A Drink with The Idler | Mark Vernon on William Blake
£7.50
Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to the Idler’s Head of Philosophy Mark Vernon about William Blake’s importance for today
You will recognise Mark from his contributions to all of our “Drinks with the Idler”, where he offers his regular “Thought for the Week”. On the day of publication of his new book Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination we’ll be talking to Mark about the importance of Blake for us all today.
At this evening’s “Drink with the Idler” we’ll also have a special performance from singer song-writer Katy Carr who will perform a selection of Blake’s poetry set to her own compositions, including:
Infant Joy (Songs of Innocence)
Introduction (Songs of Innocence – The Piper)
The Tyger (Songs of Experience)
London (Songs of Experience)
Like us, Blake lived in a tumultuous era of war, discontent, rapid technological change, and human estrangement from nature. He exposed the dark sides of political fervour and social moralising, while unashamedly celebrating love and liberty. But how can we apply his profound, and at times unconventional, religiosity to these current secular times?
The discussion between Mark and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask Mark your own questions.
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.
Mark Vernon is a London-based psychotherapist, writer and former Anglican priest. A keen podcaster and a columnist with the Idler, he speaks regularly at festivals and on the BBC. He has a PhD in Philosophy, and degrees in Theology and Physics. His previous book topics include Dante, Plato and Christianity. He presents several Idler Academy online courses and can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England.
Katy Carr is a British singer-songwriter and storyteller. She has been commissioned by Deluce Recordings to create musical interpretations of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience, set for release in 2027 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Blake’s passing. Merging classical and contemporary influences, her approach reflects Blake’s visionary and interdisciplinary spirit. Recent performances at St Bartholomew the Great and alongside Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at the 2025 Poetry Festival underscore her engagement with literary heritage. Through Blake’s Legacy Tour, she aims to reimagine Blake’s poetic world with a fusion of folk, orchestral, and experimental sounds.
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.
Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.
Testimonials for A Drink with the Idler
Drinks with the Idler have kept me sane.
A fabulous Idler Drinks – thanks Tom, Victoria, Mark and idlers everywhere!
A simple heartfelt “thank you”: I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying Thursday evenings as part of the Idler community. Never has a subscription yielded such brain-nourishing pleasure.
Short yet so sweet, delightful and interesting… uplifting intelligent conversation. I feel so happy to have stumbled upon the Idler. I bow to you all☺️⭐️
A Drink with the Idler has turned out to be one of our lifelines! Such fun, wonderful commentary by you and the remarkable Mark, not to mention the delightful Victoria.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 12th June 2025
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Online via Zoom link
Cost: £7.50. Free for Idler members. SUBSCRIBE HERE (from £2.50/month)
How to join A Drink with the Idler: Non subscribers should register by clicking the BUY NOW button above. Subscribers can register by clicking the GET TICKETS button above.
Important
In order for the Idler to send you a link to this event you need to make sure you have signed up for the Idler newsletter here.
Idler Magazine and Idler Academy members will be sent a special registration link ahead of the event.
Latecomers may not be given access
