Talks The talks:
  • - Are illustrated by PowerPoint slides.
  • - Are promoted with colourful posters.
  • - Last about one hour, plus another 15-30 minutes for Q&A, meet and greet, book sale and book signing.
  • - Are available for organisations such as the U3A, Rotary Club, Probus, the WI, Civic and Historical Associations, Literary Festivals & Library Events.

  • Justin:
  • - Is an experienced and entertaining public speaker
  • - Has given over 70 talks since 2018
  • - Can supply a projector, laptop, screen and HDMI cable
  • - Is a member of the Society of Authors
  • - Holds Public and Products Liability Insurance

  • For more information, fees and availability, please email justin.newland@hotmail.co.uk.
    The current list of talks is:
    Title Summary  

    Talk #10: The Uncanny Story of the Spread of the Black Plague in the 14th Century.

    This talk traces the origins of the Black Plague in Central Asia in the 1330s. It travelled along the Silk Road, through deserts and seas, affecting all peoples, regardless of race or religion, before reaching the little port of Melcombe Regis, Weymouth. ... MORE

    Talk #11: The Limits of Empire: How Drake's circumnavigation changed history.

    At the beginning of the Elizabethan era, England was a small, isolated, misty isle on the edge of continental Europe. But sparked by Dr John Dee’s vision in his book The Limits of Empire, England grew to become the centre of a new world of trade and communication, bringing its laws, customs and language to all parts of the world ... MORE

    Talk #12: The Hidden Story of the Repulse of the Spanish Armada.

    This talk provides an alternative explanation as to how the Spanish Armada - at the time the greatest fleet in the world - was repulsed by a bunch of rowdy buccaneers from a misty isle on the edge of Europe. ... MORE

    Talk #13: The Great Ming Code - How the Law Book of the Ming Dynasty attempted to harmonise human society with the will of Heaven.

    Having been invaded by the Mongols in the 13th century, the Chinese eventually expelled them in 1368. And because of Karma, they believed they must have been living in the wrong way to have invited the invasion. The Ming Dynasty was a time of soul-searching as China sought to come of age. ... MORE

    Talk #14: Whatever Happened to The Great Enlightenment?

    If the Great Enlightenment happened in the 18th Century, then shouldn't we, 250 years later, be greatly greatly enlightened? ... MORE

    Talk #15: History Repeats Itself.

    Justin will discuss how cycles and seasons play out in history. How is it possible for history to be governed by cycles? What has that to do with karma, or roles, or the curious phenomenon of déjà vu? Justin will explore these questions and suggest ways to think about and deal with our situation. ... MORE

    Talk #16: In Search of the Spirit of the Times.

    It's said that every era is defined by a Zeitgeist, a German word meaning the spirit of the times. But what is the spirit of the times? Do they define the nature and principles that govern that era? Where can it be found in history? Have people always accurately translated it? Who are its best representatives? ... MORE