Charles Darwin: Life, Work and Family with Ruth Padel

Wed 16 November 2022

Cambridge University Library

Charles Darwin's great great grand-daughter, the poet Ruth Padel, joins us at Cambridge University Library for an illustrated talk on Darwin’s life and work, and reads poems based on his writings from her acclaimed book Darwin, A Life in Poems. This event is being hosted by Dr Jessica Gardner, University Librarian, and there will also be time for audience questions.

'A complete miniature biography, told through a selection of visionary moments. The emotional centre is the Darwins’ marriage, shaken by Emma’s religious belief and the death of their daughter. A daring, genuinely innovative piece of work… Darwin’s descendent has evolved a new species of biography.’ Richard Holmes, Guardian

Ruth Padel is an award-winning British poet, Professor of Poetry at King’s College London, Fellow of both the Zoological Society of London and Royal Society of Literature and author of twelve poetry collections, shortlisted for all major UK prizes. Her non-fiction includes books on reading poetry, a book on wild tiger conservation, and books on Greek tragedy. She is Professor of Poetry at King’s College London, and Fellow of both the Zoological Society of London and Royal Society of Literature. www.ruthpadel.com

Darwin in Conversation: The Endlessly Curious Life and Letters of Charles Darwin:
This event is being hosted as part of Cambridge University Libraries’ exhibition, Darwin in Conversation: The Endlessly Curious Life and Letters of Charles Darwin. The exhibition is free and open to all, and those attending this event are welcome to visit the exhibition beforehand (the exhibition will close after the lecture finishes). Full details including opening times can be found on the University Library website.

Cost: Free