Wantage Literary Festival – Saturday 25 October 2025
Christina Strang | Graphologist
Harry Sidebottom | Those Who Are About To Die
Bestselling author Harry Sidebottom takes readers on a thrilling journey through a day in the life of a Roman gladiator, using this as a springboard to explore every aspect of Roman society and culture. ‘Those Who Are About to Die’ delves into the events of one day of the games, from the night before to the evening after, examining not just the arena and the combatants, but also the crowd, the emperor, the schools preparing the fighters, and the city outside the amphitheatre. The book provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the ubiquitous and all-consuming passion of the Roman Empire for watching fellow humans fight to the death. Billed as ‘Horrible Histories’ for grown-ups!
Harry Sidebottom, a history lecturer at the University of Oxford, has sold over 450k copies of his historical novels set in Ancient Rome.
Max Hastings | Sword
Max Hastings gives a gripping account of the D-Day invasion, focusing on the British role in the assault on Sword Beach, the north easternmost of the five landing areas on June 6, 1944. Hastings provides a bottom-up perspective, highlighting the experiences of the soldiers, paratroopers, commandos, aircrew, and sailors involved in the operation. The book delves into the dramatic and tumultuous scenes that unfolded on and behind Sword Beach, where 35,000 British infantry soldiers, aviators, and special service operatives faced the harsh realities of war overnight. It explores the personal stories of these men who suffered significant losses in the initial days of fighting.
Through vivid storytelling and forensic detail, Hastings captures the transition from peace to the intense heat of battle, revealing the profound impact of the D-Day invasion on the individuals who took part.
Max Hastings is a renowned British journalist, editor, and author. He has held prominent editorial roles at The Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard and continues to write for Bloomberg Opinion and The Times.
Michael Sheridan | The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China
‘The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China’ by Michael Sheridan offers an eye-opening portrait of Xi Jinping, the most powerful leader of China since Mao Zedong.
The book traces Xi’s journey from his youth as a ‘princeling’ in one of Communist China’s ruling families, through his exile during the Cultural Revolution, to his rise to power following the fall of his rival Bo Xilai in 2012. Sheridan provides a compelling narrative that explores Xi’s leadership style, his consolidation of power, and the transformation of China into a military and economic superpower. The book delves into the inner workings of Xi’s regime, highlighting the struggles for power, corruption, and purges within the Chinese leadership. It paints a vivid picture of Xi’s ambition to reshape the world order and position China as a dominant global force. Elizabeth Bogert will interview Michael Sheridan.
Michael Sheridan is a seasoned foreign correspondent and journalist with extensive experience covering Asia. He has worked for The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph, providing in-depth analysis and reporting on political and economic developments in the region.
Daniel Swift | The Dream Factory: London’s First Playhouse and the Making of William Shakespeare
‘The Dream Factory’ by Daniel Swift tells the fascinating story of London’s first commercial playhouse, the Theatre, built in 1576 by James Burbage. This playhouse played a crucial role in shaping Shakespeare’s early works and the Elizabethan stage. Swift delves into the lives of the businessmen, carpenters, preachers, and actors involved in the Theatre, providing a vivid account of how Shakespeare honed his craft and became the greatest writer in English. Offering insights into the cultural and economic impact of the Theatre, highlighting its significance as the birthplace of Shakespeare’s masterpieces such as ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Daniel Swift’s narrative brings to life the vibrant world of Elizabethan London and the audiences who first experienced these iconic plays. His earlier work, Bomber County, was long listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize and The Guardian First Book Award.
Daniel Swift is an author and academic who teaches at the New College of Humanities in London.
Hope Wolf | Sussex Modernism
‘Sussex Modernism’ by Hope Wolf is a comprehensive exploration of how artists and writers harnessed the landscapes, cultures, and histories of Sussex to reimagine art and life. The book covers over one hundred years of modernist movements, featuring well-known figures such as Virginia Woolf, Jacob Epstein, David Jones, Gluck, Edward Burra, and Lee Miller, as well as countercultural artists of the 1960s–1980s and regional women artists. The talk intertwines literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, film, photography, textiles, music, and domestic decoration, revealing how these artists promoted psychic and social change through their environments.
Hope Wolf is an academic and author specialising in modern and contemporary art, literature, and culture. She is a Reader in Literature and Visual Culture and co-director of the Centre for Modernist Studies at the University of Sussex.
Iain Dale | Margaret Thatcher: The Prime Ministers Series
‘Margaret Thatcher: The Prime Ministers Series’ by Iain Dale is a concise biography that explores the life and legacy of Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister. The book covers her rise to power in 1979, her role in defeating Communism and winning the Cold War, and her domestic policies that emphasised the limited role of the state and the private sector’s dominance. It aims to introduce Thatcher to new generations and offers a balanced view of her impact on politics. Iain Dale will be interviewed by Edward Vaizey, The Rt Hon. the Lord Vaizey of Didcot.
Iain Dale is an author, broadcaster, and political commentator known for his extensive work on political history and analysis.
Harry Whitehead | White Road
Join us for the talk ‘How to Blow Up an Oil Rig’ where we will dive into the ethical and environmental dilemmas of oil extraction in the Arctic. In ‘White Road’ we meet Ross, the guilt-ridden oil rig owner, who wrestles with the environmental damage caused by his operations. And do not miss Amaruq, the Inuvialuit oil-rig worker, caught between his cultural heritage and the demands of his job.
This gripping and thought-provoking novel offers a critical examination of the oil industry’s role in the climate crisis, all the while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for a wild ride through the icy wilderness, where survival is just the beginning! Harry Whitehead will be in conversation with Eleanor Strain.
Harry Whitehead is Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Leicester.
Emma Healy | Sweat
Emma Healey brings us her third novel, ‘Sweat’, a gripping psychological thriller set in a London gym.
In ‘Sweat’ we follow Cassie, a personal trainer who has escaped a controlling and obsessive relationship. As she rebuilds her life, her ex, Liam, reappears, claiming to be blind. The novel delves into the darker side of fitness, exploring themes of control, revenge, and toxic relationships. Emma will be answering questions about the inspiration and themes of ‘Sweat’. She will discuss her personal connections to the subject matter, including issues around control and the idea of toxic relationships and revenge in fiction. This novel promises to be as thought-provoking and intense as her earlier works, offering readers a deep dive into the psychological intricacies of human relationships. Emma Healy will be in conversation with Sammy Ashby.
Emma Healy is known for her thought-provoking and emotionally resonant works including the internationally acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller, and television-adapted ‘Elizabeth Is Missing’, and ‘Whistle in the Dark.’
Janette Manrara | Tiny Dancer, BIG WORLD: An Inspirational Guide to Fulfilment