THE Taunton Literary Festival this year comprises of 34 events across a wide variety of subjects beginning on Saturday, September 21 and continuing through to the end of November.

Once again, the festival is teaming up with Climate Action Taunton for two events.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “Roger Morgan-Grenville will make a welcome return to give an overview on nature restoration and activism and Tom Heap will be discussing the vitally important subject of how we use our land in the best way to give both humanity and nature the space to thrive.

“There are also further nature talks: Stephen Moss on his new bird book biography on The Starling, John Lewis Stempel discussing his new book, England, A Natural History, and Ursula Franklin her photographic quest to photograph all species of Penguins following the death of her husband.

“The annual collaborative event with the Egyptian Society this year features American author Kathleen Sheppard who will give a lecture on Women in the Valley of The Kings.

“Also in the history category, Nichola Tallis talks about the young Elizabeth (the first), Stuart Flinders about the extraordinary cult that exited locally in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Christian Wolmar will be talking about how railways played a key role in the Normandy landings and local historian Adrian Webb about Churchill and his Secret Chart Makers (at the Hydrographic Office in Taunton).

“Award-winning presenter Lucy Ash will be discussing her book on the Russian Orthodox Church, The Baton and the Cross.

“Where more recent history is concerned, animal rescuer Pen Farthing returns to set the record straight on Operation Ark and the evacuation of animals from Afghanistan.

“Bestselling fiction authors Hazel Prior and Damien Boyd will be giving talks at the bookshop and library respectively and, also at Brendon Books, there will be a crime panel with crime writers Debbie Young, Frances Evesham and Lionel Ward.

“Among the subjects will be Bookshops and Somerset, publishing and self-publishing.

“We also have storyteller Sharon Jacksties will be talking about her new book, A History of the World in 100 Tales.

“Alice McIlroy will be at the Castle talking about her novel The Glass Woman and award-winning author Tim Pears will be talking about his new book set in Britain in AD 72.

“Local author and psychologist Dr Claire Plumbly will give a talk on her new book Burnout about managing your nervous system (before it manages you) and doctor of ageing at Musgrove Hospital Lucy Pollock will dispense lessons in living from her new book The Golden Rule.

(Image: Taunton Literary Festival)

“In the area of biography, Simon Elliott makes an enthusiastic return to talk about his new art book on Vincent Van Gogh and Helena Kelly also returns to talk about Jane Austen, The Secret Radical.

“There are two poetry events: reading from poetry with the Fire River Poets and festival regular Graham Fawcett who will be giving a biographical lecture about Dante.

“Robin Ince returns for two events, a daytime event at the library about his most recent books followed by a bookshop stand-up on the universe and the neurodiverse. There is more comedy with Matt Chorley talking about place in relation to politics in Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors.

“Brian Clegg in a subject of contemporary relevance, talks about the science of influence of manipulation.

“Downton Abbey also comes to Taunton with the Countess of Carnarvon talking about her book Seasons at Highclere.

“Rob Wilkins who was Terry Pratchett’s collaborator will be talking about the partnership between Terry Pratchett and cover designer Paul Kidby.

“Finally, there is the choice of two workshops this year. Elizabeth Delo gives a workshop on natural history writing entitled Writing the Natural World and Megan Stallworthy on Making a Photo Album.

“The festival runs from Saturday 21 September to Friday 29 November 2024.

“Tickets via brendonbooks.org or phone 01823 337742 or email brendonbooks@gmail.com or visit us in Bath Place.

“The only exceptions are for the event with Cara Dillon where tickets are available from Tacchi-Morris at www.tacchi-morris.com and the workshop with Megan Stallworthy.

“In this case, please go to www.celandinebooks.co.uk .

“If you require the lunch and ticket option for the two events at the Castle Hotel. Please book at www.the-castle.hotel.com or telephone 01823 328303.”