The international best-selling author, Robert Harris, is well-known for tackling big subjects in an imaginative, compelling and gripping way. Beginning with his first novel, Fatherland, which imagines a world in which Germany won the Second World War, Harris has written variously about ancient Rome (Pompeii, Imperium, Lustrum, Dictator), Russia (Archangel), France (An Officer and a Spy), as well as a novel loosely based on Tony Blair (The Ghost).

In his latest novel, he turns his attentions to Italy and the machinations of the Vatican following the death of a fictional Pope. Set over the three days between the death of a Pope and the election of his successor, it raises issues about human ambition, politics, power, God, faith, terrorism, religious extremism, gender, sexuality, and much more. Such issues will be explored not only through talks and discussion, but also by engaging with objects from the Minster’s priceless historic Collection – a rare opportunity to see some things that are not readily accessible to the general public for much of the time.

Prior reading of the novel is not essential, although revealing the various twists and turns of the plot will be an inevitable and unavoidable part of the event.

10.00am to 4pm Upper Hall Old Palace, Dean’s Park, York.  (2 sessions Saturday 10th & 17th June 2017).

Please note there is no lift access to the lecture theatre.  Please bring your own lunch.

Prices: £10 per day, £15 for both sessions   Over 65s £8 per day, £12 for both sessions   NUS £7 per day, £10 for both sessions  (Select both sessions with relevant price type & the discount will apply automatically at the basket),