Bath Events and Reading Groups
In this beautiful Georgian city we host all sorts of literary occasions from reading groups to large events. We are home to a vibrant all year round event programme, culminating every year in our Autumn Literary Festival which runs from September through to the end of November.
Fern Green and Lunch Well
Monday 9th June, 7pm
Lunch Well is an efficient new guide to bringing a spark to your midday meal.A Talk, Demo & Tastings with Bath food writer, Fern Green and …
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Helen Carr for Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century
Tuesday 10th June, 7pm
We are thrilled to welcome bestselling author and historian Helen Carr to Bath for her new book, Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century.Helen …
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Indie Press Reading Group
Tuesday 10th June, 7pm
The Indie Press Reading Group series aims to spotlight experimental and exciting new novels from some of the most prolific UK independent publishers. In June, the …
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Natalia Rudin @natsnourishments Cooking Fast & Slow
Wednesday 11th June, 7pm
Easy, Comforting, (Mostly) Plant-based Recipes for Busy PeopleDemo & TastingsCooking Fast and Slow is the much anticipated first book from Natalia Rudin, chef and creative behind …
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The Gayest Love Story Ever Told: Jeremy Atherton Lin for Deep House
Thursday 12th June, 7pm
'In writing that is both lyrical and informative, this book also manages to be bold and sexy' SHON FAYEIt's 1996, and Jeremy, a young American, has …
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Sunday Walk: On Foot in Bath
Sunday 15th June, 11am
Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott are the founders of Akeman Press and the leading historians on the city of Bath. Join them for a walk to …
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World Literature Reading Group
Sunday 15th June, 7pm
Our World Literature Reading Group aims to showcase literature written outside of the anglophone world. On our journey we will make a variety of stops in …
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Agnes Lidbeck for Supporting Act
Tuesday 17th June, 7pm
Join us for an evening with Agnes Lidbeck to celebrate her new novel, Supporting Act, in partnership with Bath-based publisher Peirene Press. Agnes will also be …
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Helen Lewis for The Genius Myth
Wednesday 18th June, 7pm
Join Helen Lewis, author of Sunday Times bestseller Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights, to celebrate her new book: The Genius Myth.Helen will …
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Jose Pizarro for The Spanish Pantry
Thursday 19th June, 7pm
The 'Godfather of Spanish Food', Jose Pizarro returns to Bath to chat and cook from his brand new, fresh take on home-cooked Spanish food. Never before …
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Katie Kitamura for Audition
Friday 20th June, 7pm
'An original' RACHEL KUSHNER'Gorgeously disquieting' HERNAN DIAZ'One of our most brilliant writers' LAUREN GROFFOne woman, the performance of a lifetime. Or two. An exhilarating, destabilising novel …
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Jane Austen's 250th: An Austen Walk with Akeman Press
Sunday 22nd June, 11am
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, we are hosting a week of literary events for books on and about the great author!To round …
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Jane Austen's 250th: Gill Hornby for The Elopement
Monday 23rd June, 7pm
'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.'To celebrate the 250th …
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Olia Hercules for Strong Roots: A Ukrainian Family Story through War, Exile and Hope
Monday 23rd June, 7pm
A discussion on Food & Conflict with delicious Eastern European tasters from the cookbooks of Olia Hercules & Alissa Timoshkina.'It is the roots that keep the …
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Jane Austen's 250th: Jane Austen's Wardrobe with Hilary Davidson
Tuesday 24th June, 7pm
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, we are hosting a week of literary events for books on and about the great author!Hilary Davidson …
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Ottolenghi's Sami Tamimi with Boustany: Palestinian Vegetarian Cookery
Tuesday 24th June, 7pm
Demo, Talk & TastingsSami Tamimi was born in Jerusalem. He became head chef of Lilith, one of the top restaurants in Tel Aviv, before moving to …
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Jane Austen's 250th: An Austen Walk with Akeman Press
Wednesday 25th June, 11am
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, we are hosting a week of literary events for books on and about the great author!To round …
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Jane Austen's 250th: John Mullan asks What Matters in Jane Austen?
