Cultur Vultur / Books & Ideas
Discover author talks, book launches and conversations worth getting out for, across London.
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91 talks and events in the next 7 days
Showing 101–200 of 640 events101–200 of 640 events
The story of the mavericks and scientists, crackpots and artistic visionaries who imagined a future where machines fuse with our minds.
From creator Christian Watson with over 6 million followers @1924us, enter the world of beloved Mr Skelly in a book that reminds us that life is a gift to be treasured, and how lucky we all are to live in this present moment.
A ghost. A witch. A princess. Madeleine Pelling's spellbinding history unpicks the stories of three incredible 18th-century hoaxes.
Join public historian Kelly Foster in conversation with Charles Beauchamp, Gimpel’s son, and Jon Newman, curator of the Gimpel exhibition
The author of Manningtree Witches, A.K. Blakemore, will be joining us for a conversation about their latest novel Doom Painting; a riveting retelling of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in Brentwood, Essex. She will be joined by local historian Brian Hughes of the local Brentwood Writers Circle.
Join us for a very special evening with the multi-million copy bestselling and award-winning author Susanna Clarke, in conversation with V.E. Schwab, as we celebrate the release of The Bishop of Durham Attempts to Surrender the City.
Join us for an evening talking pubs and pints as we welcome authors Amit Singh and Sivamohan Valluvan as they celebrate their latest book Pubs for the People. Chaired by author Pete Brown the evening will be a rich exploration of national identity through the beloved institution, the pub.
Join us for a fascinating evening of discussion with historian Andrew Roberts, to celebrate the release of his new book Napoleon & His Marshall: Victory, Rivalry & Betrayal. The acclaimed historian and Napoleonic expert delivers a fascinating study of the French Emperor's Marshalate - a group formed of his most accomplished generals - illuminating their personalities and ambitions, as well as their fierce rivalries The Book & Ticket option includes a copy of Please note our events space is on the basement floor, accessible by stairs only.
Join us as we welcome E.L. James to celebrate the release of her new paranormal romance, Land of Ghosts.
Join Jessie Greengrass as she talks to Caroline Albertine Minor for the UK launch of Blessings, Caroline’s debut collection from Scratch Books. The stories in Blessings depict lives as they piece back their sense of self, family, love, future – accruing and blending to form something unnameably greater.
The Great Britain – Russia Society invites you to their annual Daniel Salbstein Memorial Lecture, which will be delivered by Professor Ali Ansari. This is the sixth in a series of Memorial Lectures dedicated to the memory of the Society’s founder and former Chairman and Talks Organiser, Daniel Salbstein OBE (1937–2020).
Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt visit Foyles to discuss their 30 year collaboration as author and illustrator
Min Jin Lee is the award-winning author of Pachinko, a multigenerational saga about the lives of Koreans in Japan during an era of colonisation, war and upheaval. The much-loved novel was a finalist for the National Book Award and later adapted into a critically-acclaimed television series for Apple TV+.
The astonishing, never-before told story of a truly remarkable soldier: SAS Captain Lewis ‘Archie’ Gibson.
Listen to a powerful story of survival and reclamation at this talk by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Caring about people, places, art & architecture through public art
To celebrate the release of his new book, join architect George Saumarez Smith in conversation with Jeremy Musson for an exploration of the English country house today.
Jamaica’s Poet Laureate celebrates the programmes and collectives tackling literature’s diversity gap
Explore the musical world of Edward Elgar.
Calling all demigods - it's time to return to Camp Half-Blood
Please note that this event is not suitable for our English-speaking only audiences, as no translation from Russian will be provided on this occasion. As part of our efforts to cater for our varied audiences and bring in a diversity of voices, some of our events now take an intimate chamber format and are conducted in Russian only.
A choral reading by Katya and Yves Berger, following animal traces in John Berger’s work.
