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The Woodstock Literature Society was founded in 2009 with the aim of presenting high quality talks on literature to local book lovers, offering time to socialise after the talk with refreshment (a glass of wine at evening talks/tea and cake at afternoon talks). Since then, its reputation and membership have grown and we are pleased to welcome members and visitors from Oxfordshire and beyond.
Topics range from classic and contemporary authors, to drama, poetry, and foreign authors in translation. Our speakers include academic specialists, published authors, and literary journalists. Full details can be seen under Programmes. Please note that changes to the programme can also be found on the programme page.
Please see Membership for payment details.
SAVE THE DATES January 2026
The Programme of talks launches on
Saturday 17th January at 3:00pm in St Mary Magdalene Church
Professor Laura Swift will give a talk entitled: Greek Tragedy in Performance.
The talk will look at Greek tragedy in its original contexts (religious, civic and performative) and as a part of this the role played by the Chorus will be examined. No detailed knowledge of any particular tragedy will be assumed, although the speaker will draw examples from Euripides' Bacchae.
The view the full programme please go to Programme 2026
OPEN BOOK GROUP 2026
The first gathering will be on Wednesday, 21st January at 11:30am in Woodstock Town Hall.
The book for discussion will be The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak.
No need to pre-book, all are welcome. There will be a £3.00 entry charge to cover the cost of room hire.
The Open Book Group gives an excellent opportunity to support local business. If the chosen book is not in stock, The Woodstock Bookshop offer an efficient order-in service, often having the book available for collection within 24hrs (subject to availability).
The 2025 proramme of talks concluded on Saturday with Dr Helen Appleton’s talk exploring the world of the Medieval Christmas referencing Sir Gwain and The Green Knight and revelries in the court of King Edward III. Further details are available on Reviews & Gallery There was an opportunity for attendees to enjoy afternoon refreshment with a seasonal touch before heading home.
For general enquiries about The Woodstock Literature Society contact: enquiries@woodstocklitsoc.co.uk
OSCAR WILDE ON STAGE
In October students from The Oxford School of Drama performed rehearsed readings complimenting Professor Sos Eltis' talk in St Mary Magdalene Church - a most enjoyable event, much appreciated. Anne Handsley's review is on Reviews & Gallery
Scene from A Woman of No Importance
Scene from The Importance of Being Earnest (leading up to 'A Handbag', perhaps the most anticipated line) and the drama students with Edward Hicks, Principal of the Oxford School of Drama, and our speaker Professor Sos Eltis.
OPEN BOOK GROUP
The informal meetings were launched in August 2022 with a discussion of Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence. The discussions have proved increasingly popular. A full list of books discussed can be seen on A Good Read.
The group meets two or three times a year in the Town Hall on Wednesday mornings. Anyone, whether a member or not, can drop in to discuss the chosen book (All book group books are available with a generous discount of 15% at the Woodstock Bookshop). There is no booking required and a nominal fee of £3 per person will be requested to cover the room hire.
Attendees are invited to submit suggestions for future discussion, a shortlist is drawn-up and a poll taken to decide the next book.
A selection of images used in publicity posters for previous talks
Whether you are a reader, a writer, or a poet, Woodstock Literature Society welcomes your input and suggestions for future talks.
We hope you will enjoy the reviews submitted to A Good Read by members and friends as part of our conversations about literature. Details of how to submit a piece can be found on the page itself.
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