Self-Help from the Middle Ages

Monday 18 May, 19:00

What can a 12th-century monk teach us about burnout, envy or despair? In this illuminating conversation historian Peter Jones explores the surprising relevance of medieval thinking to modern life, based on his new book Self-Help from the Middle Ages: A Journey into the Medieval Mind. Through poems, paintings, confessions, literature and unpublished manuscripts, Peter reveals a rich and humane moral psychology that speaks powerfully to contemporary concerns.

JLF London 2026: The Jaipur Literature Festival

Saturday 06 June, 10:30

A convivial weekend not to be missed as JLF returns to the British Library for its 13th edition. The Library once again comes into colourful life, with talks, panels and more across three venues, as speakers and writers from around the world discuss everything from art to literature, history to science, food to film, international politics to sustainability. Featuring Maya Jaggi, William Dalrymple, Nikita Gill and more.

Food Season Big Weekend

Saturday 13 June, 11:15

The much-loved British Library Food Season returns with the Big Weekend – two days of culinary conversations with leading chefs and cooks, food writers, historians and more. We delve into Ireland’s rich culinary traditions, celebrate Southern American food through the enduring legacy of Edna Lewis, explore curries through a journey around the world, and so much more. Featuring Ruthie Rogers, Andi Oliver, Simon Russell Beale, Felicity Cloake, Aji Akokomi and more.