What books once shaped the intellectual world of Europe – and why have they almost disappeared from our reading lists today?
Join us for the launch of Seven Books That Everyone Once Read and No One Now Does, a fascinating exploration of seven works that played a central role in Europe’s shared civilisation for centuries. From Cicero’s On Duties in the first century BC to Walter Scott’s Waverley in the nineteenth century, these books were once read across the continent.
The volume examines how these works achieved remarkable popularity, how they were read in different historical periods, and why they eventually faded from common reading. Along the way, it offers insights into the changing forms of books—from papyrus to print—the communities of readers who engaged with them, and even some surprising historical anecdotes about how books were physically used in everyday life.
At the event, the book’s author, Dr. Nicholas Tate, historian of education and author of The Conservative Case for Education (Konzervatív Iskola), will discuss the ideas behind the book and the place of reading in European culture and Dr. János Setényi, director of MCC Learning Institute and an expert in education policy and evaluation with decades of international experience working with organisations such as the OECD, the Council of Europe, and the European Commission. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Richárd Fodor, head of research of the MCC Learning Institute
The discussion will explore:• why certain books once defined European education and culture
• how reading practices have changed over timeí
• what these forgotten classics can still offer today’s readers
We warmly invite all those interested in history, literature, education, and the intellectual heritage of Europe to join us for this special book launch and conversation.
During the event, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and to purchase the book.The event will be held in English without interpretation.
We look forward to welcoming you!
The event is free to attend, but requires prior registration.
Registration:
