Description
The summer of 1945 marked two landmark moments in British literary history: the premiere of J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls in July, and the publication of George Orwell’s Animal Farm in August.
Though shaped by very different upbringings – Priestley, a grammar school boy from Bradford and Orwell, public school-educated and Eton-trained – both writers shared a fierce commitment to social justice and a belief in literature’s power to shape society.
In this timely and insightful conversation, Professor Jean Seaton, Official Historian of the BBC, explores the lives, legacies, and occasional frictions between two of the 20th century’s most influential literary voices. Orwell aficionado Ed Glinert is a prolific author and an award-winning tour guide. He conducts a London walk devoted to Orwell, in which he reveals entirely new material that gives a fresh insight into the author.
Chairing the event is Bradford-born newspaper and TV journalist, Lindsay Sutton, Chair of the J B Priestley Society, albeit one with a critical faculty towards both authors.
About the Speakers
Ed Glinert
Ed Glinert is an award-winning tour guide, historian, and much-published author, known for The Literary Guide to London and 111 Places in Yorkshire That You Shouldn’t Miss. He is Britain’s most prolific tour guide, leading walks in Manchester, London, Liverpool, and West Yorkshire. A qualified guide with the Institute of Tourist Guiding, Ed is also a cruise ship speaker, Arts Society lecturer, and experienced journalist. He co-founded City Life, worked on Radio Times, was launch production editor of Mojo, and spent 12 years with Private Eye. His walks have earned accolades including “Best Manchester Walking City Tour Operator 2023” in the European Travel Awards.
Jean Seaton
Jean Seaton is Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and Director of the Orwell Prize for political writing and journalism. She has written widely on broadcasting history and politics of the media (especially the BBC), as well as on news, the ways in which wars and conflicts are covered, and children and the media. She has written about and helped form media policy. Her book with James Curran, Power Without Responsibility: the Press, Broadcasting and Internet in Britain (1981), has become an international classic and is in its 7th edition. Her most recent book is Carnage and the Media: How News about Violence is Made (2006). She is a regular broadcaster and an editor of The Political Quarterly. She has three sons and lives in London.
About the Chair
Lindsay Sutton
Lindsay Sutton, Chair of the J.B. Priestley Society, brings vast expertise to discussions. Raised in Bradford, his journalism career encompassed esteemed publications and broadcasters. Despite international acclaim, his heart lies in the North, reflected in his works exploring Bradford City FC and Morecambe Bay. With three writing awards, including IPW American Travel Writer of the Year, Lindsay captivates audiences with diverse literary pursuits. His recent hit, 111 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Lancaster and Morecambe, underscores his passion for regional exploration. Expect forthcoming publications to delve into both British and American history, promising captivating insights.
Join Our Mailing List
By submitting this form you agree to our Privacy Policy and to receive marketing emails, including e-newsletters and event updates from Bradford Literature Festival.