A.N. Wilson @ Henley Literature Festival, 30 September 2011, 2.30pm

AN WILSON DIVINE INSPIRATION

For over 500 years Dante's The Divine Comedy has inspired writers from Shakespeare to Beckett; and continues to dazzle readers today. But how much do we know of the world in which he lived and what inspired him? The prolific and award-winning biographer and celebrated novelist A N Wilson presents a glittering study of an artist and his world, arguing that without an understanding of medieval Florence, it is impossible to comprehend the meaning of Dante's great poem. It also lays bare the enigma of the man who never wrote about the mother of his children, yet immortalized the mysterious Beatrice, whom he barely knew. Dante in Love - Atlantic Books Sponsored by HW Fisher Tickets £6 Event location: Phyllis Court

Alistair Darling @ Henley Literature Festival, 30 September, 7.30pm

BACK FROM THE BRINK

No one was closer to the financial meltdown that swept across the world than Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling. His book captures all the important events during his three-year tenure as chancellor in Gordon Brown's cabinet, especially his experience at the heart of the global banking crisis. He also details the pivotal role he played with the former prime minister in putting together an international rescue package. An exciting opportunity to hear from the man at the very centre of finance and politics in the period that shook the world.

‘The reverse sexists assume that this book is stylishly written only because Alistair Darling’s wife, Maggie Vaughan, and his special adviser, Catherine McLeod, helped to write it. I am not so sure. I have always liked Alistair Darling’s dry wit and my own unfounded assumption is that the best lines in the book are his own.’

 John Rentoul, Independent on Sunday

Event details:

7.30pm Kenton Theatre £9 Sold Out