Beard returns to the Library to talk with her biggest fan about her long-awaited follow up to the international bestseller SPQR. Pre-order your copy of Emperor of Rome and get your free ticket now!

In-person registration for this event has closed, but livestream tickets are still available. A limited number of standby tickets will be available on the night of the event.

In SPQR Mary Beard told the thousand-year story of ancient Rome. In her new book she turns to the emperors who ruled the Roman empire, from the very famous Julius Caesar, who was assassinated in 44 BCE, to the decidedly less well-known Alexander Severus, who was assassinated in 235. Along the way she tracks down the emperor at home, at the races, on his travels, even on his way to heaven. She introduces his wives and lovers, rivals and slaves, court jesters and soldiers—and the ordinary people who pressed begging letters into his hands.

Mary Beard talks with Tim Gunn about writing history as only she can write it, and going directly to the heart of Roman (and our own) fantasies about what it was to be Roman.

Pre-order your copy of the book and skip the line after the event! Tickets labeled "In-Person (with book)" include a copy of Emperor of Rome that you'll receive upon entry.

To join the event in-person | Doors will open 45 minutes before the program begins. For LIVE from NYPL events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 45 minutes before the program.

To join the livestream | Want a signed copy of Emperor of Rome? Order your book at the Library Shop before November 3. Please note: books purchased online on or after November 3 will not be signed.

A livestream of this event will be available on the NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

Emperor of Rome will also be available for purchase from the Library Shop the evening of the event. There will also be a book signing. All books purchased in the bundle should be picked up the evening of the event. If you are unable to pick up your book the evening of the event, you must pick up your book at the NYPL Shop within 14 days. Any unclaimed books will be donated to the Library.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Mary Beard is the author of the best-selling The Fires of Vesuvius and the National Book Critics Circle Award-nominated Confronting the Classics and SPQR. A popular blogger and television personality, Beard is a regular contributor to the New York Review of Books. She lives in England.

Tim Gunn, beloved pop culture icon and New York Times bestselling author, is best known as the Emmy Award–winning host of Project Runway. He also hosted two seasons of his own Bravo makeover series, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, and was the host of the reality TV series Under the Gunn. He currently hosts Making The Cut with Heidi Klum on Amazon.

READ THE BOOK:

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs. 

Livestream | Captions and a transcript will be provided. Media used over the course of the conversation will be accompanied by alt text and/or audio description. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

CONNECT

Please submit all press inquiries to Sara Beth Joren at least 48 hours before the event: email sarabethjoren@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

For all other questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.

Mary Beard © Robin Cormack
Tim Gunn © Scott McDermott