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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
