Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival 4-27 November 2016 Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival is celebrating its 25th birthday in style, hosting a stellar line up of some of today’s most thought-provoking novelists, including Sebastian Barry (in conversation with Erica Wagner), Margaret Drabble, Kate Summerscale and Sarah Moss. richmond-book-festival Consider your November entertainment sorted with events embracing everything from vampires and gangsters, through to spies, royal princes and the Mitford sisters. Science journalist Jo Marchant will open our eyes to mind-body medicine, whilst best-selling biographer Anne Sebba will discuss the fascinating lives and loves of women in Paris in the 1940s. Weekend events for families include historian Lucy Worsley introducing her first children’s book, storytelling and drawing with Axel Scheffler, and a podcast workshop with spoken word artist Polarbear.   As well as this we have writing masterclasses, a poetry evening, film night and performances of Shakespeare’s A Merchant of Venice, all held in some of Richmond upon Thames’ most inspiring spaces.   For tickets and further information contact: richmondliterature.com   ____________________________________________________________ Taunton Literary Festival 5-26 November brendon_books The sixth Taunton Literary Festival includes an eclectic mix ranging from Lord Owen on the 1940’s British cabinet, Salley Vickers on her new book Cousins, renowned psychologist Raj Persaud on stalking, Keggie Carew on her unconventional father, Philip Eade on Evelyn Waugh interviewed by his grandson Alexander, Graham Fawcett on W H Auden, Prof. Michael Smith on Shackleton, Luke Dormehl on robots, Gary Cox on Jean Paul Sartre, a talk on the changing position of the church in society with Linda Woodhead and Andrew Brown, a moving account of a POW surviving the ‘Burma Railway put together from letters by his daughter, an account of theatres around the country by Mick Escott, a talk on Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis, on the founder of the Royal Air Force by Russell Miller, cheats and deceits in the natural world with Martin Stevens, all things gothic with Nick Groom, consciousness with Susan Blackmore, agriculture with Richard Soffe and Wild Pony Whispering with Dawn Westcott. In addition, the Taunton Thespians will be performing key scenes from Shakespeare, there will be free children’s events, writing workshops and a bookbinding workshop. As usual there will also be some last minute additions so please look out for any updates to the programme.   The festival is organised and marketed by Brendon Books, Taunton’s independent bookseller, making it a unique event with an eye on overlooked corners of the publishing market, as well as the big names and bestsellers. We believe that independent bookshops have an important role to play in the local community, which is why Taunton Literary Festival was born, in 2010. To fully support the festival’s place in the heart of Taunton’s community, Brendon Books has become a Community Interest Company. All profits from Brendon Books go towards projects, such as Taunton Literary Festival, which has grown to become a highlight on Somerset’s cultural calendar. Taunton Literary Festival brings writers from around the world to Taunton to share stories and engage the community in the world of literature. Readers can meet their favourite authors or explore new subjects and ideas through workshops, readings and question and answer sessions at the end of each event. Celebrating new and established writers, Taunton Literary Festival invites you into the worlds of history, poetry, science, nature, fiction and politics. Each year, the festival grows to include more exciting and inspiring events, attracting writers, comedians, politicians and artists, who want to meet you and share their passions. For tickets visit ticketsource.co.uk/brendonbooks, telephone: 01823 337742 or visit Brendon Books, Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER. Email@ brendonbooks@gmail.com