Camden New Journal - News: Shelley author speaks in Highgate

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Camden New Journal - by TOM FOOT
Published: 04 October 2007

Richard Waddington and Ann Wroe in the library

Shelley author speaks in Highgate

THE historian Ann Wroe spoke at the Highgate library on Thursday about the revolutionary poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Her book, Being Shelley, published this summer, won widespread critical acclaim.
It aims to transcend conventional political biography by exploring the spiritual significance of his works.
“It is a biography of a spirit,” she told around 30 members of the Friends of Highgate Library.
Ms Wroe, who lives in South End Green and writes for the Economist magazine, said began writing the book after reading the poems on holiday.
She said: “I will never forget how the sky became shot through with fire. I knew I had to try and write about him in a different way. I believe the importance of his political poetry is transcended by his works’ metaphysical qualities.”
Richard Waddington, the chairman of the Friends of Highgate Library, said he hoped more people would seek out similar literary experiences in the library.
He said: “It is not a crisis. But we are noticing a decline year on year in the number of active members, that is members actively using the library to take out books. We must do everything we can to make sure the library stays open.”

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