Literary workshops from The Idler Academy

— London | 13 January 2012 - 29 February 2012

The Idler Academy

From 13 January to 29 February you can sharpen your wits and discover hidden talents with a series of workshops from The Idler Academy.

The Idler is a literary and philosophical periodical founded in 1993 that strives to revive interest in neglected 18th century subjects. High-profile contributors over the years have included Louis Theroux, Alex James, Damien Hirst, and Alain De Botton. David Hockney and Emma Thompson.

Selfridges and The Idler have teamed up for a number of sessions incorporated into the Words Words Words initiative, where they will bring their unique perspective to our UltraLounge on the Lower Ground floor.

Grammar Lesson: Friday 13, 20, 27 January and 3, 10, 29 February 5pm – 7pm
Forgotten the lessons you learned in primary school? Let the Idler refresh your memory with this intensive Grammar lesson. The need to learn the rules of grammar is more urgent than ever and the Idler can help with a two hour masterclass which will help to improve your written communication. Nevile Gwynne, an Eton graduate, teacher and Author of Gwynne’s Grammar will be leading this lecture.

Greek Philosophy: Thursday 19 January 6.30pm – 7.30pm
In this enthralling class, author and philsopher Dr Mark Vernon will teach the basics of Greek philosophy. You will learn who Socrates was and what he taught, as well as get the low-down on the philosophical schools that followed him: the Stoics, Epicureans, Sceptics and Cynics. You'll also gain an insight into everyday life and politics in Ancient Athens, and how the dialogues of Ancient Greece are strikingly relevant to issues that concern us today.

Latin Lesson: Friday 20 January 5pm – 7pm
The Idler Academy's Head of Latin, Susanna Hislop, gives a fascinating introduction to the study of the Latin language, where she will answer the question, why on earth should we bother? She will also teach a few grammatical rudiments, and some beautiful lines of Latin love poetry by Catullus.

Coffee Culture: Thursday 26 January 6.30pm – 7.30pm
This is the story of London’s original coffeehouses: a heady brew of greed, gossip, idleness...and crucified crocodiles. Oxford educated Dr Matthew Green will lecture on a London coffeehouse tradition stretching back 350 years. From these humble beginnings arose a cultural phenomenon that would transform the face of the metropolis - and then vanish without a trace. Hear about the meteoric rise of coffeehouses in 17th century London, their blossoming in the 18th century, and their slow death in the 19th.

Calligraphy Lesson: Friday 27 January 5pm – 7pm
Ever wanted to learn how to write beautiful calligraphy? In this exploration of the Italic hand we will be offering participants the opportunity to create their own Calligraphic handwriting for use in creating greetings cards, book dedications or even shopping lists. You will be guided by a highly experienced professional calligrapher, Christopher Austin, who will show you what you need to get started. Materials will be supplied; all you need is an open mind and a willingness to experiment.

Make Your Own Book Lesson: Friday 3 and 24 February 5pm – 7pm
A hands-on masterclass from author John-Paul Flintoff in the art of making your own notebook. He will teach you how to make your own unique book for writing, sketching and doodling - to consider the size you want, to cut the pages, to stitch them together, bind them in hard or soft covers and to design your own endpapers.

The Art of Love: Wednesday 14 February 12.30 - 1.30pm
A symposium on love in the company of author Roman Krznaric. Drawing on his scintillating new book, The Wonderbox, Roman will put our ideas about romantic love under the spotlight and reveal what history can teach us about becoming a good lover.

Wordy Embroidery Lesson: Friday 17 February 5pm - 7pm
This wonderful class will teach you how to stitch words onto your cushions and upholstery. You will learn the fundamental stitches of embroidery; how to vary, combine and develop them in order to create striking graphic compositions. Using a linen 'words words words' sampler designed by Peter Nencini, Sally will teach variations on running, chain and couching stitches to create different types of line.

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