Medieval Historians in Conversation

Sat 5 April

Auditorium, Pembroke College

Chaired by Helen Carr, whose book on John of Gaunt was a Sunday Times bestseller, this unique event will see the authors discussing their recent books and the process of writing history and all things medieval.

This promises to be a very special event, showcasing some of the best historians of their generation at a moment when all have just released new books. Through their work, all five bring the medieval history they love to an audience beyond the academic world.

The discussion will be followed by a drinks reception and book signing.

About the Authors

Helen Castor began her career as a lecturer at Sidney Sussex College before segueing into a full-time writing career and quickly becoming a hugely successful author. In 'The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV', Castor is at the height of her powers.

Dan Jones did his undergraduate degree at Pembroke College before enjoying a career as a writer, broadcaster and journalist. A bestselling author on both sides of the Atlantic, Jones has now unleashed his talents on one of England’s most successful kings. 'Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England’s Greatest Warrior King' is a 'Times', 'BBC History' and 'Daily Mail' book of the year.

Helen Carr is a writer and historian whose first book 'The Red Prince: John of Gaunt' brought one of medieval England’s most controversial and enigmatic figures to life, earning bestseller status and many plaudits. Her latest book, due for release in the spring, is 'Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century'.

Caroline Burt and Richard Partington both lecture in the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge. Through the reigns of the six kings of the period, 'Arise, England' unveils a pivotal period in the development of the English State, including many of the institutions (including the legal system, national taxation and Parliament) that still dominate our lives in modern-day Britain. The authors explore what drove that development, showing how ideas and ideology, circumstances and the individual agency of political actors were interweaved and that state growth was driven both from above and below by the king and his subjects.

Cost: £20, with tickets for students at £10