Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights
INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP OF THE YEAR 2008 British Book Industry Awards
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Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP OF THE YEAR 2008 British Book Industry Awards |
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Some highlights from past events at Mr B's February 2010 Jon McGregor Mr B's was proud to be the host of a rare bookshop event from the The booker nominated author of "If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things". Jon gave an atmospheric reading from his latest novel "Even the Dogs", a frank portrait of life on the fringes of society, to a jam-packed shop. The haunting readings were followed by a very lively question and answer session, during which one fan impressively predicted many of Jon's favourite authors and influences.
January 2010 Jasper Fforde The B team and a mass of Fforde fans gathered at the Guidhall's Brunswick Room to hear Jasper introduce the first of a new series of novels "Shades of Grey" set in Chromatica, a land where only black and white is visible as standard and social standing depends on the other colours you can see. A comical Q&A session included Jasper explaining the origin of his unique "updates" to his books via his website - his unique way of spinning and having fun with editorial errors.
John Abbot Many of the city's educators and other interested parties came along to Mr B's to hear John say a few words about his new book "Overschooled but Undereducated" and to engage in some lively debate over the state of the British education system and the right way forward.
November 2009 Second Annual Miles Kington Evening For the second year running we held a sell-out event at the BRLSI to celebrate the posthumous publication of some of Miles' hilarious writings. Caroline Kington chaired the evening again and Dr Phil Hammond, Isobel Brook and Stephanie Cole read from the new collection "The Best by Miles" featuring some of the funniest of Miles' columns, articles and book extracts.
Susan Hill In this rare event Susan introduced the audience at Mr B's to her new book which follows her year of re-reading books already owned - Howard's End is on the Landing. Plenty of debate followed about the merits of the books on Susan's list of 40 all-time favourites and we also got to hear from Susan's daughter (novelist Jessica Ruston) about a childhood growing up in a house of books!
Brian Elwell We held a lovely launch for Bath-based artist Brian Elwell's new book of portraits of local and national figures from John Simpson to novelist Sebastian Faulks. Brian also brought along the video loop of his most remarkable meeting of all and the source for one of his most striking canvases, his encounter with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
October 2009 The Illustrated Pevsner A large crowd of Bath's community of architects, preservationists, historians and other interested guests gathered in the perfect setting of the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel to help us celebrate the publication of the first full illustrated edition of Pevsner's "An Outline of European Architecture". We heard about the book's importance and impact from Peter Clegg (founding partner of Feilden Clegg Bradley), Michael Forsyth (author of the book's new postscript and preface) and from our guest of honour Nikolaus Pevsner's son, Dieter.
Sara Wheeler Armed only with the penis bone of a Walrus and a mindful of anecdotes from her recent Arctic travels, Sara Wheeler gave a fascinating talk to a full-house on every aspect of Arctic life, including thoughts on recent environmental changes. The most gobsmacking fact that I took away from a talk full of tales of the extreme Arctic conditions, was the mention of temperatures of -72.11°C in the Chukotka region of Siberia. That's so cold that trees explode and your breath freezes soon after leaving your mouth so that you then hear it tinkling to the ground!
Carrie Etter and Janet Sutherland - Poetry Double-Header Wiltshire-born poet Janet Sutherland began the evening by reading poems from her new collection "Hangman's Acre. She was followed by Carrie Etter who read poems from her brand new pamphlet "The Son" which days earlier had been chosen by the Poetry Book Society as their chosen pamphlet for Winter 2009, and which had poet and audience alike choked up with emotion.
Gerard Woodward - "Caravan Thieves"
Bath Spa lecturer Gerard Woodward entertained a full house (of students and non-students alike) with 'Firemen'; one of the stories from his new collection - a story that includes the highly logical question "Why aren't they called Watermen?". A lively question and answer session followed in which we were offered an insight into how Gerard constructs his short stories.
Patrick Gale - "Gentleman's Relish"
In his second appearance at Mr B's Patrick Gale read from his wonderful new collection "Gentleman's Relish" to a packed audience, and answered questions on writing short stories and the ever-popular 'Notes on an Exhibition'. Patrick, Mr B and guests also enjoyed a pot of Gentleman's Relish - the saltiest nibble on earth!
September 2009 Mari Strachan - "The Earth Hums in B Flat"
Debut novelist Mari Strachan gave a lively reading from her child detective story set in Wales and told us about how writing the first chapter of her novel in the style of different authors allowed her to realise her own sense of style. Mari also brought along a selection of her favourite reads, including 'On the Black Hill by Bruce Chapman, and Ishiguro's 'Remains of the Day'.
June 2009 Damian and Siobhan Horner - "For Better, For Worse: For Richer for Poorer"
May 2009 Steve Toltz - "A Fraction of the Whole"
At an event taking place in one of our favourite external venues, The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute on Queen's Square, the Australian author Steve Toltz read from and answered questions about his booker-shortlisted novel - one of the inaugural entrants into Mr B's own Hall of Fame.
