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

Mysteries and grace: The beauty and humanity of fourteenth-century Sienese art

17/04/25

Marina wrote a review for the TLS (April 18 2025, Issue No 6368) on the exhibition Siena: The rise of painting, 1300–50 (at the National Gallery until June 22), along with the exhibition catalogue edited by Joanna Cannon. The exhibition includes work b …

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The Books That Made Me, 1 May 2025, 6.30pm @ the British Academy

01/04/25

At this event, Marina will discuss the most meaningful stories from the realm of myth, folklore and fairy tale, which have shaped and inspired her life and work! She will be in conversation with Ritual Shah. The event is free, but booking is required – …

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Folklore Reimagined Late: Living Almanac Workshop, 10 April 2025

18/02/25

This Almanac workshop is part of the British Academy’s one-night spring festival of sorts, ‘Folklore Reimagined’ – an evening of inspiring talks, screenings, workshops, exhibitions and performances to explore how traditional beliefs and stories have ev …

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Latest Publications