Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity

Using deep knowledge, generosity and humour, Oxford's Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church Diarmaid MacCulloch tells a 3000-year-long tale of Christians encountering human sexuality, and how it underpins today’s revolutionised views.

In a talk based on his acclaimed recent book Lower than the Angels, he explores the glorious complexity and contradictions of a story of ordinary and extraordinary Christians trying to make sense of themselves and of humanity’s deepest desires, fears and hopes.

He also looks at some of the remarkable items recently acquired by the British Library. These include a rare printed mandate from the reign of Henry VIII, supporting the King’s supremacy over the Church and break with Rome, and thereby enabling his divorce from Catherine of Aragon and marriage to Anne Boleyn.

The event is introduced by Marina Warner, writer and chair of the British Library Collections Trust. The Trust promotes the Library’s work across all the collection areas, and bequests to it support the acquisition of unique manuscripts, books and other collections.

Presented in association with the British Library Collections Trust.

Your support

The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.