What is the legacy of Henry VIII? The Tudor king is renowned for his six wives, but his impact on the world, from the founding of the Church of England to, more locally, the founding of Cambridge’s Trinity College, has been profound.
 

Acclaimed historian and broadcaster David Starkey will examine the life and influence of the famous monarch. His talk, which is fully booked, is the first Mark Piggott lecture, celebrating the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. It is one of the highlights of this year’s Festival of Ideas, which continues until 1st November.

Other Festival of Ideas events today include:

Reading Beckett - To celebrate the release of a new collection, The Letters of Samuel Beckett, Volume I 1929-1940, editors Daniel Gunn and George Craig will discuss Beckett's work andread from a selection of the letters. This new edition of the letters offers an insight into Beckett's unique voice and sensibility, and is the first comprehensive range of letters from one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. It encompasses 60 years of Beckett's writing life, and includes letters to friends, painters and musicians, as well as to students, publishers, translators and colleagues in the world of literature and theatre. Ages 16 . This free event needs to be pre-booked on 01223 766766.

Line dancing – Artist Miriam Austin leads this creative arts session which involves making 3D line drawings and becoming part of the artworks created. The session is inspired by Helena Almeida’s exhibition at Kettle’s Yard. Pre-book on 01223 748100. 10.30am-12.30pm, Kettle’s Yard.

Making sense of Japanese high school students’ sleep patterns – Japanese high school students often study until late into the night and sacrifice their sleep in order to pass entrance and other exams. This lecture asks what cultural and social sense it makes to keep students up for studying, when they cannot concentrate on what is being said. 5-6pm. Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Sidgwick Site.

Create your own body – What makes a body? How can people draw themselves? Is it possible to picture your emotions? Drop in and create a body using different art techniques and styles. 10.30am-4pm. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

‘Only connect’: the importance of EM Forster. “I am a Cambridge man, and my favourite word is ‘but’”: with this claim, EM Forster declared both his allegiance to the University and his readiness to challenge conventional wisdom. This talk at the Institute of Continuing Education, Madingley Hall, runs from 7-8pm. Pre-book on email aeb53@cam.ac.uk


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