Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat with classicist Daisy Dunn about the women who shaped the ancient world

For centuries, histories of antiquity have been filled with stories of warlords, emperors and kings. But when it comes to incorporating women aside from Cleopatra and Boudica, writers have often been more comfortable with mythical heroines than real ones. While Penelope and Helen of Troy live on in the imagination, their real-life counterparts have been relegated to the margins. In her new book The Missing Thread, Daisy Dunn inverts that tradition and puts the women of history at the centre of the narrative. We’ll be chatting to Daisy about the women who shaped the classical world, from Enheduanna, the earliest named author, to Cynisca, the first female victor at the Olympic Games.

The discussion between Daisy and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A, and the Idler Academy’s Head of Philosophy Dr Mark Vernon will present a short “thought for the week” to get our brains fizzing. The event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.

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.

Daisy Dunn is an award-winning classicist and author of seven books. Educated at Oxford, followed by the Courtauld and UCL, where she received her PhD, Daisy is also the editor of ARGO: A Hellenic Review and radio/podcast critic for The Spectator. Her previous book, Not Far From Brideshead: Oxford Between the Wars, was longlisted for the Runciman Award and selected for BBC Radio 4’s Open Book. The Missing Thread is her most recent book.

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.