Meet the author

The Mesmerist is a book full of historical sights, sounds and even smells! Just how do authors who are writing about the past manage to create such vivid descriptions of things they couldn't possibly have seen or experienced? How do they make sure the little details are correct? Quite where is that line between imagination and historical research? These are just some of the questions which you could hear answered at Reading London in Fiction and Fact, an exciting event at Westminster City Archives on Saturday 11th October.

Westminster Libraries have put together a panel of authors who will discuss different approaches to writing about Victorian London. Come along and meet Lynda Nead, Sarah Wise, Lee Jackson and Barbara Ewing and find out about the different ways they delved into the past when writing their books. Whether you like to lose yourself in a historical novel or digest interesting facts from history, or even if you are simply interested in how a book comes into being, this is an event which should not be missed. There'll also be the chance to enjoy refreshments and chat to other readers.

The event is completely free and all are welcome, so please pop the 11th of October in your diary right now and make sure you get your chance to meet Barbara and the other panellists. While you're there, you could even take a tour of the Archives- perfect for those interested in family history, say. If you want to come along to this event, you will need to book a place- but this is just because of limited space so please don't be put off. It's worth booking asap though, on 020 7641 1300. If you want to find out more about the authors and the event, just click the Victorian London image on the left of this page.