Accessibility statement

You're viewing an archived page from a previous Festival of Ideas. See this year's festival »

Theme: A Way with Words

Join Eleanor Catton, one of New Zealand’s top contemporary novelists, find out about language change and the science of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

What's on

Fri
15
Jun

The Beatles at 50: Lyric Secrets of the Beatles’ White Album

Join us as we explore the Beatles’ genius as lyricists. In an extensively illustrated talk, Colin Campbell of the University of York examines the lyrics to the songs on what is generally known as The White Album, which was first issued in November 1968.

Thu
14
Jun

Ivan Bilibin: Visualising fairy tales - CANCELLED

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Wed
13
Jun

The Tower of Babel Revisited

Why are there so many languages in the world? Why can’t we just all speak the same one? Join Ann Taylor and Eva Zehentner of the University of York for an interactive talk exploring how languages change over time and how this can lead to the emergence of new languages.

Wed
13
Jun

Imagining Justice: Criminological fiction

How can stories be used to reduce ideologically-motivated crime? Join Rafe McGregor of the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of York.

Mon
11
Jun

Dare to Dream of Truly Inclusive Language

Join Helen Sauntson and Clare Cunningham of York St John University for a workshop challenging you to think again about how language creates or denies people respect and safety.

Sat
9
Jun

Re-imagining the Sacred

Join Brian Cummings of the University of York as he explores pre and post Reformation sacred language in relation to the Book of Common Prayer.

Fri
8
Jun

Laurence Sterne: A sentimental picture

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the death of novelist Laurence Sterne and of the publication of his last book, A Sentimental Journey. Taking their cue from Sterne - who famously wrote about the impossibility of writing - our speakers and performers examine the theme of writing the impossible and the impossibility of writing.

Thu
7
Jun

Frankenstein at 200: The science of the novel

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Mary Fairclough of the University of York discusses the science of the novel. Learn how this relates to early 19th-century studies in medicine, chemistry and electricity, and how Shelley’s presentation of the animation of the creature anticipates more recent developments in medical ethics.

Wed
6
Jun

Language Change as Competition

Join us at York Café Scientifique as Ann Taylor of the University of York explores how language change works.

Wed
6
Jun

Eleanor Catton in Conversation

Eleanor Catton is one of New Zealand's most prominent contemporary novelists, whose second novel The Luminaries won the 2013 Man Booker Prize. In a UK exclusive event, Eleanor will read from her current work and discuss her fiction in conversation with Alexandra Kingston-Reese of the University of York.

Festival themes