Erik Orsenna: Portrait of the Gulf Stream

Childhood summers spent on the island of Bréhat of the Brittany coast inspired author

Erik Orsenna with a life-long interest in currents. Approaching his subject more as a 'wanderer' than a scientist, Orsenna's search for answers to the questions 'What is Gulf Stream?' and 'How will it be affected by global warning?' takes him to Norway, Florida and beyond to meet the scholars and sailors who can unlock the secrets of this powerful and mysterious ocean current. His account of his investigation is a deft weave of poetry and science and a fascinating journey of discovery for the reader.

Erik Orsenna, member of the Académie française and past winner of the Prix Goncourt, will discuss Portrait of the Gulf Stream (Haus Publishing, 2008) and his latest novel La Révolte des accents (Stock, 2007).

He will be in conversation with Richard Hamblyn from the TLS. Richard Hamblyn is the author of The Invention of Clouds, which won the 2002 Los Angeles Times book price, and of the forthcoming Terra! Tales of the Earth, a study of natural desasters.

Wed 6 Feb | 7.30pm | £3, conc. £2 | in English | Early reservation recommended

Find out more : Erik Orsenna official website [FR] | Download the book's press release