays at 2pm

An Historic Tour for all music lovers, around the beautiful musical sights of Oxford. Learn of the first music degree awarded at Oxford in the 15th Century. Discover the connections of Handel,. Haydn, Walton, Beecham and Parry with Oxford and the University, and much, much more.

Tickets are £8 (concessions £7).

Tours run from Tuesday 16th April to Friday 25th October. To book, call 01865 333602 or email: oxford@blackwell.co.uk

Blackwell's Walking Tour depart from the foyer area in the main entrance, past the White Horse pub. To purchase tickets please go to the General Desk till point on the Ground Floor.

---

Blackwell's and Creation Theatre Present Jekyll & Hyde

8th June - 6th July

Blackwell's are proud to announce that once again, after the success of previous productions such as The Odyssey and Doctor Faustus, Creation Theatre will be treading the boards in our very own Norrington Room, with their production of the well-loved classic, Jekyll & Hyde. Saved by their most generous benefactors and supporters, following the wettest summer in 100 years, Creation will return with their forthcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde. This show will see the company exploring a new approach with an intimate performance to 100 guests each night.

The Norrington Room will be transformed into a spectacular theatre as Creation delight and astound with a story of Good vs. Evil in the body of one man. Taking as inspiration the esteemed work of one of our greatest authors, Robert Louis Stevenson, one actor will embody every role in this tale of gothic horror. Refreshments will be available on the evening, and our expert booksellers will be on hand, should a book take your fancy from the Norrington Room's almost 3 miles of shelving.

The show will run from Saturday 8th June to Saturday 6th July. Dates and times: Tuesday & Wednesday, 7:30pm. Thursday – Saturday, 7:30pm & 9pm. Running time of one hour. Tickets are available in advance or on the door. Please be aware that seats are limited to 100 per performance, and therefore booking is advised. Seating is allocated. Performances are suitable for adults and children from the age of 8. Seated tickets are £16, standing tickets are £10. Book your ticket online at www.creationtheatre.co.uk, or call the Box Office on 01865 766266.

---

Portsmouth

---

Portsmouth Festivities:  Talk by Lord Norton of Louth

What is the point of the House of Lords?

St John's College auditorium, Cottage Grove, Southsea, PO5 3QW

 

Monday, Jun 24, 2013 at 7:30 PM

This is a free event but, due to limited space, tickets must be booked via the Portsmouth Festivities box office

http://www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk/whats-on/item/st-john-s-college-politics-society-presents-what-is-the-point-of-the-house-of-lords

---

Portsmouth Festivities:  Christopher Hitchens Memorial Lecture

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles 

St John's College auditorium,

Cottage Grove South, Southsea, PO5

Wednesday, Jun 26, 2013 at 12:00 PM

The second annual Christopher Hitchens Memorial Lecture will be given by Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, in conjunction with St John's College Politics Society.

This insightful, thought-provoking afternoon will explore his books  Ever the Diplomat (new in paperback this year) and Cables from Kabul, a unique, high-level insight into Western policy in Afghanistan.

During thirty years in the Foreign Office, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles was invariably to be found at the frontline of international diplomacy, either striding the corridors of power at Westminster or jetting from one exotic location to the next. His tasks ranged from the challenging to the bizarre – from speech writing for Margaret Thatcher (who scrawled an emphatic ‘NO!’ over his first effort), to hiding an embarrassing bobble hat from Robin Cook .

Sir Sherard was a personal friend of Christopher Hitchens, so we are particularly pleased to welcome him as a speaker for the second annual lecture in memory of the great Portsmouth born author and journalist.

 

This is a free event but, due to limited capacity, tickets must be booked via the Portsmouth Festivities box office

http://www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk/whats-on/item/christopher-hitchens-memorial-lecture

---

Portsmouth Thought:  Damian Barr

Maggie and Me

Venue tbc

Friday, Jun 28, 2013 at 7:00 PM

---

An Evening with Neil Gaiman

Celebrating the publication of The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Portsmouth Guildhall

Sunday, Aug 18, 2013 at 7:30 PM

Neil Gaiman is an author, screenwriter, graphic novelist and all-round geek idol.   Neil was born in Portsmouth and this evening will be the pinnacle of a day of  'homecoming' events in the city.

Credited as one of the top living postmodern writers, and winner of the Newbery and Carnegie Medals, his works include The Sandman, Coraline, Stardust, American Gods, a Douglas Adams biography, and two episodes of Doctor Who. 1.8 million people follow @Neilhimself  on Twitter.  He currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife, the rock star Amanda Palmer.

Neil will be celebrating the publication of his new novel: The Ocean at the End of the Lane.  This will be Neil's first novel for adults since the Sunday Times bestseller Anansi Boys in 2005.  He will be signing all copies of The Ocean at the End of the Lane plus one backlist title. 

This is a rare opportunity to see Neil in the UK so get your tickets as soon as possible!

Neil will be in conversation with Dom Kippin, self-confessed Gaiman nerd and, as Literary Development Officer for Portsmouth,  instrumental in bringing 'home' the literary wealth of the city.

Tickets cost just £6.00 and are available from Portsmouth Guildhall Box Office

http://www.portsmouthgui ldhall.org.uk/e vents/an-evening-with-neil-gaiman

Tickets will also be available from the shop from Monday 3rd June