Fantasy: Realms of Imagination

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An ancient mappe of Fairyland (detail) Bernard Sleigh, The British Library L.R.270.a.46 (public domain)

Fantasy: Realms of Imagination

Set out on a legendary quest through the impossible worlds of fantasy. 

From epic visions to intricately envisaged details, we celebrate some of the finest fantasy creators, reveal how their imagined lands, languages and creatures came into being, and delve into the traditions of a genre that has created some of the most passionate and enduring fandoms. 

Journey from fairy tales and folklore to discover how the oldest forms of literature continue to inspire fantasy authors, filmmakers and game producers today. 

Gather your fellow adventurers and step through your library’s portal into the realms of fantasy as it has never been chronicled before. 

Who knows where your journey will lead…

Fantasy: Realms of Imagination will be in Living Knowledge Network Libraries across the UK from 27 October 2023 to 25 February 2024. 

Inspire are part of the Living Knowledge Network and we are delighted to be hosting a taster of the full exhibition currently on show at the British Library in London. 

Visit the touring exhibition in an Inspire venue near you and look out for a Fantasy Events programme across the county, see a full list of our events in this series below:

Don’t miss this national moment as ‘Fantasy: Realms of Imagination’ opens in libraries across the UK. Hear from iconic fantasy author Susan Cooper as she officially opens the exhibition, broadcast live from the British Library. 

Follow this link Fantasy: Realms of Imagination Launch | Living Knowledge Network (living-knowledge-network.co.uk)

Fantasy Book Recommendations

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For those wanting something new and fantastical to read we have put together a recommendation list with all our favourite fantasy books . From epic fantasy with dragons and swords to urban fantasy or magical realism set in a version of 'our world', there's something for everyone. Click here for the list and ENJOY!

Why I love Fantasy: Join Inspire's Tabitha as she explores the history of the fantasy genre and why it's proved so endlessly popular. Read Tabitha's article here.


Images of Fantasy

Carved stone griffon

We have added a special selection of fantasy-related images from Nottinghamshire to the Inspire Picture Archive. From knights and wizards to griffons and gargoyles.

View the images here.

The Inspire Picture Archive is a unique resource of over 35,000 historical images of Nottinghamshire including bygone shops, favourite places to visit, historic sites and events.


Return to the Living Knowledge Network page by clicking here

Events in this series

There are currently no events in this series