Author visits

It’s always exciting to meet authors, and to hear from them about how they get their ideas, how they write, and how they get into print. It’s always interesting to see how different the approach can be from author to author. Wiltshire Libraries aims to run a programme of visits from authors, writers and storytellers throughout the year.

On this page you can find information about:

  • Author visits planned for 2010
  • Wiltshire Words (27th May – 5th June 2010)
  • Author visits that have already happened
  • Other sites of interest

Planned for 2010:

‘Papa Spy: love, faith and betrayal in wartime Spain’ by Jimmy Burns

Warminster Library, Thursday 4th March, 7pm (Tickets £3 from the library)

Ex Financial Times journalist Jimmy Burns talks about the life of his father, Tom, a fascinating character.

In the 1930s Tom Burns was a rising star of British publishing, whose friends and authors included G. K. Chesterton, Evelyn Waugh, and Graham Greene. Among his glittering social circle he had set his heart on the beautiful Ann Bowes-Lyon, cousin of the Queen.

When war was declared in 1939, Burns joined the Ministry of Information, effectively the propaganda wing of the secret services. Sent to Madrid as press attache at the British Embassy, where the Ambassador was the formidable and very Protestant Sir Samuel Hoare, Burns used his faith and his deep love of Spain in the propaganda war against the Nazis, who at the time had pretty much unrestricted access to the Spanish media. Burns' brief was to do all in his power to keep Franco neutral and so protect Gibraltar and access to the western Mediterranean.

The strategy was simple, but the tactics were more complicated, especially when Burns found he had begun to make enemies at home, not least among them Kim Philby and Anthony Blunt, head of the MI6's Iberian section.

“Jimmy Burns brilliantly evokes the shadowy world of dingy cafes, luxury hotels, propaganda, bribery and betrayal in which his father soon became a past master ... Lovers of Spain, lovers of true spy stories and lovers of love itself will adore this enchanting book: Burns junior has served up a feast” -Sunday Telegraph

Wiltshire Words (27th May – 5th June 2010)

On April 15th 2010 we will be launching the programme for Wiltshire Words, a celebration of stories and reading which will run across our libraries between Thursday 27th May and Saturday 5th June. The programme will feature author visits, workshops, children’s activities, walks and an exhibition of art.

We’ve got a fascinating range of talks planned… check back on 15th April for information on the programme and how to book your tickets!

Author visits that have already happened

Other sites of interest

You may also be interested in the programmes for various literature festivals in and around Wiltshire:

Contact Details

Email: libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713727
Postal Address:
Wiltshire Libraries & Heritage HQ
Bythesea Road
County Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8BS
In Person:
Your Local Library

Last updated: 4 March 2010