The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture 2024: Michael Rosen

Be sure to join us for an inspiring and thought provoking lecture this November. Bookings open this Friday (06 September) but you can register your account on Eventbrite now to speed up the process. Tickets are free, and in the event of all tickets being allocated, a waiting list will operate.

Michael Rosen is a beloved British writer and performance poet for both children and adults. He earned his first degree from Wadham College, Oxford, followed by an MA and PhD. Currently, he is a Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he co-devised and teaches an MA in the field.

A prominent broadcaster, Michael has hosted BBC Radio 4’s "Word of Mouth" since 1998 and has presented various documentaries, including the Sony Gold Award-winning "On Saying Goodbye."

Michael has authored around 200 books, including "The Sad Book", a reflection on grief, and "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt," which was adapted into an animated film.  Adult poetry includes "Don’t Mention the Children", and  his non-fiction works cover diverse topics, from teaching to his memoir, "So They Call You Pisher!"

Michael has received numerous honors, including the Children’s Laureate title (2007-2009) and the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his impact on French culture in the UK. His YouTube channel has over 55 million views.

The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture began in 1976. Born in Birmingham in 1889, Thomas Baggs was an alumnus of the University who went on to become a teacher, journalist and a war correspondent for the Daily Mail before pursuing a successful career in advertising and publicity for the USA automobile industry.

When he died in 1973 Thomas bequeathed a substantial sum to the University to provide for an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness - what it is and how it may be achieved by individuals as well as nations.’

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