Learn about the stunning 16th Century Netherlandish illuminated manuscript recently acquired for the Kerry Stokes Collection. This manuscript belongs to a type of prayer book called a Book of Hours, which flourished in medieval Europe.

Margaret Manion, one of Australia's pre-eminent art historians, explains the Rothschild Prayer Book's significance within the context  of Books of Hours, illustrating how this genre contained not only popular prayers, but some of the finest paintings of the Middle Ages. Erica Persak, Executive Administrator of the Kerry Stokes Collection, explores the Prayer Book's provenance and history, from the world of 1500 through to its 2014 acquisition by the Kerry Stokes Collection.

Andrea Goldsmith embraces the digital world but she also thrives on the imagination’s power. In her lecture, Private Passions and Public Exposures, she reveals that if mindful and selective of what each of these two powerful human spheres can provide, we can have the best of both worlds.

Graeme Simsion, best-selling author of The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect, talks about his literary journey, as well as his insightful and endearing characterisation of Asperger Syndrome via hero, Don Tillman.  

In association with Autism Asperger ACT, a not-for-profit offering advocacy, information and practical support to people in the autism community.

Tragedy delivers bad news. It tells us that we are not in control of our own lives. Peter Holbrook, Professor of Shakespeare and English Renaissance Literature from the University of Queensland addresses this in the context of tragic drama in the time of Shakespeare.

Presented in association with the Australian National University.

With over fifty years' experience in writing and publishing, Thomas Keneally examines the survival of the physical book and asks 'Why does it exist at all and where does it sit now, as a tool of research or a source of transcendence and joy, amongst its electronic siblings?'

Supported by the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Bequest

Award-winning author and Northern Australia correspondent for The Australian, Nicolas Rothwell reflects on his experience living in Australia's north and considers what lies in the Australian landscape and what we read within it.

Supported by Elaine Van Kempen in recognition of the contribution of poet, historian and naturalist, Eric Rolls

Drawing from his biographies of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Bertrand Russell and J.Robert Oppenheimer, Ray Monk discusses the role and limitations of biographies in understanding philosophers and scientists.

Celebrate the 150th anniversary and the new print and digital editions of The English and Australian Cookery Book by Tasmanian Edward Abbott with an afternoon of food conversation. Join food historians and writers Barbara Santich, Matthew Evans, Bernard Lloyd and Tony Marshall for a discussion about Australia’s culinary heritage.

Filled with his trademark lunacy, poignancy and arrow-to-the-heart wisdom, Holy Fool is a collection of more than 240 artworks by Australia's most admired cartoonist.

Join Michael Leunig as he discusses his new book Holy Fool.

Join bestselling author Christos Tsiolkas and ABC radio presenter Genevieve Jacobs as they discuss his new novel Barracuda, an unflinching look at modern sport, what it means to be a good person, and what it takes to become one.

Christos is the author of five novels, including The Slap, which won the 2009 Australian Booksellers Association Book of the Year and the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year.

In association with Allen & Unwin, the Australian National University and The Canberra Times