Preview: The London History Festival

The London History Festival, presented by History Today, Waterstone's and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, runs from November 14th-24th.

Now into its third year, the Festival offers the chance to engage with some of today's finest practitioners of the historian's craft in one of the great world cities, itself rich in history. 

The festival's full programme can be found on the website; here are some highlights:

Love, Sex and War: Jerusalem and Russia

The London History Festival is delighted to welcome back Simon Sebag Montefiore as he talks about the all too human drives of lust, power and violence which have shaped the histories of Jerusalem and Russia.

- Monday 14th November, 7pm, Kensington Central Library

History Girls

Hallie Rubenhold (Mistress of  my Fate), Alex Von Tunzelmann (Red Heat) and Imogen Robertson (Island of Bones) discuss their latest books and women in history, as well as women writing history.

- Tuesday 15th November, 7pm, Waterstone's Kensington

What is History?

Historians Helen Castor (She-Wolves), Roger Moorhouse (Berlin at War) and James Mather (Pashas) talk about their latest books and debate the question: 'What is History?' Join in the debate and discuss how history can still resonate, delight and instruct. This event is in association with the History Today Book Club.

- Monday 21st November, 7pm, Kensington Central Library

How to go to War

Saul David will discuss his new three-part history series for BBC4, How to go to War. How much has warfare changed, or stayed the same, throughout history?

- Tuesday 22nd November, 7pm, Waterstone's Kensington

Charles Dickens - His Life and Times

Acclaimed biographer Claire Tomalin discusses Charles Dickens, the subject of her latest book. She will also talk about her previous works on Pepys, Hardy and Austen.

- Thursday 24th November, 7pm, Kensington Central Libray.

Tickets for each event cost £5 (£3 concessions). You can find out more by visiting the London History Festival website.