Wednesday 25th June, 7pm
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, we are hosting a week of literary events for books on and about the great author!John Mullan …
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An Evening with V. E. Schwab: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
Wednesday 25th June, 7pm
Join us for an evening with beloved fantasy author V.E. Schwab to discuss her latest novel, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. Please note that …
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Jane Austen's 250th: Kathryn Sutherland on Austen in 41 Objects
Thursday 26th June, 7pm
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, we are hosting a week of literary events with the most brilliant Austen scholars and writers celebrating …
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Jane Austen's 250th: Caroline Sanderson for Jane Austen ~ The Life of a Literary Titan
Friday 27th June, 7pm
Caroline Sanderson began her career as a bookseller, and later worked in publishing publicity before becoming an author and journalist. Since 2000 she has compiled the …
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Melissa Febos for The Dry Season: Finding Pleasure in a Year Without Sex
Friday 27th June, 7pm
Melissa Febos, the national bestselling author of Whip Smart, Abandon Me, Girlhood and Body Work, comes to the bookshop in celebration of her new book The …
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Jane Austen's 250th: An Austen Walk with Akeman Press
Sunday 29th June, 11am
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, we are hosting a week of literary events for books on and about the great author!To round …
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Queer Voices Reading Group
Sunday 29th June, 7pm
This Pride Month, we will be discussing Melissa Febos' 2021 title Abandon Me, which explores her toxic relationship with another woman.By booking onto this month's session, …
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An Evening with Autumn Woods to celebrate Nightshade
Monday 30th June, 7pm
Join us for an evening with local author, Autumn Woods, to celebrate the publication of Nightshade! Unfortunately, due to unforeseeable circumstances, Talia Hibbert is no longer …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 1st July, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! At 10:00am, Claud will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately 45 minutes.Tiny Tales …
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An Evening with Fredrik Backman
Tuesday 1st July, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome bestselling author of Anxious People and A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman, to Bath for his new novel, My Friends.Fredrik Backman …
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Oliver Basciano for Outcast: A History of Leprosy, Humanity and the Modern World
Tuesday 1st July, 7pm
A revelatory history of humanity - spanning thousands of years and ranging across the world - told through the lens of a misunderstood disease.'Remarkable . . …
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Francesca Segal for Island Calling
Wednesday 2nd July, 7pm
'A much-needed escape, I warmly recommend this beauty' Nigella LawsonJoin us in celebrating the wonderful second instalment in the Tuga trilogy, Island Calling with Francesca Segal …
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Flavour Heroes with Gurdeep Loyal
Thursday 3rd July, 7pm
Gurdeep makes things simple: he shows that with a well-stocked pantry and an open mind, ingredients can transport you anywhere you want to go. This book …
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Sam Dalrymple for Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia
Thursday 3rd July, 7pm
A history of modern South Asia told through five partitions that reshaped it.As recently as 1928, a vast swathe of Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, …
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Jane Austen's 250th: Janet Todd for Living with Jane Austen
Friday 4th July, 7pm
'Sharing a mind is as exciting as sharing a bed. In this gentle, witty, semi-memoir, Janet Todd reveals her eccentric encounters with books and shows us …
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Teen Skincare with Caroline Hirons
Monday 7th July, 7pm
The Queen of Skincare, Caroline Hirons, brings us Teen Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide. What every teen needs to feel great in their own skin!‘Caroline Hirons, …
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An Evening with T Kingfisher
Wednesday 9th July, 7pm
Join us for an unmissable evening with bookseller beloved author T Kingfisher, best known for her works Thornhedge, Paladin's Grace, and The Hollow Places. We'll be …
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Yasmin Khan for Sabzi: Fresh vegetarian recipes for everyday
Wednesday 9th July, 7pm
'Pure poetry and joy.' Meera SodhaSabzi - the Persian word for fresh greens and herbs - isn't a casual afterthought in best-selling author Yasmin Khan's kitchen; …
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An Afternoon with Holly Jackson
Saturday 12th July, 4pm
Join us for an afternoon with beloved author of Good Girls Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson! Come along to hear Holly talk all things young adult …
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Sunday Walk: Literary Walks in Bath
Sunday 13th July, 11am
