Beyond words

An English Literature expert from Edge Hill University has been invited to speak at a star-studded event in London this month.

Dr Rob Spence, Associate Head of the Department of English and History, is a guest at the Beyond Words Festival at University College School.

The institution was founded by University College London and is one of the Eton Group of independent schools. The diverse Beyond Words event combines famous faces from the arts with high profile guests knowledgeable about subjects ranging from food to current affairs. The festival has become famous in recent years for the celebrities it attracts – previous speakers include the author Zadie Smith, actor Rupert Everett, Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc and the Olympic rowing star Matthew Pinsent.

This year’s event features more than 60 speakers including the actress Juliette Stevenson, journalist and former MP Martin Bell, the third Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo and Professional Masterchef winner Marianne Lumb.

Dr Spence is a specialist in modern and contemporary literature and has been invited to speak about Louis de Bernières, famed for his novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

Dr Spence said: “The organisers had seen a student guide I had written about de Bernières and, as Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is now a perennial A-level text, they felt it would be an appropriate subject, given the event’s school context.

“I plan to talk about the author as a literary figure, as well as about the book.”

Dr Spence’s guide to de Bernières is due to be published this month. It is aimed at A-level and first year undergraduate students.

"It's exciting to be working on a writer who continues to produce new and thought-provoking work,” added Dr Spence. “De Bernières occupies a unusual place in the literary landscape as a producer of high quality literary fiction, whilst at the same time having enormous popular appeal."

Beyond Words takes place from 9 to 13 November 2009. Visit http://www.ucs.org.uk for more details.