Two days after the launch of his latest book, historian William Dalrymple will meet literary fans at an afternoon tea organised by Bowood House.

Mr Dalrymple, who lives with his wife and three children on a farm outside Delhi in India has written about the spring of 1839 when British forces invaded Afghanistan.

Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan charts the humiliation of British forces, who were beaten by poorly equipped tribesmen. It will be published on February 4.

He will chat about the book, and his career as a writer and historian on Wednesday, February 6, at 3.30pm. Tickets are £17.50.

To book, call (01249) 822228.