The Genius of Trees with Harriet Rix

Monday 16 November, 2.30 – 3.30pm, Dulverton Town Hall

Harriet Rix with Sarah Lutyens

Harriet Rix’s acclaimed debut, The Genius of Trees, invites us to rethink everything we thought we knew about trees. Blending cutting-edge science, history and vivid storytelling, she reveals how trees have shaped the natural world over hundreds of millions of years, using astonishing strategies to survive, adapt and transform their environments. From prehistoric forests to the giant sequoias of California and the cloud forests of the Canary Islands, Harriet presents trees not as passive features of the landscape but as remarkable agents of change. Described by The Telegraph as “a true masterpiece” and by The Guardian as “mind-blowing and erudite”, the book was also named one of The New Yorker‘s best books of the year so far.

Raised in Devon, Harriet studied biochemistry at the University of Oxford and the history of science at the University of Cambridge before working in landmine clearance and later for The Tree Council, researching tree diseases and urban forestry. She has written for the London Review of Books, the Times Literary Supplement and other leading publications.

Harriet will be in conversation with Festival supporter Sarah Lutyens, one of Britain’s leading literary agents. After a distinguished career in publishing, Sarah co-founded the Lutyens & Rubinstein literary agency in 1993, representing acclaimed writers across a wide range of genres. Together, Harriet and Sarah, will explore the hidden genius of trees and what they can teach us about the natural world and our future.

Tickets £12 adults £6 children (under 17)