Controversial author to speak at festival

His fourth book, The Satanic Verses, was condemned by some in the Islamic world because of its perceived blasphemous depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.

Other speakers include, Lloyd Jones, author of Mr Pip; Lorrie Moore, the celebrated American writer, and A L Kennedy fresh from collecting the Costa Award.

Artist Grayson Perry will speak on the neglected painter, Edward Burra; Sam Taylor-Wood and Patrick Marber reveal their cinematic collaboration and Simon Jenkins and Rosemary Hill examine the legacy of the great Victorian architect, Pugin.

The event runs from May 16-25.

Logon to www.charleston.org.uk for more details.