A fresh look at Henry VIII, an insider's guide to Jeremy Corbyn and a behind-the-scenes account of the making of the Jurassic World film are just some of the highlights we can expect at this year Harrogate Literature Festival. STEPHEN LEWIS reports

HERE'S a question for book lovers. Do you like your history as fiction, comingled with a bit of good, old-fashioned story-telling? Or do you prefer it as hard, incontrovertible fact?

There will be something for history-lovers of both persuasions at this year's Harrogate Literature Festival in October.

Fewer names are bigger when it comes to historical fiction than that of Conn Iggulden, author of the bestselling Emperor and Conqueror series about Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan respectively.

He'll be in Harrogate for the festival to talk about how he recreates the past in his novels. But if you prefer your history to stick to the facts, then the festival will also boast an appearance by one of our best-known and controversial historians, David Starkey. Dr Starkey will be shedding new light on the man sometimes described as this country's greatest-ever tyrant - King Henry VIII.

Hosted over a long weekend at The Crown Hotel, the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival - described by Harper’s Bazaar as ‘one of the UK’s best literary festivals' - is about far more than just history, however.

A stellar line-up of writers from the worlds of comedy, history, politics, sport and literature will be appearing at this year's event, from October 18 to 21.

Countdown presenter Nick Hewer, formerly Alan Sugar’s adviser on The Apprentice, will be talking about his new memoir; and Gyles Brandreth's son Benet, whose one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe was a sell-out, will present his new William Shakespeare mystery novel.

Exploring how comedy makes us human, meanwhile, BBC Radio 4 presenter and comedian Robin Ince will delve into his new book, I’m a Joke and So Are You, drawing on A-list comedians, personal insight, and psychologists to explore our funny bone.

The social media star behind Why Mummy Drinks, Gill Simms, will present her new book, Why Mummy Swears. Described as Bridget Jones meets Peppa Pig, she promises to speak to the souls of all parents seeking light relief.

Wife of the late Professor Stephen Hawking, Dr Jane Hawking, whose book inspired the Oscar-winning film, The Theory of Everything, will talk of her new novel, Cry to Dream Again.

If politics is your thing, there will be an insider account of how Jeremy Corbyn inspired Britain’s youth from Corbyn aide and New Statesman writer, Liam Young. The presenter of Radio 4’s The Week in Westminster, Isabel Hardman, will also discuss her fascinating book, Why We Get the Wrong Politicians. And John Simpson, the face of the BBC as World Affairs Editor for over two decades, will discuss his revelatory thriller, Moscow Midnight.

Whisky and wine will be represented in the form of Rachel McCormack’s spirited travelogue, Chasing the Dram, and the irrepressible Oz Clarke, with his witty memoir, Red and White. Animal lovers, meanwhile, will be able to take an entertaining canter with Gemma Hogg, author of Stable Lass, and veterinary film consultant, Jonathan Cranston. As well as talking of his adventures, Around the World in 80 Animals, Cranston swapped dogs for dinosaurs as a consultant on the Jurassic World movie.

There will also be talks from leading authors including Imran Mahmood, whose novel You Don’t Know Me claims to be the most original thriller of the year, and Downton Abbey actress turned blockbuster author, Catherine Steadman. TV presenter Henry Cole will also be hitting the road to Harrogate to discuss his memoir, A Biker’s Life.

Helen Donkin, Literature Festivals Manager at Harrogate International Festivals, said: “The 2018 programme explores bestselling authors, history, politics and more, bringing some incredible names to Harrogate’s doorstep. We can’t wait to invite audiences to join in the book buzz this autumn.”

BLOB: The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival runs at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, from October 18 to 21. For the full line up, visit harrogateinternationalfestivals.com