BOOK lovers should be in seventh heaven next week as Bridport’s eighth Literary Festival turns the page on a stellar line-up of authors of both fiction and non-fiction, together with an eclectic mix of poets and literary pundits.

In a something-for-everyone programme, historian and broadcaster Dan Snow will be talking about castles, knights and siege warfare.

Pamela Stephenson will chat about her autobiography and historian AN Wilson will be in conversation about his novel The Potter’s Hand.

The first Kenneth Allsop Memorial Talk is on November 16 and will be given by top nature writer Richard Mabey, in memory of the broadcaster, writer and conservationist, who lived nearby.

Guest of honour at the George Millar Literary Dinner on November 13 is PD James who will regale diners with a light-hearted talk.

The festival, which runs from November 11 to November 18, begins on Remembrance Sunday with two events recalling war in different ways.

Flowers In The Minefields is James Crowden’s exploration of the life, letters and poetry of Second World War poet John Jarmain at Sladers Yard.

And Jonathan Dimbleby will discuss his book Destiny In The Desert, at the Bull Hotel, marking the 70th anniversary of the battle of El Alamein.

EVENTS: Flowers in the Minefields, Sladers Yard, West Bay. Sunday, November 11, noon. Tickets £8/£16 with lunch.

Destiny in the Desert, Bull Hotel. Sunday, November 11, 3pm. Tickets £8.

Life in Miniature, Bull Hotel, Bridport, Tuesday, November 13, 11am. Tickets £8.

On Cigarette Papers, Sladers Yard, Tuesday, November 13, 6.30pm. Tickets £8/£16 with supper.

PD James at George Millar Literary Dinner, Bull Hotel, Tuesday, November 13. Tickets £40.

Dan Snow on Battle Castles, The Bull Hotel, Bridport. Wednesday, November 14, 6.30pm. Tickets £8.

The Festival Debate, Bull Hotel, Thursday, November 15, 6.30pm. Tickets £8.

Pamela Stephenson, The Varnished Untruth, Electric Palace, Friday November 16, 11am. Tickets £8.

Kenneth Allsop Memorial Talk, Electric Palace, Friday, November 16, 6.30pm. Tickets £10.

AN Wilson, Electric Palace, Saturday, November 17, 6.30pm. Tickets £8.

Larkin’s Jazz, Sladers Yard, Sunday, November 18, noon. Tickets £10/£18 with lunch.

For booking and, full programme details of all events, venues and ticket prices, see the festival brochure, visit bridlit.com or call the box office on 01308 424901.