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Literature professor Simon John James and physicist Richard Bower were both involved in the curating the exhibition, Time Machines – the past, the future, and how stories take us there. Their conversations quickly revealed to them the many, wildly various, meanings of “time travel”. Here, they discuss how time travelling in literary and scientific terms might, one day, coincide.
July 4, 2017
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When I was thirteen and wishing that Orlando Bloom would read me the phonebook (it was 2003, that’s the only excuse I have), I could never have dreamt that there would be so many books read by celebrities to choose from.
June 20, 2017
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There is a strange and troubled kind of intimacy between our own moment of climate change and 19th century Britain. It was there that a global, fossil fuel economy first took shape, through its coal-powered factories, railways, and steamships, which drove the emergence of modern consumer capitalism.
May 30, 2017
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May is Local and Community History Month - a great time to find out a little more about how your village, town or city grew up into what it is today. The more you dig, the more you'll find that people, events and buildings all have fascinating pasts.
May 8, 2017
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With the start of April comes Jazz Appreciation Month. Listening to jazz music, going to see performances and exploring the history of jazz, are all great ways to spend your month. But we're here to recommend something bookish.
April 3, 2017
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Watching a great period drama is one of my favourite ways to unwind. I’ve seen almost all of them – from Shakespearean drama to Life on Mars. Whether it’s pure fiction or based on real historical events, I love escaping into another time period for a bit. The only downside is the inevitable period drama hangover: that horrible time after its finished when all I want to do is jump back into that world again. Thankfully, that’s where books come in!
January 23, 2017
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On this Blue Monday, we're here with a pick-me-up. We love authors and the wonderful books they write. And what do authors love? Their pets. So here are some of the cutest and most lovely animals, along with what their talented owners write.
January 16, 2017
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We've picked The Owl & The Pussy Cat by Edward Lear as it's such good fun. Some poems are profound and others are silly (this one's definitely silly), and it's important to remember that there's poetry out there for everyone! Whether you write it, read it or listen to it, poetry can have a really valuable place in your life.
October 6, 2016
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Roald Dahl Day is celebrated every year on his birthday, 13th September, and events go on throughout the month. However, this year is a very special one - Dahl's 100th birthday! Dahl penned 39 books and many have become firm favourites around the world. His books have also been adapted into much-loved films, such as The Witches and Matilda. The most recent release - the BFG - reminds us that Dahl's influence and magic is ever-present! His style and imagination capture the hearts of many, the Listening Books team included. So here are our favourites from Dahl's expansive catalogue.
September 13, 2016
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The summer holidays might be coming to an end but the sun is shining and there's no excuse to not make the most of the weekend! So for all book lovers out there, what could be better than combining some literary exploration with your time off? The Visit England website is full of great ideas including these gems...
August 24, 2016
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