Cityread London, which is featuring Elizabethan thriller Prophecy by S. J. Parris (HarperCollins) as its 2017 title, will be celebrated with a month long programme of events including a specially commissioned immersive theatre production at the Charterhouse, a talk by S.J. Parris at Lambeth Palace Library, a 1000 book giveaway at The Golden Hinde, Tudor foodie events including a history of gin workshop and a medieval feast as well as historical and author focused events across Greater London, Reading and Slough.   Prophecy is a gripping Elizabethan spy thriller, focused on the plot against Elizabeth to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. Set in 1583 its protagonist is the real life shadowy Giordano Bruno, an Italian "monk, scientist, philosopher, and magician" and excommunicated heretic.   HarperCollins have printed 7,000 branded copies for Cityread which are available via libraries across London where reading groups and book clubs will be reading the books alongside locally organised events. OverDrive are sponsoring the festival for a third time, and readers can borrow the Prophecy ebook for free from their local library and read via the OverDrive app.  In addition a Quick Read about life in Elizabethan London by Rupert Colley has been specially commissioned as part of the History in an Hour series and will be distributed free of charge via libraries and prison reading groups for adults who struggle with reading. Click here to below to hear a sample of the book
  Audible, the world’s leading provider of spoken audio entertainment first sponsored Cityread London in 2016 and is again confirmed as sponsors for 2017. J. Parris said: “I’m thrilled that Prophecy has been chosen as London’s CityRead for 2017 and really excited to take part in this fantastic programme aimed at bringing old and new readers together. I hope readers will enjoy discovering Tudor London through the book and the events, and perhaps realising that it’s not as far removed from our own world as we might imagine.”   Anthony Hopkins, President of the Association of London Chief Librarians said: “Cityread presents a special time of the year where London’s libraries get together to promote a book for Londoners and deliver a range of activities in our libraries. We are looking forward to working again with Cityread and to another successful year.”   Andy Ryan, Director of Cityread London said: “Cityread is London’s huge, exciting, interactive, annual citywide book group.  Take part by picking up a copy of Prophecy from your library, bookshop or from the Golden Hinde on 31 March – we’ll be giving away 1000 copies.  Join in a library book group, chat about it to a friend., or tell us what you think on Twitter and Facebook.  Throw yourself into the sights, feels and tastes of London 1583 by taking part in our performances, supper club, gin tasting and book handling events.  Codpieces optional.’