Thomas Hardy in London: Mark Ford and Seamus Perry

Mark Ford talks about his latest book, 'Thomas Hardy: Half a Londoner' with Seamus Perry.
Find out more about London Review Bookshop events: lrb.me/events
ABOUT THE LONDON REVIEW BOOKSHOP
Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, just a Rosetta Stone’s throw from the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop has established itself as an essential part of the capital’s cultural life. Opened in 2003 by the London Review of Books, it’s a place for people who love books to meet, talk, drink excellent tea and coffee, consume delicious cake, and of course, browse.
Our selection of more than 20,000 titles ranges from the classics of world literature to the cutting edge of contemporary fiction and poetry, not forgetting a copious display of history, politics, philosophy, cookery, essays and children’s books. And our lovely shop, designed by Amanda Culpin of utility provides the perfect setting in which to explore them all.
THE CAKE SHOP
Surrounded by books and fragrant with tea, the London Review Cake Shop is the modern answer to London’s long-lost literary coffee-houses. Accessed through the Bookshop via a corridor in the history section, the Cake Shop offers a small but vibrant menu, a wide selection of fine teas and a superior espresso. Above all, it provides a haven for reading and reflection.
The London Review Bookshop and Cake Shop are open Monday- Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. The Bookshop is also open on Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
14 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL. Tel. [phone].

[@rhonataylor85]

I think Mark overstates Hardy’s “low” social origins. He came from the skilled artisan/small business owner class. His father was an employer of men and a talented musician. Both his sisters became teachers - one a headmistress. In the finely-differentiated Victorian scale he was certainly not”very poor” or indeed a peasant.

[@purpledanny1958]

Mark is such an eloquent, erudite and exact speaker! Remarkable!

[@iestynovich]

Um...er...um...erm....er...you must be listening to another Mark here.

[@dereksamueldani4762]

Productive project .

[@martinkennedy2400]

...what self-indulgence
and self-importance
thus London
literati

[@xaviercrain7336]

Does Tooting ever get a good wrap…Hardy and Christie