Bath Events and Reading Groups
In this beautiful Georgian city we host all sorts of literary occasions from reading groups to large events. We are home to a vibrant all year round event programme, culminating every year in our Autumn Literary Festival which runs from September through to the end of November.
British Museum Little Learners: Going for Gold
Tuesday 5th August, 3pm
Join us for Little Learners, a new series of interactive author talks for curious little minds in collaboration with the British Museum. We're delighted to be …
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Sunday Walk: On Foot in Bath
Sunday 10th August, 11am
Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott are the founders of Akeman Press and the leading historians on the city of Bath. Join them for a walk to …
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World Literature Reading Group
Sunday 10th August, 7pm
Our World Literature Reading Group aims to showcase literature written outside of the anglophone world. On our journey we will make a variety of stops in …
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Tony Tulathimutte for Rejection
Tuesday 19th August, 7pm
A very special complimentary evening with the author of the runaway fiction hit of 2025: Rejection!This novel has taken our bookselling cohort by storm. It's brilliantly …
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Sunday Walk: Literary Walks in Bath
Sunday 24th August, 11am
Join us on Sunday for a literary walk with our friends at Akeman Press!Meet at the bookshop at 10:30am for some tea, coffee, and cake before …
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Ghouls, Goblins, and Aliens: SFFH Book Club
Wednesday 27th August, 7pm
Welcome to Ghouls, Goblins and Aliens, our new Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror reading group. Your hosts, May and Roxane, will guide you through what’s great, …
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A Guide to Sobriety: No Lost Causes Club with Lauren McQuistin
Monday 1st September, 7pm
Become a member of the No Lost Causes Club and join Lauren McQuistin, the author behind the wildly popular Instagram account @brutalrecovery, as she takes us …
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Stephen Grosz of The Examined Life discusses Love's Labour
Monday 1st September, 7pm
The Examined Life, the bestselling debut from psychoanalyst Stephen Grosz, was about learning how to live; his new book, Love's Labour, is about learning how to …
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Arifa Akbar for Wolf Moon: A Woman's Journey into the Night
Tuesday 2nd September, 7pm
'Had me entranced from start to finish . . . an absolute joy' - Lucy Atkins, author of Windmill Hill'A deft, rich and intimate exploration of …
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James Fox for Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades
Tuesday 2nd September, 7pm
Britain has always been a craft land. For generations what we made with our hands defined our identities, built our communities and shaped our regions. Craftland …
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Mariella Frostrup & Belles Berry for Menolicious
Wednesday 3rd September, 7pm
Menopause awareness campaigner and respected broadcaster and columnist, Mariella Frostrup teames up with daughter of Mary Berry, chef Belles Berry to provide you with a menopause …
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Damian Barr for The Two Roberts
Wednesday 3rd September, 7pm
'Epic and touching' DAVID NICHOLLS'A novel that brims over with generosity and warmth' OBSERVER'A funny, charming book that crackles with creative rebellion. It is a pleasure …
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Alex Riley for Super Natural: How Life Thrives in Impossible Places
Thursday 4th September, 7pm
'A thrilling and original way to explore nature - the science is fascinating.' Tristan Gooley, Sunday Times bestselling author of How to Read a Tree.From scorching …
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William Boyd for The Predicament
Thursday 4th September, 7pm
Gabriel Dax, travel writer and accidental spy, is back in the shadows. Unable to resist the allure of his MI6 handler, Faith Green, he has returned …
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Ethicurean Life's Matthew Pennington & Nicola Cradock
Thursday 4th September, 7pm
Talk, Demo & TastingsJoin us for the Big Bath Launch of Do Ferment: Gut Boosters and Foods that Fizz.Somerset-based Matthew Pennington is co-author of The Ethicurean …
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Michael Rosen for Good Days
Friday 5th September, 7pm
Discover a world where finding joy is as simple as ABC.In an uncertain world, we need hope and happiness more than ever. So what are the …
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Dan Whitlam for I Don't Want to Settle
Friday 5th September, 7pm
If you feel like you're running out of time, if you're grieving a relationship or worried you haven't yet experienced one, if you're falling in love, …
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An Evening with literary icon Arundhati Roy
Saturday 6th September, 7pm
Join us for a special evening celebrating the incredible first memoir from the Booker-winning literary icon Arundhati Roy, author of The God of Small Things.Arundhati Roy's …
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World Literature Reading Group
Sunday 7th September, 7pm
The World Literature Reading Group aims to showcase literature written outside of the anglophone world. On our journey we will make a variety of stops in …
