Do you remember the first time you fell in love with a book? Maybe you tumbled down a rabbit hole, flew out of your bedroom window, or found the key to a secret garden. And in the silence of that moment, your whole life changed forever. The stories we read as children are indelible in our memories; reaching far beyond our childhoods, they are a window into our deepest hopes, joys and anxieties.

They reveal our past — collective and individual, remembered and imagined — and invite us to dream up different futures. In a pioneering history of the children’s literary canon, The Haunted Wood reveals the magic of childhood reading, from the ancient tales of Aesop, through the Victorian and Edwardian golden age to new classics. Excavating the complex lives of our most beloved writers, Sam Leith offers a humane portrait of a genre and celebrates the power of books to inspire and console entire generations.

Sam Leith is the literary editor of The Spectator and is a regular contributor to many publications. His books include 'You Talkin' To Me?: Rhetoric from Aristotle to Trump and beyond, Write To The Point and Our Times in Rhymes.

Good to know

• All events will start promptly at the advertised time. Please get to the tent in good time. That way, you won't be in a rush, and we'll be able to get everyone seated comfortably.
• Please print/download to your phone your e-ticket! You will be given a wristband on arrival but for individual events your ticket will be required for entry into the tent.
• This event is suitable for people aged 12 and up.
• Yes, all the writers will have books for sale! And yes, you can get your copies signed!
• Your ticket grants you access to the grounds of Mannington (over the whole weekend). Find out about the gardens, walks and wildlife on offer by visiting manningtongardens.co.uk
• For more information on transport, accommodation, disabled access, food and more please visit manningtonbookbash.co.uk
• Any questions? Email contact@thebookhive.co.uk or phone 01603 219268
  
• Please note — refunds for this event will not be available after Sunday 1st September