Inspiration Takes Flight
In her powerful, emotive new memoir H is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald recounts her obsessive pursuit to become a falconer. Following the shock of her father’s death and inspired by T H White’s The Goshawk, she embarked on a journey to train her own goshawk. Macdonald joins us to discuss her celebratory, elegiac book - a reminder of our deep-rooted connections to the natural world. Chaired by Charlotte Higgins, chief arts writer for the Guardian.
Jan 24, 2015
1 hr
People with severe mental health issues are often stigmatised by society. From drugs to psychiatry, solutions are complex and expensive. Eleanor Longden, a voice hearer and a qualified psychologist joins James Ley, a playwright who explores his bi-polar disorder in his writing, and Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at King’s College London, to discuss how hearing voices and other problems can be ‘creative and ingenious survival strategies’. Chaired by Dr Angela Woods, a lecturer in Medical Humanities.
Jan 24, 2015
53 min
After the Referendum
His book Road to Referendum is a clear-minded history of Scotland’s journey towards its historic vote in September, and Iain Macwhirter argues that after the poll, constitutional change is inevitable. If so, where will the negotiations between Holyrood and Westminster start, and how are they likely to end? In this session Macwhirter outlines his view of the steps he believes both countries will take.
Part of our Scotland's Future series of events.
Jan 10, 2015
56 min
Actor Turned Crime Writer
With his second crime novel, John Gordon Sinclair continues to put distance between himself and Gregory’s Girl, the film that made his name. Two years ago he made his novel-writing debut and now he’s back with Blood Whispers, wrapping a grim tale around the CIA, Serbian gangs and a feisty Glaswegian lawyer. Hear how Sinclair created a central character who is at her most dangerous when under threat.
Jan 10, 2015
57 min
Iron Fist, Velvet Microphone
Kate Mosse faces a tough task interviewing this fearsomely incisive celebrity interviewer. Lynn Barber faced a Twitter storm after an article on tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, but anonymous cyberhate is nothing for someone who has taken on the likes of Gore Vidal, James Stewart and Salvador Dali. In this event she discusses her memoir, A Curious Career, and those interviews that got nasty.
Jan 10, 2015
58 min
Time to Fight for Feminism
In early 2012, journalists Rhiannon Cosslett and Holly Baxter co-founded The Vagenda blog. An instant hit, it received over 7 million views in year one, and has received votes of approval from the likes of Caitlin Moran and Laurie Penny. The creators discuss the site, their campaigning new book, and how they turn a high-pitched cacophony of negativity about women into something incredibly positive.
Jan 10, 2015
58 min
Only Remembered is a timeless and seminal anthology of First World War literature for children, edited by Michael Morpurgo and featuring artwork from renowned illustrator Ian Beck. Join Michael to hear more about this remarkable collection, which includes contributions from some of the UK’s leading cultural, political and literary figures.
Part of our Words and War series of events.
Jan 10, 2015
1 hr 2 min
No Repetition, Hesitation or Deviation
The much-loved radio show Just a Minute has been delighting listeners for 46 years and every single episode of the programme has been hosted by Nicholas Parsons. Now, Parsons has produced his first book about Britain’s longest-running radio comedy show, and the venerable entertainer joins us today to enjoy some favourite moments and linguistic contortions that have made it such an enduring hit.
Jan 10, 2015
57 min
A Peculiarly British Upbringing
Acclaimed comedian and actor Omid Djalili has produced a joyously funny memoir about growing up and finding fame as a young Iranian in London. He beautifully captures his unique childhood in his parents’ guesthouse, describing meetings with an array of remarkable characters and his own desire to escape. His story offers an intriguing perspective on British society today.
Jan 10, 2015
57 min
Creating Characters in Fiction
The first sign that a book works is when the characters talk back to their author, and books can represent our internal voices unlike any other art form. A panel of award-winning novelists, Nathan Filer, Edward Carey and Matthew Quick talk about their relationships with their characters and their inner voices, exploring how a writer hears and channels the creative voice that drives a narrative or character.
Part of our Conversations with Ourselves series of events.
Jan 10, 2015
57 min
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