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Clare Hunter for Making Matters: In Search of Creative Wonders
Monday 8th September, 7pm
"A beautifully considered book . . . Clare Hunter has managed to mix the personal with the political with moving results" Tracy Chevalier As children, we …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 9th September, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! At 10:00am, Claud will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately 45 minutes.Tiny Tales …
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An Evening with Ocean Vuong for The Emperor of Gladness
Tuesday 9th September, 7pm
'Reminded me that every word can be an incantation, and that beauty does hard and important work' - Rebecca Solnit (praise for On Earth We're Briefly …
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Tim Spector on Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes
Tuesday 9th September, 7pm
The legendary Tim Spector joins us for his new cookbook Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes.Tim Spector, MD, is Professor of Epidemiology at King's College London. …
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Justin Marozzi for Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World
Wednesday 10th September, 7pm
Join us for an evening with Justin Marozzi to discuss his new book: Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the …
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Ixta Belfrage and Fusao: Recipes Inspired by Brazil
Wednesday 10th September, 7pm
Demo, Talk & TastingsBright, vibrant food inspired by Brazil, from the once-in-a-generation talent and bestselling chef behind MEZCLA, and the co-author of OTTOLENGHI Flavour.“FUSÃO (fusion) is …
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Tracy Borman for The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
The explosive account of the succession of Elizabeth I from bestselling author Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces.'Compelling and brilliant' - ALISON WEIR'Part political …
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Max Hastings in Bath
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
Join long-time friend of the bookshop, Max Hastings, to talk about his incredible new book, Sword: D-Day - Trial by Battle. Please note, any event vouchers …
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British Museum Lectures: Ice Age Art Now
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
Join us as we pair once more with the British Museum to bring to life an evening that celebrates humankind's connection and drive towards artmaking. Curator …
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Liam Shaw for Dangerous Miracle: A Natural History of Antibiotics
Monday 15th September, 7pm
We are thrilled to welcome Liam Shaw to speak on his new book Dangerous Miracles, to discover the history behind one of humanity's greatest achievements: antibiotics.Since …
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Karen Bartlett for The Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance
Monday 15th September, 7pm
The Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance is the extraordinary, moving story of the Afghan women judges who fought for their careers …
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Ben Lippett and How I Cook
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
'A cookbook full of not just recipes but an insight into the mind of a chef - tricks and techniques that will make you a better …
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An Evening with Ian McEwan for What We Can Know
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
Ian McEwan, Booker Prize-winning author and friend of the bookshop, will return to Bath to celebrate his latest novel - What We Can Know – in …
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Elly Griffiths for The Frozen People
Wednesday 17th September, 7pm
Elly Griffiths makes her much-anticipated return to Bath to celebrate the paperback release of The Frozen People: the first book in a brand new series from …
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Vince Cable for Eclipsing the West: China, India and the Forging of a New World
Wednesday 17th September, 7pm
'A succinct, authoritative and up-to-date account of one of the most important but neglected relations in contemporary geopolitics.' - Kerry Brown, author of The Great Reversal: …
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Padella: Iconic Pasta at Home with Tim Siadatan
Thursday 18th September, 7pm
From one of London's most iconic fresh pasta restaurants, Padella has highlighted sensational pasta since 2016. Head chef and founder, Tim Siadatan comes to us for …
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Saul David for Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa
Thursday 18th September, 7pm
Join us for an evening with the Sunday Times Bestselling Author, Saul David, as we celebrate his newest work - an epic history about the North …
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East & Southeast Asian Heritage Month Celebration
Monday 22nd September, 6.30pm
**Topping & Company East & Southeast Asian Heritage Month**Celebrate East & Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month with us and listen to a panel of three powerhouse …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 23rd September, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! At 10:00am, Claud will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately 45 minutes.Tiny Tales …
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Julia Bradbury for Hack Yourself Healthy