March 2009 Ross Raisin - "God's Own Country"
An audience that included many already-converted fans of Ross' inspired debut novel "God's Own Country" gathered to hear not just a reading but a genuine performance as Ross dug out his broadest Yorkshire accent to narrate the dark but often humorous tale of the troubled Sam Marsdyke.
February 2009 Laurence Shorter - "The Optimist"
As the perfect antidote to all all the depressing credit-crunch talk, we invited Laurence Shorter to come and discuss his widely praised book "The Optimist" in which he looks at the concept of optimism and travels the world to seek out some of the most optimistic people (from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Mick Jagger) and gets right to the core of this most vital of philosophies.
January 2009 Caroline Harris "Ms Harris' Book of Green Household Management" We hosted a very lively launch party for the release of Caroline Harris' very topical new guide to all things useful and green - Ms Harris' Book of Green Household Management, published by John Murray. A beautifully produced book which is exactly the book everyone needs on their kitchen shelf to refer to time and time again.
September 2008
Debut-novelist Jennie Rooney gave her first reading from the much-hailed (and Radio 4 featured) "Inside the Whale" at Mr B's on Thursday 18th September as part of our ongoing "Rising Talents" sequence of events. Jennie cleverly fielded a barrage of questions not just about characterisation and the inspiration for the book, but also on how to go about writing a novel in your lunchbreak. Jennie wrote her novel whilst working as a lawyer in London and has now given up the law to write full-time, and judging by audience enthusiasm and admiration for her career path, employers of Bath should be on their guard.
The autumn season that followed our expansion to a new third floor in Summer 2008, was kicked off by one our favourite young British novelists, Bethan Roberts reading from "A Good Plain Cook". One of the Mr B's book groups had already read her first, and notably more sinister, novel "The Pools", but on Thursday 11th September Bethan was here to read from her recently published second novel. Through a wonderful reading and a great question and answer session Bethan introduced us all to Ellen Steinberg - a character based on Peggy Guggenheim - and the book's real star, Kitty Allen, the local girl who answers Ellen's advertisement to become the good plain cook of the book's title.
[Apologies for some glaring omissions whilst we update this section of the site]
October 2007
We had a very busy events line-up for the early Autumn. First up was Booker-prize winner Yann Martel who drew a huge crowd to the Elwin Room at BRSLI as he came to introduce a lavish new special illustrated edition of his masterpiece "Life of Pi" and to answer many, many questions about his intriguing work -like, "what was with the meercats?".
We then launched local author Caroline Kington's second novel "A Summerstoke Affair" to a merry crowd as well as Kirsten Elliott's "Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in Bath" along with her and Andrew Swift's "Somerset Pubs". We were also joined by Bath Spa Uni professor Tessa Hadley as she read from her latest novel "Master Bedroom" and then had a great time tasting cider and organic apples in celebration of Apple Day as Sue Clifford and Angela King discussed their gorgeous new book "The Apple Source Book".
September 2007
We hosted a large crowd to a fascinating talk in the Elwin Room at BRSLI on the story of the struggle to win the rights and freedoms we enjoy in the West and how relevant this is to today, when these are gradually being eroded in the face of the "war against terror" and the rise of fundamentalism.
Robert Twigger - Reading from his new travel book "Lost Oasis" - August 2007 Modern-day adventurer Robert Twigger laid down his snake catching kit to follow in the footsteps of seasoned explorers in search of lost oasis.
Patrick Gale - Introducing his new novel "Notes from An Exhibition" - Thursday 19th July 2007 Another packed house came to hear the charismatic Patrick read from his new book.
Caroline Carver - Launch of her latest thriller "Gone Without Trace" - Thursday 12th July 2007 We had people pouring out onto the street for the launch of Caroline's latest book. A great night and thanks to all who came along to celebrate.
Julia Hailes - New Green Consumer Guide - Thursday 21st June 2007 Julia gave us a very lively and informative talk on all things environmental, introducing us to her new book "The New Green Consumer Guide", fully updated and packed with useful tips and a great green reference for all. Mr B's was One Year Old on that day too and Blackstones baked us a heavenly "Green" cake (i.e. with peppermint icing!)
Matthew Kneale - When We Were Romans - Wednesday 6th June 2007 We were honoured to have Matthew to give the first ever reading from his much anticipated new novel "When We Were Romans". He gave us an interesting insight into how he went about writing from the point of view of a 9 year old boy.
Maureen Freely - Enlightenment - Wednesday 18th April 2007 To another sell-out crowd, Maureen read to us from her new novel "Enlightenment", a fiercely intelligent, political thriller set in modern day Turkey, where no-one knows who to trust anymore. She also gave us an insight into life growing up in Turkey, her translations of works by Orhan Pamuk and on the current day political situation in Turkey.
