Paul MM Cooper: How Our Civilisations Fall

When great powers fall, what do they leave behind – and are we next? Join acclaimed historian, novelist and podcast sensation Paul MM Cooper for a haunting, immersive journey through the rise and fall of human civilisations – drawn from his international hit podcast and brilliant new book Fall of Civilisations.

From the collapse of the Bronze Age to Byzantium’s final flame, from the vast reach of the Khmer Empire to the silence of Easter Island, Cooper asks: what causes civilisations to crumble – and what remains in the rubble?

As global powers like the US and Russia test the limits of dominance, and the climate crisis strains our systems to breaking point, the fall of Empire no longer feels like ancient history. This is not just a story of endings, but of memory, resilience and the human spirit –and of the ordinary people left behind when leaders go too far and towers fall.

Presented in the year marking 100 years since the death of archaeologist SE Winbolt – who helped uncover Folkestone’s own Roman legacy – this event is a powerful meditation on what we build, what we destroy, and the traces we leave for those who come next.

This event will be chaired by Dr Lesley Hardy. Lesley is Director of Timelocked Heritage and Reader Emeritus in public history at Canterbury Christ Church University. She leads Folkestone’s acclaimed Pioneering Places project and has been instrumental in reviving local heritage through creative storytelling. As an Anglican priest, she inspires connection between people, place and the deep rhythms of history.

Please note: this event lasts for one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase the book upstairs in The Clearing and have it signed by the author

FIND OUT MORE

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.

We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.

And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.

There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.

We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.

We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.