A look back at the first events of 2026 shows a vibrant and inspiring start to the year. We began with a special milestone: hosting our very first podcast.
At the beginning of January, Mayflower Bookshop hosted its first-ever podcast recording. On January 6, Inger Kuin presented the English-language version of her book Diogenes – The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic. The presentation was part of the popular Oudheid podcast by Timo Epping from the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. Although heavy snowfall limited attendance on the day, the podcast is now available for everyone to enjoy online and via major podcast platforms.
On January 24, we took part in the annual Leiden Jazz Week during a lively Saturday in the shop. The Daan Schreuder Trio transformed the bookshop into an intimate concert space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visitors experienced a pleasant balance between attentive listening and relaxed browsing, accompanied by the soothing sounds of live jazz.
On February 12, Fernanda Moura led an inspiring Creative Reading workshop. Participants gained fresh perspectives and new insights, making it a rewarding experience for all who attended.
Crime took centre stage later in February, marking the beginning of a thematic focus for 2026 at Mayflower. Our new lecture series, Great Crime, explores the many international dimensions of the genre. On February 22, Leo van Zanen opened the series with an introductory lecture titled “Murders in the Bookcase.” While no single talk can fully capture the breadth of crime literature, he offered a compelling and engaging overview.
The series continued on March 29 with Tony Foster, who delivered a lecture on To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, an enduring classic that fits perfectly within the theme. Drawing on his expertise as both a legal professional and an Anglicist, Foster provided valuable insights into the novel’s lasting relevance.
The Great Crime series will continue in the coming months, with upcoming events focusing on Shakespeare, Italian detectives, and Charles Dickens.