Tuesday 23rd September, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome incredible journalist and TV presenter, Julia Bradbury, to the bookshop for an evening discussing medicine, fitness, and the health hacks that …
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The Witching Hour with Lucy Jane Wood and Sangu Mandanna
Tuesday 23rd September, 7pm
Join us in Bath to celebrate Uncharmed and A Witches Guide to Magical Inkeeping with Lucy Jane Wood and Sangu Mandanna! These wonderful authors come back …
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Sebastian Faulks for Fires Which Burned Brightly
Wednesday 24th September, 7pm
A new work of memoir from bestselling novelist Sebastian FaulksIn Fires Which Burned Brightly, Faulks, a reluctant memoirist, offers readers a series of detailed snapshots from …
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Eleanor Doughty for Heirs and Graces: A History of the Modern British Aristocracy
Wednesday 24th September, 7pm
There are fewer than 5,000 people who can genuinely claim to be members of the British aristocracy, and yet they loom large in the popular consciousness. …
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Lush! with Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey
Thursday 25th September, 7pm
From a small village on the outskirts of Swansea to the sets of some of the most beloved movies and TV shows - like Love Actually …
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Whisky Tasting with Joel Harrison
Thursday 25th September, 7pm
An utterly fabulous World Whisky Tasting with award-winning drinks writer and presenter, Joel Harrison.The Whisky World Tour takes you beyond the glass to discover 52 of …
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An Afternoon with Gyles Brandreth
Saturday 27th September, 12pm
We are thrilled to welcome Gyles to Bath for a very special afternoon event, celebrating Somewhere, A Boy and A Bear.Gyles Brandreth is a writer, broadcaster, …
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An Evening with Simon Armitage
Monday 29th September, 7pm
We're thrilled to welcome back Simon Armitage to the bookshop for an evening of conversation and readings from his upcoming collection New Cemetery.Simon Armitage was born …
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Around the Table with Diana Henry
Monday 29th September, 7pm
One of UK's finest food writers, and long-term friend of Toppings, Diana Henry returns to the bookshop to speak on Around the Table. This is an …
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A Musical Evening with Amy Jeffs, artist Gwen Burns, and musician Natalie Brice
Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
Join us for a very special event with Amy Jeffs, author of Storyland and Wild, artist Gwen Burns and musician Natalie Brice to celebrate their illustrated …
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Joe Boyd for And the Roots of Rhythm Remain
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
A Financial Times, Irish Times, Mojo and Uncut Book of the Year'I doubt I'll ever read a better account of the history and sociology of popular …
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Malcolm Gaskill for The Glass Mountain
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
The author of The Ruin of All Witches returns with a gripping, vividly told journey of rediscovery, uncovering his uncle's past as a soldier, prisoner, fugitive …
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Friendaholics' Elizabeth Day for One of Us
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
In the inner circle, where can you hide a secret?In this compulsive story of betrayal, old bonds and buried scandals, one British establishment family comes face …
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British Museum Lectures: Ancient India: Living Traditions
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome Sushma Jansari to the bookshop to discuss Ancient India: Living Traditions which accompanies a major exhibition at The British Museum in …
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An Evening with Ken Follett
Friday 3rd October, 7pm
From the master of epic fiction comes the deeply human story of one of the world's greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge.A FLINT MINER WITH A …
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An Evening with Michael Palin
Monday 6th October, 7pm
Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath present an evening with the one and only Michael Palin.Michael Palin found fame as a member of the much-adored Monty …
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An Evening with Raymond Blanc
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
Simply Raymond Kitchen Garden is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, grown and cooked by Raymond Blanc in the gardens of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.'I am still …
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Graham Robb for The Discovery of Britain
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
A surprising history of Britain, from 500 million BC to the next election.'Graham Robb has found a new format for writing history just as Craig Brown …
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Sarah Perry for Death of an Ordinary Man
Wednesday 8th October, 7pm
Now I understand there are no ordinary lives - that every death is the end of a single event in time's history: an event so improbable …
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Martin Parr for Utterly Lazy and Inattentive
