Literary giants head for Liverpool's first festival; 38 world-class writers join in week-long extravaganza.Byline: BY LAURA SHARPE Daily Post StaffLITERARY giants will descend on the city next month for the first Liverpool Literary Festival. Philip Pullman, author of the renowned His Dark Materials His Dark Materials is a trilogy of novels by the fantasy fiction author Philip Pullman, comprising Northern Lights (released as The Golden Compass in North America and published in 1995), The Subtle Knife (1997) and The Amber Spyglass trilogy, will be joined by 38 internationally acclaimed writers during the week-long Shipping Lines Literary Festival. Pullman, who will deliver the festival's opening talk as well as an "in conversation" talk said: "I'm looking forward to visiting Liverpool and picking up some culture. It's always a pleasure to talk about writing and reading to people who are interested in listening." Other famous names include Booker Prize winner A S Byatt, Howard Jacobson and Monica Ali, winner of Newcomer of the Year at the British Book Awards, who will discuss her multi award-winning novel Brick Lane, of a Bangladeshi family's immigrant experiences in Britain. Liverpool heavyweights will play a key part with Frank Cottrell Boyce discussing the transition from book to screen and children's author Tommy Donbavand. Poet and novelist, Simon Armitage, recently shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize for the poetry collection Tyrannosaurus Tyrannosaurus (tīrăn'ōsôr`əs, tĭr–) [Gr.,=tyrant lizard], member of a family, Tyrannosauridae, of bipedal carnivorous saurischian dinosaurs characterized by having strong hind limbs, a muscular tail, and short Rex Versus The Corduroy Kid, will be joined by poets Roger McGough, Brian Patten and Carol Ann Duffy Carol Ann Duffy (born December 23, 1955) is a British poet, playwright and freelance writer born in Glasgow, Scotland. She grew up in Staffordshire and graduated in philosophy from Liverpool University in 1977. Carol Ann Duffy was awarded an OBE in 1995, and a CBE in 2002. at the festival. Mr McGough said: "The festival is a great way of acknowledging Liverpool's literary heritage and welcoming new talent to the city. I will be reading from my work, as well as hosting a session whereby readers can discuss favourite poetry and exchange recommendations." The brainchild of The Reader Organisation for the School of English Various English literature university departments or programs are known as the School of English. Articles on such schools include:
The University was established in 1881 as University College Liverpool, admitting its first students in 1882. , the festival was organised to celebrate to Capital of Culture year. Organisers hope the week of talks and interactive workshops will create a literacy legacy for the city long after the celebrations have ended. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Howard Newby said: "Shipping lines were once the life-blood of this great city. The 'lines' of our title are lines of writing, which carry great ideas, as well as human experience and imagination around the globe." He added: "We've brought a world-class range of writers to Liverpool so you can listen, think, read, talk, argue - but above all enjoy the festival." The festival takes place at venues across the city including the university's Victoria Gallery and Museum, the Bluecoat blue·coat n. A person who wears a blue uniform, especially a police officer. blue  coat and Fact.
Professor Marcus Walsh, head of the university's School of English, said: "We're thrilled to welcome so many renowned writers in Capital of Culture year and hope the festival will inspire those passionate about reading and writing." The festival is open between November 3 and 9. Tickets from the Philharmonic Hall Box Office or online at http://www.liv.ac.uk/literaryfestival laurasharpe@dailypost.co.uk CAPTION(S): Philip Pullman - will appear at this year's Literary Festival; Monica Ali, Newcomer of the Year; Philip Pullman |
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