Literary Lunch with Michael Robb

Location: Christopher Wren Dining Room, Ye Olde Watling Pub, 29 Watling Road, London EC4M 9BR

Join us for our next Literary Lunch at the historic Ye Olde Watling pub where we will hear from Michael Robb. A stalwart figure in the bookselling and publishing arena, Michael has experienced first-hand the shifting tides of this well-loved industry over the past 40 years. From successfully running an independent bookshop in Essex for two decades, to transitioning into the publishing domain, his broad network within the book trade gives him a unique insight to the world of books.

Embark on a captivating journey through the ages with Shelf Life, a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing that spans two millennia. This engaging narrative unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who have shaped the literary landscape, from the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos.

As the narrative navigates the ever-evolving terrain of book retail, it delves into the seismic changes of the past forty years and reflects on the current state of the industry, as well as offering insights into the challenges and future opportunities that lie ahead for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century. A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops and the enduring legacy of the written word.

Signed copies of the book will be available on the day.

Georgina Brown is Manager of The Wilbur&Niso Smith Foundation. Before moving to London, Georgina worked in Dorset, Russia and the United States. Georgina is a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow. She holds an Undergraduate degree in Writing, Directing and Performance from The University of York, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy from The University of Leeds. She is a graduate of The Berkshire Hills Internship Program, an intensive arts management program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Prior to life at the Foundation, Georgina has worked in the fundraising ranks of a symphony orchestra and may be the only person to have ever run away from the circus.

The cost of this lunchtime event, which starts at 1.00pm, is just £35 and includes a traditional two-course lunch, as well as the after-lunch interview with Michael Robb and Georgina Brown. We are restricted to 35 attendees, so please book early to avoid disappointment.