We are delighted that acclaimed author, historian and cultural critic, Daisy Dunn, will be at West Horsley Place on 30 April (7.30pm) to give our first author talk. Daisy will discuss her latest book, In the Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading female historians, Daisy Dunn lives locally and is a keen supporter of the Trust's vision for West Horsley Place's future. 

In her latest book, Daisy explores the aftermath of the famous eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, which devastated the city of Pompeii – today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most visited destinations – through the eyes of two great Romans, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. Pliny the Younger would later write the only existing eyewitness account of this natural disaster.

Daisy, who describes her writing style as narrative history – “for people who won’t necessarily be familiar with the Ancient World” – says: “The people of Ancient Greece or Rome are a lot more like us than we might initially believe. The more you read about them, the more you see that they think and feel exactly like we do today. That’s particularly how I felt researching this book.”

The Talk will take place in the Stone Hall, once a medieval Great Hall and, in 1533, the room in which Henry VIII is known to have enjoyed a 35-course banquet.

Director, Peter Pearce,  “There’s still a long way to go, but we are thrilled to have reached this point where we can begin to welcome the community to West Horsley Place. With history at the heart of our vision, we are delighted that one of our most respected historians will give our first Author Talk – and we look forward to developing our programme over the coming months.”

Daisy Dunn: In the Shadow of Vesuvius, takes place at West Horsley Place on 30 April. Tickets (£12) are available here.