From Bomber Command to Sebastian Faulks most poignant novel: Hungerford Bookshop history month

Hungerford Bookshop is hosting a series of events centred on history this month.

First off is the “stunning” book Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain – published today (Thursday) by art historian and printmaker Amy Jeffs, who retells medieval tales of legend and landscape. She visits beautiful, sacred places that include prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge and Wayland’s Smithy. She joins Dr Katy Soar for a discussion on September 7. Ticket holders can pick-up a free matching tote bag and also be in with a chance to win a beautiful limited edition print.

Military history readers will want to attend The Pathfinders two days later, with the author Will Iredale in conversation with acclaimed aviation historian Paul Beaver. The Pathfinders were ordinary men and women from a range of nations who revolutionised the efficiency of the Allies’ air campaign over mainland Europe. They elevated Bomber Command from an impotent force on the cusp of disintegration in 1942 to one capable of razing whole German cities to the ground in a single night.

Next follows two fiction talks both set between the wars. Popular GP and TV presenter Dr Hilary Jones has written Frontline (published today) – the first book in a sensational new series charting the rise of a prominent British medical family in the 20th century. Prescient, moving and introducing a cast of irresistible characters, this pacey, brilliantly told story could be the read of the autumn. You can catch him for a talk and book-signing in an afternoon event next Saturday, September 11.

Bestselling novelist Sebastian Faulks rounds-off the season with a talk about his new book Snow Country on September 23. Historian Anthony Beevor calls it “Faulk’s most poignant love story yet”. This is a landmark novel from one of the greatest writers of his generation. Tickets (which include a copy of the book) are already selling fast.

Events are held at various locations in Hungerford. See www.hungerfordbookshop.co.uk for details and tickets or pop in to the shop on the High Street.