'Alison Weir's Preferred Companions - Books, Scrabble, Cards, James Norton, and a Glass of Wine'
Alison Weir, a prolific British author and historian, is set to appear at the Stratford Literary Festival, taking place from October 30-November 2. Known for her captivating works on the Tudor dynasty and the lives of queens, Weir will undoubtedly captivate audiences with her insights and anecdotes.
Born in 1951 in Westminster, London, Weir's journey into the world of history began at the City of London School for Girls, North Western Polytechnic, and the University of North London. Her first foray into publishing came with the release of Britain's Royal Families in 1989, marking the beginning of a successful career spanning over three decades.
Weir's works, a mix of non-fiction and historical fiction, total 32 titles, with her latest book, Queens at War, being published today. This intriguing exploration of the lives and battles of queens throughout history promises to be a must-read for history enthusiasts.
Weir's personal life intertwines with her passion for history. She met her husband, Rankin, in 1971 at a Battle of Britain Dance, and together they raised two children in Surrey. Their family life has been a source of inspiration for some of her most celebrated works.
The couple settled in Surrey, where they enjoyed memorable meals together, such as the one Weir recalls at the Lords Of The Manor Hotel in Upper Slaughter, Cotswolds. However, tragedy struck two years ago with Rankin's passing.
Despite her success, Weir remains grounded, preferring the charming Château de Saint Paterne hotel in Normandy, France, over grandeur. Her simple pleasures include listening to a diverse playlist that includes John Lennon, Rolling Stones, The Killers, ABBA, Creedence Clearwater Revival, David Bowie, Echo and the Bunnymen, Eric Clapton, and Electric Light Orchestra, among others.
When it comes to work, Weir prefers silence, but finds music soothing when dealing with emails. One of her most cherished gifts was a lamp her son chose for their 25th wedding anniversary. As for her choice for a film adaptation of her life, Weir would choose Rebecca Fleming to portray her.
If Weir were to find herself on a desert island, she would take lots of books, Scrabble, a pack of cards, James Norton, some wine, and would not specify any particular reason for James Norton's inclusion.
Weir's parents, who had split up 'rather acrimoniously' by the time she decided to become an author, had mixed reactions to her success. Her mother was delighted, but her father was less so. Regardless, Weir's passion for history and storytelling has touched the lives of many, and her presence at the Stratford Literary Festival is sure to be a highlight.
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