Precipice by Robert Harris
Set in the summer of 1914 this thrilling novel seamlessly weaves fact with fiction to tell the story of the love affair of Prime Minister H.H. Asquith and Venetia Stanley, an aristocratic socialite less than half his age, a love affair which becomes a matter of national security in the dangerous days on the brink of war with Germany. In an author’s note Harris suggests that the reader may be amazed to learn that all the letters from the Prime Minister quoted in the text are authentic, and certainly there is much to amaze in this novel: historically literate, politically astute and gripping to the very last page, much to discuss!
Event Information
Price: £75
Course Weeks: 5
Room: Brunt Room
Campaign: Spring Term 2026
Your Tutor
Name: Margaret Norwich
Bio: Margaret Norwich studied liberal arts at Vassar College, New York and read English at Girton College, Cambridge. She has worked in publishing, higher education and the voluntary sector. She lectured on English Language & Literature for many years at Bedford College/De Montfort University and was Tutor/Organiser for the WEA in Bedfordshire. Her interests include the poetry of Sylvia Plath, the novels of Hilary Mantel, the plays of Tom Stoppard, and the redemptive power of art, music and literature.
Department: Humanities