Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we interview author Sarah Clegg about the curious and real history of the creatures that have beguiled, tricked, terrified, seduced and enchanted us for millennia.

In her new book, Perilous Enchantment, Sarah Clegg tracks the fascinating history of fairies, from the pre-Christian creatures of classical myths to the stories of fairy royalty told in the medieval French courts; from the early modern period in which fairies became bound up with the witch trials to the 16th century when they were imagined as tiny for the first time, the 17th century when they gained their wings and the late Victorian era, which made them sweet, pretty things with pointy ears, right through to their contemporary manifestation in both the sanitised cuteness of girlhood and in the darker realm of fantasy and romantasy.

Sarah Clegg will be chatting to Idler editor Tom about how our folklore evolves in response to culture, religion and politics, and how the stories we share in turn shape the beliefs we hold.

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

Sarah Clegg is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Dead of Winter. Her first book, Woman’s Lore, was shortlisted for the HWA Non-Fiction Crown. She has a PhD in ancient history from the University of Cambridge, is a former bookseller and now works in publishing.

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.