Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to Ada Palmer about the myths of the Renaissance

Ada Palmer is an internationally acclaimed historian, composer and sci-fi writer. Her forthcoming book, Inventing the Renaissance, sheds light on fifteen characters integral to the Renaissance. We’ll be talking to Ada about the stories we think we know about the time, about the Medicis, the Borgias, Machiavelli, art, the Inquisition, and the expansion of secular Humanism.

Inventing the Renaissance provides a fresh perspective on what makes this period one of the most captivating and distinctive parts of European history. A witty, irreverent journey through the fantasies that historians have constructed about the period, the author shows how The Renaissance’s legend derives more from later centuries’ mythmaking than from the often grim reality of the period itself.

The discussion between Ada and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask Ada your own questions.

The event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull and the Idler Academy’s Head of Philosophy Dr Mark Vernon will present a short “thought for the week” to get our brains fizzing.

This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.

Ada Palmer is an internationally acclaimed science fiction and fantasy novelist, historian and composer. She completed her PhD at Harvard, teaches History at the University of Chicago, blogs and podcasts at ExUrbe.com, and composes and performs close harmony a cappella music with the group Sassafrass.

Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.

Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.