Queens of English Literature Debate - Royal Geographical Society

It is a truth universally acknowledged that esteemed authoresses seldom fight. But conventions will be shaken up, as debating forum Intelligence Squared stages its first ever ‘Literary Combat’. The Queens of English Literature Debate casts legendary writers and feminist icons Jane Austen and Emily Brontë in conflict. 

Austen, master of comically ironic English Manners, soon to grace £10 notes, has heavyweight literary expert and University College London Professor of English John Mullan fighting her corner. While internationally successful novelist Kate Mosse will be advocating the supremacy of Brontë’s intense explorations of love, loss and the supernatural. The books will be brought to life by Dominic West of The Wire fame and prolific period actor Sam West. This lively debate will use literary contrasts to enrich our understanding and appreciation of both writers. With such a close contest it’s set to be an exhilarating evening – all that’s left is to pick a side…