Philip Marsden’s new book, Under a Metal Sky, explores how the discovery of minerals has transformed our species. Beginning and ending in Cornwall, the book follows his journey across Europe, examining peat extraction in the Netherlands, iron-rich meteorites along the Rhine, and gold in the mountains of Georgia. Along the way, Marsden reflects on the relationship between mineral extraction and developments in technology, presenting a new perspective on European history and on our complex relationship with the natural world. Marsden will be introduced by artist Hadrian Pigott and the evening will include readings from the book.
Philip Marsden is an award-winning author of many works of travel writing and other non-fiction, including The Summer Isles, Rising Ground, and The Levelling Sea. Penzance-based artist Hadrian Pigott trained as a geologist and worked on oil rigs before leaving the oil industry to study at the Royal College of Art.