Literary Lunch Event

Author Sara Wheeler uncovers the complexity of a 20th-century icon in her biography of Jan Morris – A Life, published to coincide with the centenary of Morris’ birth.

When Jan Morris joined the 1953 Everest expedition and was the first to get news of the ascent back to London, she became the most famous journalist in the world.

So began a glittering career covering the Eichmann trial, interviewing Che Guevara and scooping the story of Suez collusion. She transitioned in the early 70s and documented the experience in her memoir Conundrum.

Wheeler delivers a portrait of an astonishing life, revealing a mosaic of contradictions in a pioneering woman whose books inspired readers across the globe.

An award-winning travel writer and biographer, Wheeler is a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio and, like Jan Morris, has spent half her working life on the road.

“A breathtakingly good read. Coherent, comprehensive and compulsive.”

Michael Palin

Tickets can be purchased to just the talk or the talk and the Literary Lunch.
Options are available at the check-out.

Our popular Literary Lunch gives you a chance to meet Sara Wheeler in advance of the talk – in the relaxed surroundings of the Dining Hall at Cedars House. Sara will join guests for lunch at 12.45pm before the short walk across to Cedars Hall where the talk will begin at 2pm.
Lunches must be ordered by Friday 9 October 2026. Tickets for the Literary Lunch are £12.50 each.

Menu:
Red pepper, tomato and smoked paprika soup followed by white chocolate and raspberry panna cotta and a berry compote.
The soup is accompanied by artisan breads.

Please contact the box office on 01749 834483 if you have any special dietary requirements.