Six of the most exciting contemporary writers read from their work in our Downstairs at Dillon's Bar. Readings from: Sussie Anie, Joe Conroy, Max Lury, Caroline Albertine Minor, Hannah Regel and Aea Varfis-van Warmelo.
Join bestselling author Veronica Roth and Samantha Shannon at French Protestant Church to celebrate Veronica’s return to the world of Divergent, with the release of The Sixth Faction.
Xiaolu Guo and Paul French explore how China's imperial past continues to shape its present.
To coincide with the V&A’s Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things display, discover the stories behind his iconic stage looks
Our regular poetry and music night returns, with Kwame Dawes, Alice Oswald and Max Porter
An event spotlighting voices in independent publishing. In association with Service95 Book Club
We are pleased to announce that Michelle Harrison, the phenomenal author of over 20 books for children, is coming to Waterstones Watford to sign copies of Two Little Liars - her first book for adult readers!
View hidden gems and new acquisitions from the world’s largest public collection of modern poetry
Join us at Conway Hall in London for what promises to be a brilliant comic book event with cartoonist and writer, and award-winning comic book creator, Neill Cameron (Donut Squad, Mega Robo Bros and Freddy vs School) to celebrate the release of his brand new books, How to Make Awesome Comics and Donut Squad: Destiny of the Donuts.
Explore how diaspora Somali poets rework an ancient tradition through readings and conversation
Join us in-store when we have the wonderful and bestselling picture book creator, Oliver Jeffers here signing copies of his brand-new children's book A Day Off School, Illustrated by Kevin Waldron and the new paperback edition of There’s a Ghost in This House.
Interrogate what Englishness means today with author Nikesh Shukla and a panel of guests
Join us for an afternoon of espionage with Paul Burke, Simon Conway, Charles Cumming, Mark Dunton and Charlotte Philby at Hatchards, Piccadilly.
Who could inspire your tiny comic better than Tiny Hercules? Join us create characters and make tiny comics. Suitable for over 8s but siblings welcome.
Play, explore and be creative at an afternoon of activities from the Authors of the Estate team
Dig in to this modern classic with the author herself, in conversation with Dua Lipa
Hear the voices of writers inside the criminal justice system at an evening of readings and talks
A feast of poetry and music celebrating 40 years of Transport for London’s public poetry programme
Sathnam Sanghera explores the extraordinary life of one of Britain’s most beloved musical icons in Tonight the Music Seem So Loud with .....
Join us for live readings and experience the best poetry published in the UK and Ireland this year
They're back! Join Festival of the Spoken Nerd and friends for an evening of science, songs, stand-up maths and more.
Gaza. Ukraine. Syria. Sudan. Yemen. Hear from the journalist whose life's work is to get as close to the truth as possible.
Poetry that moves us is central to Mustafa’s collection Nour, and to this discussion with Dua Lipa
A day of talks and tips for aspiring writers. In association with Service95 Book Club
Join us as we explore the vast and complex history of Gay, Lesbian & Queer life in London and learn how we evolved into the dynamic and diverse LGBTQI+ community that we celebrate today. We take a deeper dive into the historic suffering that living a gay life endured in the past, leading to the death sentences of many. Learn about the pioneering drag queens of the 1700’s who paved the way for others, the life and loves of Oscar Wilde that led to his imprisonment, the emergence of a gay community meeting in the tea rooms of Central London, the birth of Gay Pride in the 70s and the devastating impact AIDS had on our community in the 1980s. No stone is left unturned in this walking tour timeline of dramatic events that takes you from Charing Cross to Soho Square on an exciting journey through the ages. As we head into Soho, we take in the wonderful sights of London and hear about the historic Queer stories surrounding well known landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus. Come on this Queer History Walking Tour to understand it's past and celebrate why London is one of the most exciting and openly free societies of the modern age, with the largest demographic of openly LGBTQIA Community in Europe.
