Reading Through History Series: Exploring the Genius of Wolf Hall with David Lynn and John Adams

The Library of the Chathams is honored to welcome a distinguished literary voice for the inaugural event of a new book discussion series, Reading Through History, on Thursday, October 1, at 5:00 pm.

Join Kenyon College Professor Emeritus of English and Editor Emeritus of The Kenyon Review David Lynn, in conversation with Chatham Library Foundation Board Trustee John Adams, an avid bibliophile and longtime champion of the library, as they lead a discussion of Hilary Mantel’s celebrated historical novel, Wolf Hall.

Attendees will have the opportunity to look beyond the story of Thomas Cromwell and explore the craft, historical context and literary significance of one of the most acclaimed novels of the 21st century.

The conversation will offer new ways of thinking about Mantel’s remarkable portrayal of power, politics, ambition and human nature as we will hear the respected literary scholar and editor discuss what makes it so compelling.

What Can David Lynn Teach Us About Wolf Hall?

The genre of historical fiction helps us understand living experiences of the past beyond what we may have learned in history classes. Mantel transformed the well-known story of Thomas Cromwell and the court of Henry VIII into an intimate, immersive portrait of ambition, influence and political survival. Wolf Hall won the Booker Prize and became the first volume in Mantel’s acclaimed trilogy.

David Lynn will bring an extraordinary depth of experience to the conversation. During his tenure as editor of The Kenyon Review, one of the country's most respected literary magazines, Lynn helped shape literary conversations and engaged with some of the most important writers and works of contemporary literature.

The Library of the Chathams is thrilled to launch this series with such an accomplished guest and such a thoughtful literary conversation. Reading Through History reflects what libraries do best: create space for curiosity, conversation and discovery, and bring a community together around great ideas.

The community is invited, and we look forward to welcoming you to the first chapter of the Reading Through History series with these special guests.

Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. Please read the first two chapters before the program so we can jump right into the conversation. Copies will be available for checkout at the Information Desk.