Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we interview book historian David Pearson about the stories that bindings tell.

Bookbindings make books work, protect them from harm, and provide a physical manifestation of how books have been owned, used and valued. Before the Industrial Revolution, every single book was a handcrafted object made from diverse materials to fulfil the needs and wishes of its owners, from students to kings.

David Pearson will be chatting to Idler editor Tom about his new book, Bookbindings: An Illustrated History. They will discuss what the evolution and diversity of bookbindings can tell us about the tastes, traditions, social systems and economics that have shaped the production of individual volumes throughout history.

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

We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and 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.

David Pearson is a leading authority on the history of books, after a lifetime spent working with them, writing about them and owning them. His previous books include Provenance Research in Book History  (Bodleian Library Publishing, 2019) and Speaking Volumes: Books with Histories (Bodleian Library Publishing, 2022). 

Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. His new book is How to Live Like a Stoic: A Handbook for Happiness. 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.