A literary shooting star of the 1920s, Michael Arlen (1895-1956) was the chronicler of Mayfair society. He became an international celebrity after the publication of his scandalous novel The Green Hat in 1924. Born into an immigrant Armenian community in Lancashire, following early breakthrough in London he led a millionaire’s life on the Riviera and dabbled in the Hollywood film industry before living out his final years in New York, all but forgotten.

Join us for an illustrated talk about Arlen’s life and career by Philip Ward, based on Ward’s recently published book Encounters with Michael Arlen. Ward will also offer some thoughts on how – and why – this complex individual, born Dikran Kouyoumdjian, reinvented himself as ‘Michael Arlen’.

A unique display of first editions of all of Arlen’s books, held by the Armenian Institute library, will be available for browsing during the event.

There will be the opportunity to purchase the book during the event, cash only please. 

This event is held in collaboration with Troubador Publishing.

Please note that all event tickets are sold online, no tickets are available at the door. To ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, please make sure to register in advance using Eventbrite.

About the Speaker

Philip Ward is a writer with particular interests in literature, music and drama. He worked for many years in the House of Commons Library. His publications include Hofmannsthal and Greek Myth, a translation of Frank Wedekind’s novella Mine-Haha, and studies of the work of Sandy Denny, Laura Nyro and Helen Mirren, as well as a volume of essays Instead of a Critic. He holds MA degrees from the universities of Oxford and London and a PhD from Cambridge, where he is a Senior Member of Wolfson College.