London Book Fair may be the hottest ticket in town this week, but we've also delved deep to find a few other events worth the attention of the London lady or gent of letters.
Monday: London Book Fair opens today at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, with the movers and shakers in publishing from across the world in attendance. There's far too much going on for the Grocer's quotidian basket to carry, so we suggest you check out the seminar programme and the full exhibitor list.
Tuesday: While it may often seem that our rapacious world has precious little desire to slow down, in recent years a more leisurely approach to life has certainly found favour among people not convinced that fast necessarily equals best. Alastair Sawday's Go Slow England is a guide to a philosophy dedicated to just that: a "counter-balance to our culture of haste". The author will be speaking at Stanfords in Covent Garden at 7.30pm. Tickets £2, and should be bought in advance.
Wednesday: To Stanfords again, where photographers and writers Steve Watkins and Clare Jones introduce their book Unforgettable Walks To Take Before You Die. Passing the Ronseal test, the book does it exactly what it says on the cover: the authors pick out a number of spectacular places perfect for ambulating along before you croak, from Yellowstone National Park to Peru's Machu Picchu. Tickets are £3, and (again) should be bought in advance. The talk begins at 7.30pm.
Thursday: Friend of Stephen Lawrence, and sole witness to his murder, Duwayne Brooks has long been a central figure in the story - particularly since his brave decision to stand up in court and testify against the attackers. He collaborated with Guardian journalist Simon Hattenstone on the book Steve And Me, and the two writers will be in conversation at the Southbank Centre this evening from 7.45pm. Tickets are £10, with 50% off for concessions.
Saturday: One of British anarchism's "best-known authors", and former editor of Sixties radical organ Anarchy, Colin Ward will be at Housman's from 5pm today to discuss the reprinting of his seminal work Anarchy In Action. The event is free, and more information can be found on the website.
Picture of Machu Picchu from szeke's Flickrstream
