Tim Burrows in conversation with Gillian Darley
We’re thrilled to announce an evening with Tim Burrows and Gillian Darley on Thursday 15th June. Tim and Gillian will be joining us at Maldon Books for a discussion on Tim’s new book, The Invention of Essex: The Making of an English County, followed by a Q&A and book signing.
About the books…
The Invention of Essex: The Making of an English County
A county both famous and infamous: the stuff of tabloid headlines and reality television, consumer culture and right-wing politicians. England’s dark id.
But beyond the sensationalist headlines lies a strange and secret place with a rich history: of smugglers and private islands, artists and radicals, myths and legends. It’s where the Peasants’ Revolt began and the Empire Windrush docked. And – from political movements like Brexit to cultural events like TOWIE – where Essex leads, the rest of us often follow.
Deeply researched and thoroughly engaging, The Invention of Essex shows that there is more to this fabled English county than meets the eye.
Excellent Essex: In Praise of England’s Most Misunderstood County
Historian and Essex champion Gillian Darley takes us on a vivid personal tour, from the seaside piers to the empty marshlands and the New Town high-rises, revealing a landscape and a story like no other.
Alongside Essex Man and Towie, there’s the Essex that despatched the first puritan settlers to America, welcomed refugees from Europe and beyond, and offered fresh hope to bombed-out East End. ‘Excellent Essex’ a brilliant guide to England’s most misunderstood county.
About the authors…
Tim Burrows
Tim Burrows is a journalist and author who writes about culture and place for publications including the Guardian, Vice and the Quietus. A recurring subject in his work is Essex and the Thames Estuary. He plotted a course through Essex myth, from Towie to Dr Feelgood, in his joint essay project with Lee Rourke for Influx Press, Trying to Fit a Number to a Name. His first short story, Broadgate, is partly set on the Dengie Peninsula and is published in An Unreliable Guide to London, also on Influx.
Gillian Darley
Gillian Darley is an architectural historian whose books include Excellent Essex and biographies of Sir John Soane, John Evelyn and Octavia Hill, the founder of the National Trust.
About the event…
This event will take place at the bookshop. Tickets can be reserved through Eventbrite here or directly in the bookshop. Both Tim and Gillian’s books will be available to purchase at the event, with the opportunity to have your copies signed at the end of the evening. We’ll also serve prosecco and soft drinks too, free of charge. We do hope you can join us! If you have any queries, please do contact us at maldonbooksltd@gmail.com