Thursday 9th October, 7pm
"By the age of 14, I decided I would be a photographer. 'It's what I will do for the rest of my life, until I drop …
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Thomasina Mier's Mexican Table
Thursday 9th October, 7pm
Acclaimed chef Thomasina Miers brings us more bold, bright recipes that bring the sunshine to your plate through these 12 staple ingredients, straight from the heart …
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Charlie Higson for Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee
Friday 10th October, 7pm
Join us for the first non-fiction book from comedy legend Charlie Higson - an irresistible deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy, featuring …
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Dr Julia Shaw for Green Crime: Inside the Minds of the People Destroying the Planet, and How to Stop Them
Friday 10th October, 7pm
Traffickers. Hit men. Outlaws. Thieves . . .Our planet is a crime scene - but we can catch the killers?Enter a world where people are murdered, …
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Sabrina Ghayour's Persiana Easy
Monday 13th October, 7pm
'Sabrina Ghayour's Middle-Eastern plus food is all flavour, no fuss - and makes me very, very happy' - Nigella LawsonA hotly anticipated new cookbook from hugely …
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Folklore: A Journey Through the Past and Present
Tuesday 14th October, 7pm
'This book draws a cultural map of who we are, where we've come from and how we think and feel about our surroundings. Meticulously researched, imaginative …
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Wendy Erskine for The Benefactors
Tuesday 14th October, 7pm
AN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVEL 2025'I couldn't put this book down' - Sheena Patel, author of I'm a Fan'This is powerful, masterful storytelling by one of …
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An Evening with The Boy, the Mole, the Fox & the Horse's Charlie Mackesy
Tuesday 14th October, 7pm
‘A wonderful work of art and a wonderful window into the human heart.’ Richard CurtisWe're over the moon to welcome British artist, illustrator and author of …
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Mona Awad for We Love You, Bunny
Wednesday 15th October, 7pm
Join us to celebrate the highly-anticipated follow up to the viral sensation Bunny, with bestselling author Mona Awad. We Love You, Bunny is a laugh-out-loud funny, …
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Nicola Sturgeon for Frankly
Thursday 16th October, 7pm
Frankly is no ordinary political memoir. Remarkable for its honesty and self-reflection, this is the story of Nicola Sturgeon, one of our most influential and successful …
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Jodie Harsh with Amrou Al-Kadhi: You Had To Be There - On Noughties London
Thursday 16th October, 7pm
'A delicious, neon-soaked fever dream.' MUNROE BERGDORF'Nostalgic, salacious and bitingly witty.' JOE LYCETT'I couldn't put it down.' ANNIE MACMANUSJodie Harsh is nothing short of a dance …
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Celebrating Black History Month: Lanre Bakare for We Were There
Tuesday 21st October, 7pm
**Topping & Company Black History Month Festival**'A vital corrective that enhances our understanding of black British history' STEVE MCQUEENWe Were There is a crucial new portrait …
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Peter Ross for Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland
Wednesday 22nd October, 7pm
From the author of Steeple Chasing comes a chronicling of the ancient monuments which populate our landscapes, and what they can reveal. 'I'm a card-carrying admirer …
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An Evening with Jung Chang of Wild Swans
Thursday 23rd October, 7pm
'This is a family memoir that has the breadth of the most enduring social history.' - Martin AmisAfter 33 years, Jung Chang takes to the page …
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Celebrating Black History Month: Kehinde Andrews for Nobody Can Give You Freedom
Thursday 23rd October, 7pm
**Topping & Company Black History Month Festival*Kehinde Andrews returns to Bath discuss his brand new book on the real political mission of Malcolm X, and why …
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Celebrating Black History Month: The Mixed-Race Experience with Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran
Friday 24th October, 7pm
This Black History Month, we're thrilled to be hosting Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran, hosts of the award-winning podcast Mixed Up. Their book, The Half …
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An Evening with T J Klune
Monday 27th October, 7pm
Join fantasy icon T J Klune as he discusses the No. 1 New York Times-bestselling sequel to his beloved novel The House in the Cerulean Sea: …
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Janina Ramirez for Legenda: The Real Women Behind the Myths that Shaped Europe
Monday 27th October, 7pm
From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited over centuries for political, nation-building ends.In LEGENDA, bestselling …
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A Halloween Extravaganza with Eric LaRocca
Tuesday 28th October, 7pm
We are thrilled to be hosting master of horror, Eric LaRocca (in conversation with Keith Rosson of Coffin Moon and The Devil By Name) for a …
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The Japanese Pantry with Emiko Davies
