Events at The London Library
Watch videos from public talks that have taken place at The London Library.
The Art of Persuasion: Benet Brandreth on Rhetoric
In this entertaining hour, expert Benet Brandreth QC introduces us to the fundamentals of classical rhetoric and shows us how the techniques of Cicero and Shakespeare are still being put into practice by modern politicians the world over.
The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper with Hallie Rubenhold
In conversation with Sarah Savitt, historian Hallie Rubenhold discusses her new book, the first full-length biography to explore and contextualise the lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper. Offering new insights and drawing on previously unseen or unpublished material, The Five promises to completely change the narrative of the Ripper murders.
Tim Bouverie: On Appeasement
Writer and broadcaster Tim Bouverie discusses his new book, Appeasing Hitler, a compelling new narrative history of the disastrous years of indecision, failed diplomacy and parliamentary infighting that enabled Nazi domination of Europe.
Michael Billington: The End of Theatre Censorship
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Theatres Act 1968 Michael Billington will chair a panel of experts looking at the history of theatre censorship dating back to the Licensing Act 1737 and debating different types of censorship that exist in theatre today.
Mohammed Hanif: Red Birds
Dubbed ‘Pakistan’s brightest voice’, bestselling prize-winning author, Mohammed Hanif, discusses “Red Birds” - his powerful novel about war, family and love.
Agnes Poirier: Left Bank Art, Passion and the Rebirth of Paris, 1940
In conversation with Michael Goldfarb, Agnès Poirier paints a captivating portrait of those who lived, loved, fought, played and flourished in Paris between 1940 and 1950 and whose intellectual and artistic output still influences us today.
Benedict Allen at The London Library
Benedict Allen, writer, traveller and adventurer, talks about his work, his creative processes and the way that he uses The London Library for research and writing.
Jhumpa Lahiri in conversation with Adam Thirlwell
As Penguin publishes its new collection of Italian short stories, we are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, who curated the collection and has translated a number of stories within it.
In conversation with Adam Thirlwell, she discusses Italian literature, the process of translation, her own award-winning novels and the experience of working across multiple languages and cultures. In partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute.
Rise Up Women! The Remarkable Lives of the Suffragettes
With Diane Atkinson
Marking the centenary of female suffrage, Diane Atkinson discusses her definitive history charting women's fight for the vote through the lives of those who took part.
Dunkirk - The History Behind the Motion Picture
With Joshua Levine
Historian Joshua Levine - author of the bestselling history of Dunkirk and historical advisor to the motion picture - joined us on 26th April for a fascinating talk where he revealed the real life story of one of wartime's most extraordinary operations.
Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
With Giles Milton
In this hugely entertaining and informative talk held at The London Library on 15th March 2018, historian Giles Milton - author of the best-selling book "Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" - reveals the secrets of Winston Churchill's inner circle of sabotage experts who planned some of the most audacious attacks of the Second World War.
Mary Shelley and the Birth of Frankenstein
With Miranda Seymour
Mary Shelley’s great novel “Frankenstein: or the Modern Prometheus” was first published 200 years ago in January 1818.
To help celebrate this landmark anniversary, we were delighted to host Miranda Seymour - author of the definitive Mary Shelley biography - who in a fascinating talk explored the writing of the novel and the intricacies of Shelley’s life. With readings from actor Isobel Laidler the evening (taking place on 25th January 2018) shone a light on the personality behind one of literature’s great classics.
