Literary festival celebrates life of Milton

2:52pm Thursday 1st May 2008

LITERATURE lovers are set to descend upon Bucks in a fortnight, for this year's Chalfont St Giles and Jordans Literary Festival.

As 2008 marks 400 years since John Milton's birth, this year's event is entirely devoted to the 17th Century poet, who came to live in Chalfont St Giles in 1665.

Among this year's invited guests are current Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, (see above) as well as Milton biographer Anna Beer, who arrives at Chalfont St Giles Parish Church on Monday, May 12.

Other aspects of Milton's life will also be brought into focus by historian Janet Murphy, who will discuss gardens in the age of Milton on Tuesday, May 13, while fashion historian Avril Hart will talk about costumes of the 17th Century on Wednesday, May 14, both at the Reading Room, High Street.

Sky At Night presenter Dr Chris Lintott will also speak about Milton's interest in astronomy on Friday, May 16, while Professor Tom Luxon will discuss Milton's personal relationships. Rounding off the festival, Dr Sharon Achinstein will give an overview of Milton's life on Sunday, May 18.

There are also storytelling and poetry workshops for youngsters, including a visit from children's author Nicholas Halliday on Saturday, May 17.

The Chalfont St Giles and Jordans 2008 Literary Festival takes place from Monday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18, at various venues. Details: 01494 873966 or www.chalfontstgilesliteraryfestival.org

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