Join us on Sunday 4th of May for a literary walk with our friends at Akeman Press!Meet at the bookshop at 10:30am for some tea, coffee, …
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Ralf Webb for Highway Cottage
Monday 14th July, 7pm
'Stunning ... a masterful exploration of the past, the present, the political, and the pastoral in all its spectre' RACHEL LONGJoin us for an evening with …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 15th July, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! At 10:00am, Claud will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately 45 minutes.Tiny Tales …
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Siouxsie and The Banshees' Budgie for The Absence
Monday 21st July, 7pm
As a member of Big in Japan, The Slits and, most famously, Siouxsie and The Banshees and The Creatures, 'Budgie' became one of the era-defining drummers …
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An Evening with Kaliane Bradley & Elaine Castillo
Tuesday 22nd July, 7pm
This July, join us as we welcome Kaliane Bradley, bestselling author of The Ministry of Time, and Elaine Castillo, author of America Is Not the Heart, …
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Sunday Walk: No Swinging on Sundays
Sunday 27th July, 11am
From gravel walks and groves to fireworks and fun...This literary walk is based on the years of research that led to No Swinging on Sundays, a …
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British Museum Little Learners: Going for Gold
Tuesday 5th August, 3pm
Join us for Little Learners, a new series of interactive author talks for curious little minds in collaboration with the British Museum. We're delighted to be …
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Sunday Walk: On Foot in Bath
Sunday 10th August, 11am
Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott are the founders of Akeman Press and the leading historians on the city of Bath. Join them for a walk to …
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Sunday Walk: Literary Walks in Bath
Sunday 24th August, 11am
Join us on Sunday 4th of May for a literary walk with our friends at Akeman Press!Meet at the bookshop at 10:30am for some tea, coffee, …
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A Guide to Sobriety: No Lost Causes Club with Lauren McQuistin
Monday 1st September, 7pm
Become a member of the No Lost Causes Club and join Lauren McQuistin, the author behind the wildly popular Instagram account @brutalrecovery, as she takes us …
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Arifa Akbar for Wolf Moon: A Woman's Journey into the Night
Tuesday 2nd September, 7pm
'Had me entranced from start to finish . . . an absolute joy' - Lucy Atkins, author of Windmill Hill'A deft, rich and intimate exploration of …
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Damian Barr for The Two Roberts
Wednesday 3rd September, 7pm
'Epic and touching' DAVID NICHOLLS 'A novel that brims over with generosity and warmth' OBSERVER He will stay like this forever, Robert's arm draped round him. …
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Mariella Frostrup & Belles Berry for Menolicious
Wednesday 3rd September, 7pm
Menopause awareness campaigner and respected broadcaster and columnist, Mariella Frostrup teames up with daughter of Mary Berry, chef Belles Berry to provide you with a menopause …
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Alex Riley for Super Natural: How Life Thrives in Impossible Places
Thursday 4th September, 7pm
'A thrilling and original way to explore nature - the science is fascinating.' Tristan Gooley, Sunday Times bestselling author of How to Read a Tree.From scorching …
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Ethicurean Life's Matthew Pennington & Nicola Cradock
Thursday 4th September, 7pm
Talk, Demo & TastingsSomerset-based Matthew Pennington is co-author of The Ethicurean Cookbook and co-founder of The Ethicurean restaurant, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and …
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William Boyd for The Predicament
Thursday 4th September, 7pm
Gabriel Dax, travel writer and accidental spy, is back in the shadows. Unable to resist the allure of his MI6 handler, Faith Green, he has returned …
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An Evening with literary icon Arundhati Roy
Saturday 6th September, 7pm
Join us for a special evening celebrating the incredible first memoir from the Booker-winning literary icon Arundhati Roy, author of The God of Small Things.Arundhati Roy's …
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Clare Hunter for Making Matters: In Search of Creative Wonders
Monday 8th September, 7pm
"A beautifully considered book . . . Clare Hunter has managed to mix the personal with the political with moving results" Tracy Chevalier As children, we …
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An Evening with Ocean Vuong for The Emperor of Gladness
Tuesday 9th September, 7pm
'Reminded me that every word can be an incantation, and that beauty does hard and important work' - Rebecca Solnit (praise for On Earth We're Briefly …
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Tim Spector on Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes
Tuesday 9th September, 7pm
The legendary Tim Spector joins us for his new cookbook Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes.Tim Spector, MD, is Professor of Epidemiology at King's College London. …
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Ixta Belfrage and Fusao: Recipes Inspired by Brazil
