Just received my tickets to see and hear Judith Flanders and Claire Tomalin at the Folkestone Book Festival on 22 November (it runs from 14 through 23 November). Other writers include Michael Rosen, Clive Aslet, mathematical whiz Alex Bellos, and lots of others. I'm hoping to do something for the Fringe events, so watch this space.
Judith Flanders is the author of several books on Victorian England including THE VICTORIAN HOUSE, which, rather than offering some sort of historical inventory, presents a really compelling and complete picture of Victorian life. Flanders brings in passages from Victorian novels, household advertisements, journals and popular manuals to give a fulsome understanding of not only the Victorian house, but the way life was lived within it. She's also written on Victorian London and about the reading public's obsession with crime, THE INVENTION OF MURDER.
Claire Tomalin is known for her literary biogaphy and I have to admit being captivated particularly by her life of JANE AUSTEN, a lively and incredibly well-researched narrative. I'm looking forward to hearing her speak about her research on DIckens and his relationship with Nelly Ternan. When I've finished with THE HOUSE OF FICTION, I intend to start on her biography of Samuel Pepys.
The HOUSE OF FICTION pledges continue to rise, albeit slowly, so please keep spreading the word to your friends, family, book and reading/writing groups. And thank you very much indeed to the latest subscribers, Alison, Sherry, Helen and Caroline. I'm really looking forward to actually meeting Caroline Dakers at the event 'Recovering Fonthill' taking place at Central St Martin's in a couple of weeks.