Where does the alphabet come from? Who do we have to thank for creating, ordering and handing down these super successful letters? And, what with all its silent letters and Magic Es, why does English spelling use the alphabet in such a quirky way? These are the mighty questions answered in 'Why Q Needs U', the bestselling new book hailed by Sir Stephen Fry as a “a wonderful achievement” and named by The Economist as one of its books of 2025. Author Dr Danny Bate combines linguistics, archeology, history and humour to guide readers through the millennia-long story of the alphabet, as well as English’s very specific take on the ancient technology.

Find out as we host Danny Bate at Books & Bevs to discuss his bestselling debut Why Q Needs U!

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/danny-bate-at-books-bevs-tickets-1999796344700?aff=erelpanelorg