50 Westow St
London SE19 3AF
UK
What better way to understand the epic 20th century than through the eyes of those who experienced it at first hand? Travis Elborough’s compilation offers brilliantly candid and intimate insights not only into the headline-grabbing events but also the domestic and personal moments of those who lived through it.
The book draws on over one hundred diarists including our very own writer-in-residence, Karen McLeod’s contribution of her air hostess days. They include the great and the good – from Beatrice Webb to Tony Benn, from A. C. Benson to Alan Bennett from Virginia Ironside to Hanif Kureishi – as well as many less-well-known individuals such as Gladys Langford and Kathleen Tipper, whose writings for the Mass Observation Project offer brilliant glimpses into what the man or woman on the street really made of the stuff of history at the time.
We have first-hand accounts of the home front during two world wars, the ins and outs of Britain and Europe, strife on these shores and conflicts overseas, and radically changing attitudes towards the monarchy, women, gay rights and immigration. From the Easter Rising to email, from the Boer War to New Labour, here are responses to the death of Princess Diana, the resignation of Margaret.
This evening as always with Travis will be insightful and inspiring with readings from Karen McLeod and other guests.