Wednesday 10th September, 7pm
Demo, Talk & TastingsBright, vibrant food inspired by Brazil, from the once-in-a-generation talent and bestselling chef behind MEZCLA, and the co-author of OTTOLENGHI Flavour.“FUSÃO (fusion) is …
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Justin Marozzi for Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World
Wednesday 10th September, 7pm
Join us for an evening with Justin Marozzi to discuss his new book: Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the …
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British Museum Lectures: Ice Age Art Now
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
Join us as we pair once more with the British Museum to bring to life an evening that celebrates humankind's connection and drive towards artmaking. Curator …
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Max Hastings in Bath
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
Join long-time friend of the bookshop, Max Hastings, to talk about his incredible new book, Sword: D-Day - Trial by Battle. Please note, any event vouchers …
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Karen Bartlett for The Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance
Monday 15th September, 7pm
The Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance is the extraordinary, moving story of the Afghan women judges who fought for their careers …
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Liam Shaw for Dangerous Miracle: A Natural History of Antibiotics
Monday 15th September, 7pm
We are thrilled to welcome Liam Shaw to speak on his new book Dangerous Miracles, to discover the history behind one of humanity's greatest achievements: antibiotics.Since …
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An Evening with Ian McEwan for What We Can Know
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
Ian McEwan, Booker Prize-winning author and friend of the bookshop, will return to Bath to celebrate his latest novel - What We Can Know – in …
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Vince Cable for Eclipsing the West: China, India and the Forging of a New World
Wednesday 17th September, 7pm
'A succinct, authoritative and up-to-date account of one of the most important but neglected relations in contemporary geopolitics.' - Kerry Brown, author of The Great Reversal: …
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Saul David for Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa
Thursday 18th September, 7pm
Join us for an evening with the Sunday Times Bestselling Author, Saul David, as we celebrate his newest work - an epic history about the North …
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Padella: Iconic Pasta at Home with Tim Siadatan
Thursday 18th September, 7pm
From one of London's most iconic fresh pasta restaurants, Padella has highlighted sensational pasta since 2016. Head chef and founder, Tim Siadatan comes to us for …
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East & Southeast Asian Heritage Month Celebration
Monday 22nd September, 7pm
**Topping & Company East & Southeast Asian Heritage Month**Join a celebration of East & Southeast Asian (ESEA) heritage featuring a panel of three powerhouse writers: Anna …
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The Witching Hour with Lucy Jane Wood and Sangu Mandanna
Tuesday 23rd September, 7pm
Join us in Bath to celebrate Uncharmed and A Witches Guide to Magical Inkeeping with Lucy Jane Wood and Sangu Mandanna! These wonderful authors come back …
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An Afternoon with Gyles Brandreth
Saturday 27th September, 12pm
We are thrilled to welcome Gyles to Bath for a very special afternoon event, celebrating Somewhere, A Boy and A Bear.Gyles Brandreth is a writer, broadcaster, …
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Around the Table with Diana Henry
Monday 29th September, 7pm
One of UK's finest food writers, and long-term friend of Toppings, Diana Henry returns to the bookshop to speak on Around the Table. This is an …
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An Evening with Simon Armitage
Monday 29th September, 7pm
We're thrilled to welcome back Simon Armitage to the bookshop for an evening of conversation and readings from his upcoming collection New Cemetery.Simon Armitage was born …
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A Musical Evening with Amy Jeffs, artist Gwen Burns, and musician Natalie Brice
Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
Join us for a very special event with Amy Jeffs, author of Storyland and Wild, artist Gwen Burns and musician Natalie Brice to celebrate their illustrated …
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Joe Boyd for And the Roots of Rhythm Remain
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
A Financial Times, Irish Times, Mojo and Uncut Book of the Year'I doubt I'll ever read a better account of the history and sociology of popular …
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Malcolm Gaskill for The Glass Mountain
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
The author of The Ruin of All Witches returns with a gripping, vividly told journey of rediscovery, uncovering his uncle's past as a soldier, prisoner, fugitive …
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British Museum Lectures: Ancient India: Living Traditions
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome Sushma Jansari to the bookshop to discuss Ancient India: Living Traditions which accompanies a major exhibition at The British Museum in …
