War Horse author Michael Morpurgo and the real-life inspiration behind the Oscar-winning film Argo, Tony Mendez are just two of the big names lined up for this year’s University of Warwick Book Festival (BookFest).

Tickets are going on sale today (6) for BookFest, which will take place on campus on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th May.

The Festival will launch with a special event on Friday 2^nd May with War Horse author Michael Morpurgo. Accompanied by highly acclaimed musicians John Tams and Barry Coope, this unique event brings together readings from War Horse with music specially composed by John Tams for the award-winning theatre production.

On the Festival weekend of 17^th-18^th May, highlights include Louis de Bernières talking about his latest work, Tony Mendez discuss his life as a CIA Agent – his most famous escapade was depicted in the film Argo (2012) – and a panel of Guardian journalists and intelligence experts debate whether Edward Snowden is a traitor or a hero.

Top historical fiction writers Anita Mason, Andrew Crumey and Willliam Palmer will discuss the rise of interest in historical novels, while Clare Mulley, author of The Spy Who Loved will lead a panel on women secret agents.

Tickets are on sale from Thursday 6^th March and can be purchased from Warwick Arts Centre box office on 024 765 24524 or online. A limited number of day tickets are available, or can be purchased for individual events. See the full programme at www.go.warwick.ac.uk/bookfestival and follow us on twitter @bookfestwarwick

Notes to editors

For more information please contact Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Senior Press and Communications Manager, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 02476 150863, 07824 540868.

Warwick BookFest 2014

Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Senior Press and Communications Manager, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 07824 540863, 02476 150868