Get your ideas flowing at a three-hour workshop led by poet Eve Esfandiari-Denney
Concrete Atlantis Present: The Megalithic Imperative- A Journey to the Centre of the Earth Mysteries, with Neil Mortimer editor of 3rd Stone magazine in conversation with Patricia Brien & Urthona in live performance
We are thrilled that Caitlin Moran will be joining us on Sunday 25th October from 2.30pm for a book signing only (no interview)
Join photographer Jill Orpen for a final view of the exhibition Stories of Sudan - evening will include photographer talk and music
Why not question everything, even questioning itself? Join the stimulating discussion on this month's philosophy read!
Open a new chapter of reading with a line-up of debut writers whose novels are set in London
Live in Conversation with Matthew d'Ancona
Chart the life of the legendary musician and writer as she discusses her memoir with Dua Lipa
The bestselling author discusses the triumphant conclusion to her thrilling Villains series
Nara Smith's kitchen is one of the most watched in the world. Step behind the scenes with Nara for one night only.
Dive into epic stories and the interlinked magic of books and games with a panel of industry icons
Join bestselling author and illustrator Rob Biddulph for a special Halloween-week interactive Wolf Draw-Along workshop, celebrating Rob’sspine-tingling new middle-grade adventure,The Last Wolf.
Screening followed by a Q&A.
Our monthly crime book club is a morbid space where you can talk murder, crime and all things nefarious. We will be meeting on Monday 26th October from 6pm to 7pm at our very own Cafe W. For October, we will be reading The Lady Killer by Masako Togawa.
Join us on the last Monday of every month to chat with our expert booksellers about the best Non- Fiction has to offer.
Join Maggie Semple and Jane Oremosu to discuss their book My Little Black Book: A Blacktionary: The Pocket Guide to the Language of Race.
Join us for our monthly Creative Writing Workshop: Beginnings. Where they will be discussing The Well by Elizabeth Jolley.
Don't miss this exciting event with Philippa Gregory and Malcolm Gaskill to celebrate the publication of Royal Witch.
Antara Haldar in Conversation with Nicola Sturgeon
Join us for exciting evening with H.M Wolfe to celebrate Daggermouth, a breathtaking new dark dystopian romance!
Join us for an evening of conversation with Feng Shui expert and social media sensation Cliff Tan, to celebrate the release of his latest book Feng Shui Fix It!: 100 Solutions for a Happier Home.
Physicist Harry Cliff presents a 6-part introduction to particle physics
Physicist Alan Costley tracks the technologies being used to develop fusion reactors, and explores which might win the global race for clean power.
The iconic author of The Winter Guest and Summerwater, Sarah Moss, joins author of Wintering, Katherine May at BookBar Chelsea for a cosy, autumnal event.
Step into a glittering royal world with beloved historian who spent twenty years working as Chief Curator in some of Britain’s most marvellous palaces.
With over 60 million global listeners, don’t miss polymath Blindboy Boatclub in conversation with a special guest.
Join us on the 26th October for a midnight event celebrating the release of the highly anticipated new ACOTAR book from Sarah J. Maas.
Join us at Waterstones Chiswick to celebrate the midnight release of the highly anticipated ACOTAR 6!
Join us on for our exciting midnight launch of the highly anticipated next instalment in the epic A Court of Thorns and Roses series by bestselling author Sarah J.Maas.
Join us as we countdown to the release of the highly anticipated sixth book in the bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series: A Court of Splintered Harmony. This midnight launch will be an evening full of sparkly refreshments, costume contests, quizzes and more!
Join us for a special midnight opening to celebrate the release of A Court of Splintered Harmony, the sixth instalment of Sarah J Maas's bestselling ACOTAR . When the clock strikes 12 we will throw open our doors for fans to buy the latest instalment at the earliest possible opportunity. There will be free merchandise for the first 50 customers, including an exclusive wristband and laptop sticker. Bookseller will be on hand to pass out sweets and refreshments as you queue!
