Introduction

Kensington and Chelsea libraries have been an integral part of the London History Festival since it began. It is a unique opportunity for regular library users - and those who we would like to become regular users - to hear authors talking about their work and to engage with them on a personal level. Kensington and Chelsea is a borough with a long and fascinating history, which makes it an ideal setting for London History Festival events. We're proud of our contribution to the festival and I hope you enjoy this year's programme. - Dave Walker, Kensington and Chelsea libraries

History Today celebrates its sixtieth birthday this year. Since 1951 it has brought the work of the finest historians to the widest possible audience and now, with the recent launch of the History Today Book Club, it is doing more than ever to promote the best historians and writers in the field. That is why it is proud to sponsor the third London History Festival, a project that shares those aims. The festival offers the chance to engage with some of today's finest practitioners of the historian's craft in one of the great world cities, itself rich in history. The distinguished historians at the London History Festival seek to both entertain and enlighten, through their books and oratory. It is here that history is brought to life. - Paul Lay, Editor of History Today