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Peter Ackroyd Q&A

34 replies

RebeccaMumsnet · 26/08/2011 14:56

To celebrate the release of Peter Ackroyd's anticipated new book, Foundation: A History of England Volume I on 2 September, the award-winning historian and novelist will be answering your questions.

Known for his diverse, inventive writing, Peter is also a poet, broadcaster and biographer. Gaining acclaim for London: The Biography (2000) described as 'this decade's finest work of non-fiction' by The Word, Peter has penned a number of non-fiction historical accounts of London including Illustrated London (2003), Thames: Sacred River (2007) and London Under (2011).

Described as 'the biggest non-fiction project of our times (The Bookseller),' Peter's newest and most ambitious work yet A History of England is the first volume in a six-part account of English history. Chronicling English history from over 15,000 years ago to the first Tudor king Henry VII, Peter weaves vivid narrative with detailed insight describing the food, customs, superstitions and even the jokes of the ordinary people and aristocracy.

We have two pairs of tickets up for grabs for an evening talk with Peter at the Southbank Centre on 8 September and two signed hard-back copies of Foundation to give away. For your chance to win, post your questions for Peter on the thread below before the end of Thursday 1 September and we'll link through to his answers from this page the following week.

Winners will be notified on Friday 2 September.

Foundation: A History of England Volume I will be released in hardback by Pan Macmillan on 2 September 2011 or can be pre-ordered now on Amazon

OP posts:
HerMajestysSecretCervix · 28/08/2011 22:33

Do you have a favourite period of history?

Hardgoing · 27/08/2011 13:21

I love your fiction work as well, Hawksmoor in particular (note to self to read this again). I can never go into Trafalgar Square and see the church there without thinking of your work (and looking at all the gargoyles/signs in them). My question would be: are you at all religious yourself and how do you see the militant atheism of Dawkins in the historical context (if that is not too personal)?

I don't want to win the tickets (not in London) but wish I could!

BiscuitNibbler · 26/08/2011 22:55

I'm abroad on the date in question, so have nothing to win or lose.

I think you are amazing. Love London: The Biography, Thames: Sacred River, Hawksmoor, and am struggling through The Life of Thomas More.

Just wanted to say thank you. I am a bit drunk ('tis Friday night after all) but would appreciate you when sober all the same.

Do you believe the London Stone is the real deal?

GetOrfMoiCarbsClaire · 26/08/2011 20:42

Peter Ackroyd?

How brilliant. Am going to go away and put my brain in gear to think of a question.

pinkthechaffinch · 26/08/2011 19:43

Are we limited to one question only?

If not, this is my preferred question:

Are the themes of fire,civil unrest and disorder which occur in your interpretation of London's history reflective of aspects of your own personality?

Tenebrist · 26/08/2011 18:20

I'm unlikely to be make it to the Southbank on the 8th because I don't live in the UK. However, being an expat gives you an interesting perspective on the country you come from by comparison with where you live. How would you assess the British attitude to their own history and their own country? Is it overly idealistic or fairly realistic?

I think there is an enormous emphasis on the past in GB, even in popular culture, by comparison with other European countries. TV is packed with historical dramas and archaeology programmes, for instance. Yet at the same time the UK has been quick to change many core aspects of its society during the process of deregulation, suggesting that this interest in the past does not hinder 'progress'. What role has people's attitude to history played in these changes, if any?

Ungratefulchild · 26/08/2011 16:53

What's your favourite area of London?

pinkthechaffinch · 26/08/2011 16:20

What's your favourite wine? Wine Wink

wearingpurple · 26/08/2011 15:26

Brilliant competition! Here's my question for Mr Ackroyd:

During this month's rioting and looting I was reminded of your London biography, in which much was made of London's barely suppressed violent and semi-anarchic 'spirit'. How would you frame the recent unrest within the context of London history?