Join us for an early opening on the day 'A Court of Thorns and Roses 6' is released into the world. Return to the scintillating world of A Court of Thorns and Roses in the sixth hugely anticipated instalment of Sarah J. Maas's megaselling phenomenon.
Be one of the first people to buy a copy of the much-anticipated new sixth volume of the series
Join fellow fans of Sarah J. Maas at your local Waterstones branch to celebrate the publication of ACOTAR 6.
Join us for an early opening on the day 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' is released into the world. Return to the scintillating world of A Court of Thorns and Roses in the sixth hugely anticipated instalment of Sarah J. Maas's megaselling phenomenon.
Join us in store for the first of two anticipated new releases from Sarah J Maas
The Story Orchestra
This October half-term, tumble into a world of music and magic with the illustrator of the bestselling The Story Orchestra series, Jessica Courtney-Tickle, who joins us for a musical, creative morning celebrating Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Help your little one find their brave through storytelling, live drawing and lots of giggles, with the extraordinarily talented Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton. Halloween dress-up highly encouraged! Everyone welcome - free, just turn up.
Sir Frances Bacon not only published the first account of cryptography in English but also invented a cipher system of his own that proved to have a remarkable afterlife. In this illustrated lecture, we will look at Bacon’s invention through the eyes of the modern world’s greatest maker and breaker of codes, William F. Friedman—whose long and illustrious (if largely secret) career in military cryptanalysis began and ended with the study of Bacon’s so-called ‘biliteral cipher.' Bill Sherman is Director of the Warburg Institute and Professor of Cultural History in the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. Before moving to the Warburg he served as Director of Research and Collections at the V&A and Director of the Centre for Renaissance & Early Modern Studies at the University of York. He has published widely on Renaissance books, modern art and many things in-between. ATTENDANCE IN PERSON FREE WITH ADVANCE BOOKING
The opening book in Dinniman's addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series finds the titular coast guard vet and his ex-girlfriend's cat trying to survive an alien invasion and the end of the world in a fantasy-fuelled thrill-ride of a story. We will be meeting at 6pm in Novo Lounge, The Water Gardens. Attendance is free. Please RSVP to harlow@waterstones.com
Why not escape from escapism and join the stimulating discussion on this month's non-fiction read!
Join us on the last Tuesday of every month to chat with our expert bookseller about the best Sci-Fi & Fantasy has to offer.
Following Ruth Ellis’ long-awaited posthumous conditional pardon in July 2026, never has there been a more compelling moment to revisit the woman behind one of Britain’s most enduring legal cases.
Join Amy Abdelnoor and Rebecca Perry to discuss writing their debut novels, in conversation with Maggie Gee.
Join us for a fantastic evening of conversation with Ross Montgomery as he discusses the release of his brand new book, The Shadows of Kensington Gore.
Join us with Róisín Tapponi in conversation with Jennifer Higgie to discuss her debut novel: Scene City - An infectious, irreverent debut novel set amidst the cold glitz of the commercial art world.
Join us for our monthly bookclub! For October we are reading The Wax Child by Olga Ravn.
Come and celebrate the richness, diversity and power of poetry, stories and shared conversation.
Music Against the Night
Yiyun Li’s novel Music Against the Night (4th Estate) takes as its protagonists two musicians – John Field, inventor of the nocturne, and Adelaide Percheron, pianoforte virtuoso – and tells their unlikely, epic, love story, in what Ann Patchett has described as ‘the most perfectly constructed, moving, and beautiful novel I've ever read’. Yiyun Li will be in conversation with Octavia Bright, author of This Ragged Grace (Canongate, 2023).
Q-Club is a fortnightly book club which invites attendees to come together to read, discuss and analyse a sura from Professor M.A.S. Abdel Haleem’s acclaimed and accessible English translation of the Qur’an. Linguistic, thematic, structural and literary devices in the text are explored with a view to deriving practical lessons.
