The LSE Space for Thought Literary Festival 2012 is almost here, and with a wide selection of excellent speakers from across the academic disciplines, it’s not to be missed. Literary Festival Organiser Louise Gaskell introduces the festival and gives her tips for the must-see events. Tickets for all events are free and open to everyone, and are being released on Monday 6th February. We’ll see you there!

The LSE Space for Thought Literary Festival is now in its 4th year. Running from Wednesday 29 February to Saturday 3 March 2012, this year’s festival will focus on Relating Cultures, and aims to consider the relationships between the academic cultures of the arts and social sciences, as well as global cultures, and explore the art of communication and language.

Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, from storytelling and translation to the media’s portrayal of science; from terrorism in film to money in the novel; and from censorship in literature to the importance of poetry in everyday life.

Highlights will include John Lanchester on the place of global economic crisis in fiction, Jeanette Winterson on the substantial role that arts can play in improving health and wellbeing, and Michael Rosen on the increasing attention that Hackney has received in light of the Olympics.

We’re also delighted to welcome AS Byatt speaking on the enduring relevance of mythical stories and their portrayal of the human experience, Claire Tomalin on the extraordinary life and work of Charles Dickens, and Marina Lewycka on translation and storytelling.

Full details, including ticket information and a full programme of events, can be found at lse.ac.uk/literaryfestival