Royal Society of Literature Events

RSL Event: Monday 20 February at 7pm

Being a poet

In an evening combining reading and discussion David Harsent, Lavinia Greenlaw, Emma Jones & Ahren Warner reflect on who and what first drew them to poetry and whether their work relies more on discipline or inspiration. And they ask tough, practical questions: how does a young poet go about getting work published? How important is it to have an agent? What are the pros and cons of self-publishing? And is it possible to make a living from poetry?
 Venue: Kenneth Clark Lecture Theatre, The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House

Fellows and Members: book your seats online or by ringing Hazel on 020 7845 4676. Seats for guests (one per meeting) must also be booked in advance. 

A limited number of tickets will be sold on the door, from 6pm, on a first come, first served basis (£8/£5 conc).

 RSL Event: Friday 2 March at 12.30pm

Claire Tomalin & John Carey

Charles Dickens: the best of men, the worst of men

Chaired by Maggie Fergusson

Claire Tomalin's biography of Charles Dickens, published to mark the bicentenary of his birth this spring, has been acclaimed by critics. It is, as A. N. Wilson wrote in the New Statesman, 'a book that goes to the heart of the mystery of Dickens as a writer', and it conjures up a man with as many different selves as a Russian doll. 'The inimitable', as Dickens called himself, was a performer of rock-star charisma, who, before the invention of the microphone, mesmerised audiences of thousands; a social reformer far ahead of his time; a sentimental lover; a cruel husband. He could be vivacious, charming and selfless, but also imperious, vindictive and egotistical. Claire Tomalin discusses his life and work with literary critic and cultural commentator John Carey.

This event is part of the LSE Space for Thought Literary Festival: Relating Cultures.
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building, LSE, London WC2A 3LJ
This event is free and open to all, but a ticket is required. Book via the LSE website.