THE Bookery is delighted to welcome award-winning author Philip Marsden for an evening of conversation with bestselling writer Sasha Swire at 7pm on Thursday, February 19.

Join us for an evening of discovery and exploration as Philip Marsden discusses his latest book, Under a Metal Sky: A Journey Through Minerals, Greed and Wonder.

Under a Metal Sky begins and ends in Philip Marsden’s homeland of Cornwall, one of the world’s great geological hotspots. Travelling eastwards into Europe, he examines how the extraction of peat propelled the Netherlands to world prominence but also imperilled its very existence.

Continuing up the Rhine into the heart of the continent, he uncovers stories of potent and tempting resources—from iron-rich meteorites to radium and mercury, and the gold-bearing mountains of Georgia.

Along the way, Marsden explores precious seams of ideas, from science to alchemy, mysticism to ecology—and those questing souls who pursued them, like Paracelsus, Rudolf II, Goethe, William Blake and Marie Curie.

Joining Philip in conversation is Sasha Swire, author of the bestselling Diary of an MP’s Wife and her latest book Edgeland: A Slow Walk West. In Edgeland, Swire charts a decade-long journey along the South West Coast Path, offering a deeply personal and literary exploration of Britain’s western fringes. Her perspective on landscape, resilience and the “edges” of our world promises a fascinating dialogue with Marsden’s themes of geology and human ambition.

At the end of the evening, there will be a wonderful opportunity to meet Philip and Sasha, chat with them, and have your books signed or personally dedicated.

This event forms part of The Bookery’s programme of author talks and cultural events and reflects the bookshop’s proud support for the National Year of Reading.

Tickets £6 are available at The Bookery or via our website: www.thebookery.org.uk.