Young poets go head to head at the Roundhouse Slam final on Thursday.
Thursday 14 August
KEW GARDENS HISTORY: Brian Webb and Peyton Skipwith make an appearance at Waterstone’s Hampstead to talk about their book, Edward Bawden’s Kew Gardens, which provides an insight into the social history of the park. £5/£3, prebook, 7pm (See also Monday 18 August)
POETRY SLAM FINAL: Tonight’s the final of the Roundhouse Poetry Slam 2014 at Camden Roundhouse. The original fifteen poets aged 16-25 have been whittled down and tonight sees the finalists perform in a slam hosted by Dan Cockrill. Judges are Deanna Rodger, Inua Ellams and Lemn Sissay. £7.50, prebook, 7.30pm
Friday 15 August
PANIC: Author Lauren Oliver will be at Hatchards on Piccadilly to sign copies of her novel Panic. 5.30pm
PROMS PLUS LITERARY: Nature writers Horatio Clare and Miriam Darlington celebrate the life of Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water at BBC Proms tonight – because it’s not all about the music. Free, 5.45pm
Saturday 16 August
KEATS IS NOT ON FACEBOOK: What would Keats make of modern-day London? Or Rome? At Keats House, Helen Burke reads poems written for the Keats-Shelley House in Rome, which also feature in her new collection Here’s Looking at You, Kid. Free with admission to house, just turn up, 3pm
Sunday 17 August
WAR AT THE PROMS: Novelist and poet Helen Dunmore, author of several books exploring the First World War, and writer Simon Heffer discuss the myths and realities behind the idea of the Lost Generation as part of BBC Proms. Takes place at the Royal College of Music. Free, 5.45pm
Monday 18 August
JUDGE A BOOK: Want to get involved in judging the Guardian First Book Award this Autumn. Head along to Waterstone’s on Gower Street for a preliminary meeting on how you can get involved. Free, 7pm
KEW GARDENS HISTORY: Brian Webb and Peyton Skipwith make an appearance at Waterstone’s Richmond to talk about their book, Edward Bawden’s Kew Gardens, which provides an insight into the social history of Kew Gardens. £3, prebook, 7pm (See also Thursday 14 August)
Tuesday 19 August
SIMPSON & I: Waterstone’s Hampstead has an evening with BBC journalist and author of Simpson & I, Oggy Boytchev. It’s his memoir of working in international news reporting alongside John Simpson. £5/£3, prebook, 7pm
POETRY LAUNCH: The launch of Issue 12 of poetry publication Ariadne’s Thread takes place at The Old Ship in Richmond, with a night of free music and poetry. There’s also an open mic for anyone wanting to read their own poetry. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm
Wednesday 20 August
ZOO WRITER: The latest in London Zoo’s series of writer talks sees poet David Harsent hosting an evening focused on African hunting dogs. Chaired by poet and ZSL Council Member Ruth Padel. £12, prebook, 7pm
SHORT STORIES: Waterstone’s Hampstead hosts an Evening with Tom Barbash, who will be discussing his new collection of short stories with David Mitchell, author of Cloud Atlas. £5/£3, prebook, 7pm
LONDON POETRY: Londonphile John Constable, is at Housman’s bookshop in King’s Cross to read from his first collection of poetry. His work includes play collection Southwark Mysteries. £3, 7pm
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Book ahead for your chance to see TV presenter Clare Balding in conversation in conversation with authors such as David Nicholls (One Day), Kate Mosse and Caitlin Moran.
Follow @LondonistLit for our pick of that day’s literary events.