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.
Do It For The Plot: Dating Evenings at Topping & Company Bath
Sunday 14th September, 6.30pm
PLEASE NOTE: We only have slots for remaining for male participants at this dating evening. If you don't identify as male, please contact us via email …
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Sunday Walk: Treasures of Sydney Gardens
Sunday 21st September, 11am
10.30am: We meet at Sydney Gardens Community Pavilion (opposite the Petanque Court) for coffee & tea11am: Walk begins (lasts an hour)Join us to celebrate 230 years …
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Do It For The Plot: Queer Dating Evenings at Topping & Company Bath
Sunday 21st September, 6.30pm
Please note: This date is for our queer singles night. Please reference the 14th of September for our straight singles night when trying to book. As …
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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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The Witching Hour with Lucy Jane Wood, Nadia El-Fassi & Sangu Mandanna
Tuesday 23rd September, 7pm
Join us in Bath to celebrate Uncharmed, Love at First Fright, and A Witches Guide to Magical Inkeeping with Lucy Jane Wood, Nadia El-Fassi, and Sangu …
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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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Ghouls, Goblins, and Aliens: SFFH Book Club
Wednesday 24th September, 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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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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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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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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Feminist Reading Group
Sunday 28th September, 7pm
Welcome to the Feminist Fiction Reading Group!Every month, we will read and discuss one book by an incredible female author.Our new custodian for the reading group …
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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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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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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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Sarah Howe for Foretokens
Wednesday 8th October, 7pm
A landmark new collection from T. S. Eliot Prize-winner Sarah Howe, navigating the complex inheritance of family, language and colonialism through the portrait of motherhood.'Sarah Howe's …
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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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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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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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World Literature Reading Group
Sunday 12th October, 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 Andrzej Sapkowski of The Witcher
Thursday 30th October, 7pm
Join us for an evening in Bath with Andrzej Sapkowski, author of global phenomenon The Witcher, to celebrate his latest novel - The Witcher: Crossroads of …
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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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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.B.K will …
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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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An Evening with Adalyn Grace of Belladonna
Tuesday 11th November, 7pm
Join us for an evening with Adalyn Grace, author of the Belladonna trilogy, to celebrate the publication of Holly - a new holiday novella that follows …
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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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An Evening with Olivie Blake of The Atlas Six
Thursday 13th November, 7pm
'A book that whets your appetite before devouring you whole. Girl Dinner is cunning, charged and - just as you're comfortable - a profound shock.' Chloe …
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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 simplest ingredients into …
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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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An Evening with Joe Sacco of Footnotes in Gaza and Palestine
Tuesday 18th November, 7pm
Join Joe Sacco, author of Footnotes in Gaza and Palestine, for an evening in Bath to celebrate his new book: The Once and Future Riot.From luminary …
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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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An Evening with Chloe Gong of These Violent Delights
Tuesday 18th November, 7pm
Join us for an evening in Bath with bestselling author Chloe Gong to celebrate her new cyberpunk epic: Coldwire. Chloe is the author of the beloved …
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Jean Sprackland for Night Vision
Wednesday 19th November, 7pm
We're delighted to welcome award-winning author and poet Jean Sprackland to the bookshop to celebrate her new non-fiction title Night Vision.‘Beautifully written, never lapsing into self-conscious …
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Andrew Graham Dixon for Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found
Wednesday 19th November, 7pm
"This book is going to revolutionize the way we understand Vermeer. I read it slowly, feeling 'like some watcher of the skies when a new planet …
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Jeanette Winterson for One Aladdin Two Lamps
Thursday 20th November, 7pm
Literary phenomenon, Jeanette Winterson, joins us in Bath this Autumn!I can change the story because I am the story.With her execution looming, a woman is fighting …
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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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Christmas Evening Special Guest: Harriet Lowther
Thursday 11th December, 4pm
Join us on our first Christmas evening of the season for an exclusive signing with Harrier Lowther! As one of Instagram's most beloved illustrators, Harriet has …
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