War Stories Uncovered

Iain MacGregor's new book, Battle, reveals the five forces that have shaped victory and defeat throughout history: Morale, Leadership, Innovation, Subterfuge, Timing & Numbers. His talk will take the audience on a journey from ancient Greece to modern Ukraine, highlighting the dramatic moments when battles changed the course of civilisation.

The event, chaired by historian and author Martin Latham, is perfect for anyone who loves military history, great storytelling, and the epic characters who shaped our world. Latham's extraordinary appetite for the stories of the past and his experience in hosting over 2,000 author events make him an ideal guide to MacGregor's talk.

The talk will take place on Monday, 16 November 2026, at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone. Tickets are with the button beside the article.

The Folkestone Book Festival, which includes this event, is a two-week celebration of stories, ideas, and conversation by the sea, curated by novelist Sophie Haydock. The festival brings together world-class writers, thinkers, and storytellers to Folkestone, offering a range of events and activities to enjoy.

With its vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, bars, and galleries, Folkestone is the perfect setting for a literary festival. The event is part of the town-wide celebration of reading, writing, and storytelling, Folkestone is a Library, which aims to make Folkestone one of the UK's most exciting literary destinations.