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Friendaholics' Elizabeth Day for One of Us
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
In the inner circle, where can you hide a secret?In this compulsive story of betrayal, old bonds and buried scandals, one British establishment family comes face …
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An Evening with Ken Follett
Friday 3rd October, 7pm
From the master of epic fiction comes the deeply human story of one of the world's greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge.Ken will be joined by …
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An Evening with Michael Palin
Monday 6th October, 7pm
Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath are proud to present an evening with the one and only Michael Palin.Michael Palin found fame as a member of …
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Graham Robb for The Discovery of Britain
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
A surprising history of Britain, from 500 million BC to the next election.'Graham Robb has found a new format for writing history just as Craig Brown …
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An Evening with Raymond Blanc
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
Simply Raymond Kitchen Garden is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, grown and cooked by Raymond Blanc in the gardens of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.'I am still …
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Sarah Perry for Death of an Ordinary Man
Wednesday 8th October, 7pm
Now I understand there are no ordinary lives - that every death is the end of a single event in time's history: an event so improbable …
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Thomasina Mier's Mexican Table
Thursday 9th October, 7pm
Acclaimed chef Thomasina Miers brings us more bold, bright recipes that bring the sunshine to your plate through these 12 staple ingredients, straight from the heart …
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Folklore: A Journey Through the Past and Present
Tuesday 14th October, 7pm
'This book draws a cultural map of who we are, where we've come from and how we think and feel about our surroundings. Meticulously researched, imaginative …
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Nicola Sturgeon for Frankly
Thursday 16th October, 7pm
Frankly is no ordinary political memoir. Remarkable for its honesty and self-reflection, this is the story of Nicola Sturgeon, one of our most influential and successful …
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Dr Julia Shaw for Green Crime: Inside the Minds of the People Destroying the Planet, and How to Stop Them
Friday 17th October, 7pm
Traffickers. Hit men. Outlaws. Thieves . . .Our planet is a crime scene - but we can catch the killers?Enter a world where people are murdered, …
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Celebrating Black History Month: Lanre Bakare for We Were There
Tuesday 21st October, 7pm
**Topping & Company Black History Month Festival**'A vital corrective that enhances our understanding of black British history' STEVE MCQUEENWe Were There is a crucial new portrait …
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Peter Ross for Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland
Wednesday 22nd October, 7pm
From the author of Steeple Chasing comes a chronicling of the ancient monuments which populate our landscapes, and what they can reveal. 'I'm a card-carrying admirer …
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Celebrating Black History Month: Kehinde Andrews for Nobody Can Give You Freedom
Thursday 23rd October, 7pm
**Topping & Company Black History Month Festival*Kehinde Andrews returns to Bath discuss his brand new book on the real political mission of Malcolm X, and why …
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Leon Craig for The Decadence
Wednesday 29th October, 7pm
'Lush, complex, and close to the bone, The Decadence filled me with horror in the best way' - Krystelle Bamford, author of Idle GroundsLeon will be …
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Olly Smith Wine Tasting
Thursday 30th October, 7pm
All For Wine and Wine for All!An evening of fun and wine with the ebullient drinks broadcaster, Olly Smith.You don’t need to be rich or have …
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Chloe Michelle Howarth for Heap Earth Upon It
Tuesday 4th November, 7pm
We are delighted to welcome back Chloe Michelle Howarth, author of Sunburn, which was shortlisted for multiple awards, for her sophomore novel.January 1965. The orphaned O'Leary …
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Sarah Hendrickx asks Could I Really Be Autistic?: Your First Steps to Self-Discovery
Wednesday 5th November, 7pm
Join Sarah Hendrickx, author of Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, to talk about her new book: Could I Really Be Autistic? Sarah's work has …
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Zoë McGee on Courting Disaster
Tuesday 11th November, 7pm
What do #MeToo and Jane Austen have in common? More than you might think.Ever since the novel was invented, women have used it as a platform …
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An Evening with Jay Kristoff
Monday 17th November, 7pm
Jay Kristoff, best selling author of Empire of the Vampire and Nevernight, returns to Bath to celebrate the epic conclusion of his latest trilogy: Empire of …
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