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"Saints or sinners? GK Chesterton, Eugenics and the Golden Age of Detective Fiction" with Subhadra Das
Summary:
At a time when ideas to do with racial fitness and selective breeding were all the rage in the UK, one man took a stand for humanity. It was the journalist, novelist, biographer and all-round general wit, Gilbert Keith Chesterton. In 1922, Chesterton published a collection of essays entitled Eugenics and Other Evils, tackling loudly and head-on his opposition to the Mental Deficiency Act of 1913, which made it legal to target and lock up the so-called 'feeble-minded' -- people with mental illnesses and physical and learning disabilities. For the previous decade, Chesterton had also made his name as the author of a series of detective stories, featuring a tiny Catholic priest called Father Brown. The Father Brown stories were hugely popular, and, along with Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, historians of detective fiction list them as a key landmark in the development of the genre. In this talk, historian and dyed-in-the-wool detective fiction fan Subhadra Das explores why it shouldn't surprise us that the golden age of eugenics and the golden age of detective fiction happened at the exact same time.
Bio:
Subhadra Das is a historian who writes about science and society, specialising in the history of race and eugenics. She has presented podcasts and stand-up comedy shows, curated museum exhibitions, and appeared on radio and TV. Her first book Uncivilised: Ten Lies That Made The West was published in 2024.
Venue:
Effra Social, 89 Effra Road SW2 1DF
Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving early if you're eating at the venue!)
Doors from 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm
FAQs:
What is Pints of Knowledge?
Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.
What happens at Pints of Knowledge?
At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.
What if I don't drink alcohol?
No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.
Can I attend without a ticket?
Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.
Is there food available?
Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.
Can I get my ticket refunded?
We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.
Can I get my ticket exchanged?
We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.
Is the event pet/baby friendly?
Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.
Is the venue accessible?
All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.