Alison Weir is the bestselling historian and novelist who has published almost 40 books, selling more than three million copies worldwide. She writes fiction and non-fiction and has most recently completed the highly acclaimed Six Tudor Queens series about the wives of Henry VIII.
She will be speaking to us about her latest novel, the surprising, compelling and fascinating life of Cardinal Wolsey - scholar, priest and politician, and close friend of Henry VIII.
Born in Ipswich, Wolsey had a modest upbringing but his flair and intelligence was quickly recognised by local schoolteachers and at just eleven years old he was sent to Oxford to study.
He went on to enjoy the world of academia but the church was the route he needed to pursue to achieve the power, wealth and influence he sought and, though he lacked a spiritual calling, he gained patronage from the Archbishop of Canterbury and then a place beside the King.
Wolsey came to be the richest and most powerful man in the land, but all the time he maintained a secret, other life.
Ultimately he was forced to make choices, and came to pay the highest price for his success.
The life and court of Henry VIII never fails to excite and fascinate and this is a fabulous tale of loyalty and friendship, wealth and power, deceit and compromise.
Alison Weir is a passionate and engaging speaker. Come and hear her talk about her research into Thomas Wolsey, her prolific writing schedule, and her desire to excite and inspire us with her biographies of the kings and queens through history.
Alison will be in conversation with Catherine Larner at The Riverside.
Early bird tickets are ?22 (including a copy of 'The Cardinal' RRP ?25) if purchased before 1 April.
After 1 April, tickets are ?25 (including the book). One further ticket may be purchased for ?12.
Please include your surname when booking your ticket - this will be your reference when collecting your book on the night.
