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Delve into the past with Norwich Book Festival

Incredible events that traverse history, from fiction to non-fiction.

Love to learn? History buff? Want to be transported to another time? As part of Norwich Book Festival we have an incredible array of talks, interactive experiences, and readings.

From award-winning biographer Craig Brown with his new biography of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to renowned historian Diarmaid MacCulloch on sex and Christianity, to Hetta Howes on four marvellous medieval women, there are amazing events which bring history to life.

As well as non-fiction, we also have brilliant historical fiction events, including bestselling author Alison Weir with her latest book (tickets selling fast!), Costa winner Andrew Miller, and Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize winner Ferdia Lennon.

Read on for more!

Royal History

  • Alison Weir smiling into camera
    7pm - 8pm

    Alison Weir: Mary I, Tudor Queen

    A tale full of drama and tragedy.

    Under £10
    Fiction
    History
  • book cover with pop art style image of Queen Elizabeth 2nd
    6pm - 7pm

    Elizabeth II: A Queen for Generations

    An unforgettable, fascinating and witty biography.

    Non-fiction
    History

    • Eye-opening Non-Fiction

  • 5pm - 6pm

    Our Island Stories: Colonial Britain & The Countryside

    Take an eye-opening walk through the British countryside.

    Under £10
    Non-fiction
    History
  • British Vogue cover featuring a glamorous black-and-white photograph of a model in an elegant, flowing dress, promoting 'The Biography of an Icon' by Julie Summers.
    5pm - 6pm

    British Vogue: Celebrating an Icon

    The history of fashion's foremost tastemaker.

    Non-fiction
    History
  • 8pm - 9pm

    Diarmaid MacCulloch: Sex and Christianity

    The bestselling historian on his latest book, Lower than the Angels.

    Non-fiction
    History
  • 12noon - 1pm

    Hetta Howes: Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife

    Few medieval women had the chance to write about their lives. But there are four who did...

    Under £10
    Non-fiction
    History
  • 5pm - 6pm

    Tim Clare: The Game Changers

    A history of board games, and how they've changed the world.

    Local Author
    Non-fiction
    Under £10

    • Fascinating Fiction

  • Book cover of Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon featuring an ancient Greek vase design and illustrations of mythological figures on a bright yellow background.
    5pm - 6pm

    Ferdia Lennon: Glorious Exploits

    The ancient world comes roaring to life in this darkly funny prize-winning debut.

    Under £10
    Fiction
    Local Author
    History
  • 3.30pm - 4.30pm

    The Past is Never Entirely Past

    Secrets, skeletons in closets, and hidden histories.

    Fiction
    Under £10
    History
  • man with brown hair looking to camera
    5pm - 6pm

    Andrew Miller: The Land in Winter

    The Big Freeze, 1962, rural England. Two pregnant women are cut off from the rest of the world.

    Fiction
    Under £10
    History

    • Interactive History

  • 6pm - 7.15pm

    A History of Beer

    From pints to pubs, via monks and the Middle East - plus tastings!

    Non-fiction
    History
    Local Author
  • Sun 27 Oct
    6pm - 4pm

    Deception Island

    An immersive experience in an Antarctic hut.

    Fiction
    Local Author
    Under £10
    History