Woodstock Literature Society
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.
General enquiries can be made via enquiries@woodstockliterature.co.uk
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, 15th January at 11:30am
The Open Book Group will meet in Woodstock Town Hall
to discuss Staying On by Paul Scott (author of The Raj Quartet).
All are welcome, no need to pre-book.
Admission £3.00
Our exciting programme of talks will resume on
Saturday, 18th January at 3.00pm
In St Mary Magdalene Church
Professor Peter McCullough will present his talk entitled
John Donne: Poet and Preacher.
The talk will address some of the thrills and risks of encountering the same John Donne in both his poetry and his preaching.
Peter McCullough is Professor of English in the University of Oxford and Sohmer Fellow in English Renaissance Literature at Lincoln College.
Note: One of the submissions to the Seasonal Page is John Donne's poem 'A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy's Day' (13th December).
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.