About this Event
The New Dark Ages: James Marriott in conversation with Henry Oliver
Is the decline of reading the start of a new Dark Ages for Western Civilization? Or are there reasons to be optimistic?
Join Times columnist James Marriott in conversation with Substack writer Henry Oliver for a discussion about the future of literature, literacy, and the fate of the West.
James Marriott's The New Dark Ages is an impassioned attack on the trivial and meaningless culture of the screen and a defence of the written word. Drawing on history and classic works of literature and theory, The New Dark Ages argues that reading and writing are essential for innovation, creativity and critical thinking.
Above all, the culture of print is essential to the functioning of modern democracies which require their citizens to grapple with ideas at length and in depth. And as print dies, we risk returning to the chaos, tribalism, and rage of a pre-literate society.
James Marriott is a Times columnist and the author of The New Dark Ages.
Henry Oliver is a Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center. He writes the popular literary Substack The Common Reader. His book, Second Act, is a study of late blooming talent.
Ticket includes a welcome drink, book signing and a chance to explore Dr Johnson's House.
Doors open & welcome drink 6pm.
Talk starts 6.30pm.
Event ends 8pm.
Please note, we have limited capacity and early booking is recommended.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dr Johnson's House, 17 Gough Square, London, United Kingdom
GBP 27.50
