The Oak Papers - In conversation with James Canton

The Oak Papers

• Booking Essential
• Only 1 ticket required per device regardless of number of viewers in household

In a change to our usual format we will be spending an evening in conversation with James Canton, unpicking an 8 year journey of discovery that led to the writing of his latest book, The Oak Papers. A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week, it is populated with a rich cast of East Anglian characters, from ecologists and psychologists, to wood workers, artists and authors. But the central figure dominating everything is an extraordinary, iconic tree - The 800 year old Honywood Oak. 

With readings and wide ranging discussion we hope to drill down into James' personal relationship with oak trees, and his research into their associated myths, legends and literature down the centuries. There will be time to quiz him with some of your questions so please email us if you want to ask anything.

James Canton has taught the MA in Wild Writing at the University of Essex since its inception in 2009, exploring the fascinating ties between literature, landscape and the environment. His first book From Cairo to Baghdad (2011) explored the writings of British Travellers to Arabia from 1882 to 2003. Out of Essex: Re-Imagining a Literary Landscape (2013) is inspired by rural wanderings in the county. Ancient Wonderings: Journeys into Prehistoric Britain was published by William Collins in 2017 and tells some remarkable tales of life in ancient Britain.

You can buy signed copies of The Oak Papers now at Red Lion Books, Colchester High Street - first come, first served. Please tell them that Colchester Natural History Society sent you! 

https://www.redlionbooks.co.uk/