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The Cheltenham Big Read 2008
Brideshead Revisited

We're joining forces with Penguin Modern Classics, Gloucestershire Libraries and Waterstone's for a Big Read like no other celebrating Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited. Tying into the release of a new film adaptation this is the biggest reading project the Festival has ever undertaken.

As well as a wide range of activities at the Festival itself, we'll be hosting book groups throughout September in branches of Waterstone's and local libraries.

Why not make Brideshead Revisited a choice for your book group this autumn?

Gloucestershire Libraries, in cooperation with Penguin, have stocked about 200 extra copies to supply book groups and individuals who want to join the Big Read and immerse themselves in the timeless classic!

Book groups!

Visit penguin.co.uk/readers for more information on Book Groups!

...and if you already are part of an amazing book group, why not enter the next Readers' Group Prize?

If you would like to join any of these book groups or would like more information, please email bigread@cheltenhamfestivals.com or contact the individual libraries!

The Big Read launch at Cheltenham Waterstone's.

Big Read events
at The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2008

Event 55, Brideshead Revisited, Sun 12 Oct 2008, 4-5pm. Why is Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited such a much-loved classic? His grandson Alexander Waugh and biographer Selina Hastings discuss this year's Festival Big Read and its creator...

Event 134, The Real Brideshead, Thur 16 Oct 2008, 10-11am. Readers of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited have always been fascinated by the fact that the Flytes were inspired by a real family, the Lygons of Madresfield Court. Jane Mulvagh gives a fascinating insight into the history of this family and their home, the real Brideshead...

Event 217, Festival Book Group, Sun 19 Oct 2008, 2-3pm. Join Alyson Rudd in our final Festival Book Group to discuss Evelyn Waugh's classic Brideshead Revisited and enjoy a glass of wine. This year's Festival Big Read will feature in The Times on Saturday 18th October...

Brideshead Revisited
on the big screen

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After having been made into an incredibly successful TV series in the 1980s, director Julian Jarrold and writers Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock took on the challenge to turn Evelyn Waugh's novel into a film - starring Emma Thompson, Ben Wishaw, Hayley Atwell and Matthew Goode as Charles Ryder.

Have a peek at the trailer and get swept away by the music, the costumes - and the drama!

Visit the Brideshead Revisited film website and explore the casting and production process, watch interviews with the stars and have a look at some beautiful screen shots.

Further information
Evelyn Waugh - life and work

  • Listen to Evelyn Waugh talking about his life and writing to John Freeman!
  • Biographical information plus synopses of Waugh's novels, as well as more sources waiting for you to be explored!
  • Alexander Waugh, who will also join us for an extraordinary event at the Festival, takes us on a journey through his family history, with a special focus on his grandfather Evelyn Waugh.
  • A short introduction to the novel and Waugh, along with a collection of related articles - enjoy!