Tom Hodgkinson - How to be Free - Thursday 15th February 2007 To a sell-out crowd, Tom gave an incredibly interesting talk on how to free ourselves from the shackles modern day life binds us in. Drawing on medieval thinkers, US beats, British punks and all manner of writers and thinkers, his approach of starting to control our own time and money in an over-consumer based society was refreshing stuff indeed. From learning to play the Ukulele, making your own bread, not signing up to direct debit and breaking free from supermarkets he is striking a chord with many and we were lucky indeed to have him come to our "proper" shop (his words, not ours!). Thank you Tom and to all - be idle and be free.
Kate Lee - Touch and feel Santa kids' event - Saturday 9th December 2006 Kate read from her very fun Christmas Santa touch and feel book and brought in some Christmas tree cards and lots of glittery bits for the kids to stick on. Great fun and a big hit with the kids.
Jeremy Seal - Reading from and discussing his book history/travelogue "Santa: A life" - Thursday 7th December 2006 Jeremy gave a very engaging introduction to his book on the history of Santa and all the traditions that surround one of the world's most famous icons - from his origins as a Byztantine monk to the present day big fat man in red who comes down the chimney bearing gifts, we found out everything from where the reindeer and sleigh came from and why he's dressed in red to how he links in with Father Christmas. Very entertaining and a great question and answer session too. Thanks Jeremy.
Seeing in the Ski Season - Launch of "The Art of Skiing" by Jenny de Gex - Thursday 23rd November 2006 This gorgeous coffee-table book celebrates the art of the vintage ski posters from 1870 to 1950s. The author Jenny de Gex, a local lady, came to sign copies and partake of the warming mulled wine and divine Austrian nibbles provided by Hansel & Gretel (on Margaret's Buildings). It was fun and festive and we managed to steam up our windows, such was the crowd!
Jeremy Bowen - Wednesday 15th November 2006 We were honoured to have Jeremy Bowen come to speak about his memoirs of life as a BBC war correspondent which he's written about in a new book "War Stories". He gave an extremely honest and open presentation to a packed room at the Guildhall followed by dozens of questions on everything from his favourite war-time movies to his opinions on the current situation in the Middle East.
Shakespeare, Gunpowder & Plot - Wednesday 1 November 2006 Authors Alice Hogge and Claire Asquith gave us an intriguing look behind the scenes of the gunpowder plot and at the hidden code and politics in Shakespeare. Extremely interesting and lively question and answer session. Perfect for a pre-Guy Fawkes night!
Afternoon Tea and Book Signing - Mr & Mrs Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen - Wednesday 18th October 2006 The perfectly-tailored gurus of style arrived looking immaculate to sign their book "A Pinch of Posh - A Beginner's Guide to Being Civilised". They were as charismatic as you'd expect and were, frankly, perfectly charming. Even the Mayor of Bath came along (as a big LLB fan!). A few signed copies still available at the shop but are going like gateaux chauds! Call 01225 331155 to buy one or email books@mrbsemporium.com.
To see what the Bath Chronicle had to say, click here Here are some shots of the event. For the very fabulous photo of Vlashka with the LLBs, click here.
Launch of Mr B's Booktastic Hour for Kids - Saturday 23rd September 2006 With the lovely Joanna Nadin - author of the fun and gory pirate adventure book "Jake Jellicoe and the Dread Pirate Redbeard". A fun reading, some colouring-in of pirate ships and treasure maps and then a great big lucky pirate dip into Mr B's bath! Of course Vlashka also got right into the spirit of things with her pirate bandana.
Miles Kington - 31st August 2006 Hot on his wife's tail, broadcaster and writer Miles Kington came to Mr B's on 31st August to give a hilarious talk on how not to believe anything you read in autobiographies! and introduced his book "Someone like me" newly out in paperback - a kind of spoof autobiography. Click here to buy his book/see a review.
Caroline Kington - 17th August 2006 Local author Caroline came in on 17th August to read from her great new debut novel "A Tangled Summer" and fielded an array of questions from readers. Click here to buy her book/see a review.
Christopher Wakling - 3rd August 2006 Crime writer Christopher Wakling graced Mr B's on 3rd August to read from his third novel "The Undertow". It went extremely well and he signed a bunch more books for us, so you can still buy signed copies in store or online (please specify you want a signed copy).
Official Launch - Kathy Lette We were honoured to have the flamboyant and fabulous Kathy Lette officially open our shop on 1st July 2006 and sign copies of her latest novel "How to kill your husband (and other handy household hints)". She was a great hit and opened the shop in style! You can see the article about the opening in the Bath Chronicle by clicking here.
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Ó Mr B 's Emporium Limited 14-15 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 6.30pm ( 01225 33 11 55 Email: books@mrbsemporium.com |
Husband
and wife authoring duo Damian and Siobhan Horner arrived at Mr B's
complete with slide show kit and audio accompaniments and proceeded to
inspire their audience with their tale of upping sticks and slowing down
their life by pootling along the canals and rivers of France in their
converted fishing boat. 
Professor
A.C.Grayling - discussing his new book "Towards the Light" - September
2007