Tuesday 28th October, 7pm
An exciting cookery demo and talk about essential Japanese pantry dishes with the award winning cookery writer, Emiko Davies.The Japanese Pantry is a follow up to …
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Leon Craig for The Decadence
Wednesday 29th October, 7pm
'Lush, complex, and close to the bone, The Decadence filled me with horror in the best way' - Krystelle Bamford, author of Idle GroundsLeon will be …
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Alison Weir for Queens at War
Wednesday 29th October, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome back to Bath Alison Weir for her latest history book, Queens at War.Triumph and tragedy, love and loss, murder and malice …
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British Museum Lectures: Nordic Noir
Thursday 30th October, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Ramkalawon to the bookshop to discuss Nordic Noir, a new book that showcases the British Museum’s remarkable collection of graphic …
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Olly Smith Wine Tasting
Thursday 30th October, 7pm
All For Wine and Wine for All!An evening of fun and wine with the ebullient drinks broadcaster, Olly Smith.You don’t need to be rich or have …
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An Evening with B.K. Borison of First Time Caller
Sunday 2nd November, 6pm
Join us for an evening with B.K. Borison, bestselling author of First Time Caller and Lovelight Farms, to celebrate her new small-town romance: Good Spirits.Please note, …
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Chloe Michelle Howarth for Heap Earth Upon It
Tuesday 4th November, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome back Chloe Michelle Howarth, author of Sunburn, which was shortlisted for multiple awards, for her sophomore novel.January 1965. The orphaned O'Leary …
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Sarah Hendrickx asks Could I Really Be Autistic?: Your First Steps to Self-Discovery
Wednesday 5th November, 7pm
Join Sarah Hendrickx, author of Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, to talk about her new book: Could I Really Be Autistic? Sarah's work has …
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Chef Stephen Harris with The Sportsman at Home
Thursday 6th November, 7pm
An evening with chef Stephen Harris, a somewhat anarchic figure in the food world whose pub, The Sportsman has become a mecca for travelling chefs and …
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A Signing with Beloved Children's Author Oliver Jeffers!
Friday 7th November, 4.30pm
Join us for a very exciting public signing with much-loved children's author and illustrator, Oliver Jeffers! Jeffers' latest picture book is I'm Very Busy: A (Nearly …
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An Evening with Angela Harding
Friday 7th November, 7pm
Join us for a special evening celebrating not one, not two, but FOUR fantastic books!'When the snow falls quickly, it brings dramatic change. Hare, rabbit and …
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An Evening with Zadie Smith
Sunday 9th November, 7pm
An illuminating new essay collection from one of the most distinctive, exciting and acclaimed writers of her generation, Zadie Smith'Zadie Smith is a wonderful essayist. She …
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Tom Gilbey's Thirsty Wine Tasting
Monday 10th November, 7pm
A gloriously gluggable wine tasting with our most charismatic wine expert who will entertain us with hilarious life, wine, and food stories.This is not simply a …
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Zoë McGee on Courting Disaster
Tuesday 11th November, 7pm
What do #MeToo and Jane Austen have in common? More than you might think.Ever since the novel was invented, women have used it as a platform …
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Abir Mukherjee for The Burning Grounds
Wednesday 12th November, 7pm
Join us for The Burning Grounds, the next thrilling novel from the author of the British Book Awards Crime Thriller of the Year 2025, Hunted, Abir …
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Silk Roads: A Flavour Odyssey with Anna Ansari
Thursday 13th November, 7pm
Cookery Demo, Talk & Tastings from Baku to Beijing‘Anna Ansari is a rare kind of home cook who is able to turn the simplestingredients into pure …
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An Evening with Jay Kristoff
Monday 17th November, 7pm
Jay Kristoff, bestselling author of Empire of the Vampire and Nevernight, returns to Bath to celebrate the epic conclusion of his latest trilogy: Empire of the …
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Skye McAlpine's Christmas Companion
Tuesday 18th November, 7pm
Skye McAlpine brings us Magic Making, Feasting and Making Merry in her new Christmas Companion.Talk & TastingsThe Christmas Companion is the indispensable guide to a cosy, …
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Japanese Whisky Tasting with Dave Broom
Friday 21st November, 7pm
An evening of storytelling and Japanese Whisky from one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining experts in the business, Dave Broom.Award-winning author and Japanese whisky expert, …
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Carol Ann Duffy for A Christmas Eve Ghost Story
Thursday 27th November, 7pm
We're delighted to present a festive evening of poetry to celebrate the enchanting new Christmas poem from Carol Ann Duffy, former Poet Laureate.It’s Christmas Eve in …
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