Calling all literature lovers

9:21am Tuesday 25th March 2008

Literature lovers everywhere will be spoilt for choice at The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival, which arrives next Monday.

Now in its 12th year, the week-long event features a wide range of speakers from novelists, historians and journalists to politicians, cooks and gardeners.

Representing the world of fiction are top writers ranging from Louis de Bernieres, Melvyn Bragg, Stella Duffy, Sebastian Faulks, Oona King, Hanif Kureishi, Ben Okri, Lionel Shriver and Fay Weldon. Biography and memoirs are also high on the agenda. Diana Athill exposes her life in Somewhere Towards The End, while Clariss Eden, wife of the late premier Anthony Eden, looks back over her experiences.

Douglas Hurd will also present his biography of Robert Peel, while Oona King opens The Oona King Diaries.

In current affairs, Jonathan Powell gives his long-awaited account of the Northern Ireland peace process, while Martin Bell offers The Truth That Sticks: New Labour's Breach Of Trust. Dragon's Den guru Peter Jones will also reveal the secrets of the path to wealth.

Food fans can see Pat Chapman, author of The New Curry Bible, at an Indian cookery demonstration, while John Harris will lead a whisky tasting.

Gardening enthusiasts can meet Monty Don, author of Around The World In 80 Gardens, which accompanies his popular BBC series.

Youngsters can enjoy a reading from Philip Pullman, who will launch Once Upon A Time In The North, the new His Dark Materials episode, while Charlie Higson introduces his new Young Bond book.

There's even an opportunity to meet the writers of Doctor Who, as well as a real-life Dalek.

The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival runs from Monday, March 31 to Sunday, April 6 at various venues. Details: 0870 343 1001, www.sundaytimes-oxfordliteraryfestival.co.uk or www.ticketsoxford.com

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