Marina Warner

Marina Warner is a writer of fiction, criticism and history; her works include novels and short stories as well as studies of art, myths, symbols and fairytales.
“My critical and historical books and essays explore different figures in myth and fairy tale, such as the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc; more recently I have concentrated on fairy tales, including the Arabian Nights. I also write novels and short stories, often drawing on mythic or other imaginary predecessors to translate them into contemporary significance – to re-vision them.

Stories come from the past but speak to the present, and I have found that I need to write stories as well as deconstruct them and place them in historical contexts, because I myself love reading works of imagination, and I would like to join the conversation with admired predecessors, who range from Apuleius to Virginia Woolf, Italo Calvino, and Angela Carter.”

Recent Diary Entries

Alternative Lessons and Carols, 6 December 2024

28/11/24

Marina is going to be reading, alongside CAConrad, Jim Finer and Andrew O’Hagan (amongst others) an ‘alternative lesson’ as we approach the year’s festivities. The event, one of two shows on consecutive night with different line-ups, is organised by th …

READ MORE

Marina Warner on Uncanny Visions, The Holborne Museum, 5 December

14/11/24

The Holborne Museum currently has the exhibition ‘Uncanny Visions: Paula Rego and Francisco de Goya’, on until January 5, 2025. Marina has described Paula Rego as one of her heroes, and will reflect on Rego’s admiration for, and inspiration by, Goya’s …

READ MORE

Finding the Words – Freedom from Torture fundraiser

24/09/24

On 21st November, from 7pm, at the London Library, Freedom from Torture are putting on a literary festival and fundraiser, Finding the Words. Join for a star-studded literary evening at the London Library featuring readings by distinguished writers and …

READ MORE

Latest Publications