Who was Jan Morris?
The journalist who joined the 1953 Everest expedition and broke the news of its first successful ascent to the world. The historian whose Pax Britannica trilogy reshaped our understanding of the British Empire. The travel writer whose books inspired generations to see places differently. And the author of Conundrum, the groundbreaking memoir that documented her gender transition with extraordinary courage and honesty.
Award-winning travel writer, biographer and broadcaster Sara Wheeler discusses Jan Morris: A Life, her portrait of one of the twentieth century’s most original literary figures. Drawing on unprecedented access to Morris’s papers, family and friends, Wheeler explores a life defined by adventure, curiosity and reinvention.
Rich with literary insight and remarkable stories, this is a chance to rediscover a writer whose reflections on place, identity and belonging remain as powerful and relevant as ever.
This event will be chaired by Simon Richmond, an award-winning travel writer, editor and photographer who has spent more than 30 years criss-crossing the globe, usually taking the scenic route. With over 150 guidebooks and non-fiction titles under his belt, his adventures have taken him from Britain to Hong Kong overland, across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway and from Folkestone to Istanbul in the footsteps of the legendary Orient Express. When he’s not plotting his next expedition, he edits the Folkestone Foghorn. With a passport full of stories and an appetite for adventure, Simon is in excellent company with Sara Wheeler as they explore the remarkable life of Jan Morris, the legendary travel writer who accompanied the historic 1953 Everest expedition, broke the news of its successful summit to the world and went on to make the entire globe her literary playground.
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Events last one hour unless otherwise stated, followed by a book signing in The Clearing. Our official bookseller is Waterstones.
Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of stories, ideas and conversation by the sea. Curated by novelist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s festival brings together more than 60 events across two weeks, welcoming world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to Folkestone.
Discover another event, browse the bookshop, explore Folkestone’s vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, bars and galleries, and share the experience with a friend. The best festivals are as much about the conversations between events as those on stage.
The Festival is part of Folkestone is a Library, our ambitious town-wide celebration of reading, writing and storytelling, helping make Folkestone one of the UK’s most exciting literary destinations.
We believe great conversations should be for everyone, which is why every event includes a £5 Cost of Living Ticket, available with no questions asked.
Please help us spread the word. Together, we’re building a thriving community of readers, writers and curious minds.
Folkestone Book Festival is proudly supported by Eurotunnel, Canterbury Christ Church University, Holiday Extras, and the Friends of Folkestone Book Festival. Creative Folkestone is supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Saga. Founding Funder The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.