Royal Society of Literature Events

RSL Event: Monday 20 February at 7pm

Being a poet

In an evening combiningreading and discussion DavidHarsent, LaviniaGreenlaw, EmmaJones & AhrenWarner reflect on who and what first drew them to poetryand whether their work relies more on discipline or inspiration. And theyask tough, practical questions: how does a young poet go about getting workpublished? How important is it to have an agent? What are the pros and cons ofself-publishing? And is it possible to make a living from poetry?
 Venue: Kenneth Clark Lecture Theatre,The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House

Fellows and Members: book your seats online or by ringing Hazel on 020 7845 4676. Seatsfor guests (one per meeting) must also be booked in advance. 

A limited number of tickets will be sold on thedoor, from 6pm, on a first come, first served basis (£8/£5 conc).

 RSL Event: Friday 2 Marchat 12.30pm

Claire Tomalin & JohnCarey

Charles Dickens: the best of men, the worst of men

Chaired by Maggie Fergusson

Claire Tomalin's biography of CharlesDickens, published to mark the bicentenary of his birth this spring, has beenacclaimed by critics. It is, as A. N. Wilson wrote in the New Statesman, 'a bookthat goes to the heart of the mystery of Dickens as a writer', and it conjuresup a man with as many different selves as a Russian doll. 'The inimitable', asDickens called himself, was a performer of rock-star charisma, who, before theinvention of the microphone, mesmerised audiences of thousands; a socialreformer far ahead of his time; a sentimental lover; a cruel husband. He couldbe vivacious, charming and selfless, but also imperious, vindictive andegotistical. Claire Tomalin discusses his life and work with literary criticand cultural commentator JohnCarey.

This event is part of theLSE Space for Thought Literary Festival: Relating Cultures.
Venue: Sheikh ZayedTheatre, New Academic Building, LSE, London WC2A 3LJ
This event is free and opento all, but a ticket is required. Book via the LSEwebsite.