The history of the universe in 8 metres

Described as the ‘ultimate timeline’ the Wallbook – a 7-foot, six-inch-long chart that tell the history of the world on one piece of paper – combines twelve illustrated threads of evolution, civilizations and continental movements to demonstrate the history of the universe from the Big Bang until the present day.

Using narrative techniques, space, earth, sky, sea, land, and humanity is drawn in eye popping, colourful detail. Children and adults alike will be able to witness the origins of the universe and our planet, the ever-shifting continents, the evolution of life out of the ocean onto land and the growing rise of civilizations the world over.

Author Christopher Lloyd will be on hand to present and answer questions about the more than 1,000 drawings which tell the story of the life since the Big Bang. A Cambridge graduate, Lloyd wrote this book in order to ‘champion a fresh perspective on the relationship between humanity, other life, and the earth itself.’

What on Earth? Wallbook has been shortlisted for the British Book Design and Production Awards.  Lloyd’s other publications include What on earth happened?, now translated in more than 15 languages, and the newly released What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History, in partnership with the Natural History Museum.

The What on earth? Wallbook and talk will occur on Saturday, 22 October. Drop in to view the Wallbook at any time between 11am-4:30pm; Christopher Lloyd hosts two talks at 1:30pm and 3pm.

This is one of the over 160 mostly free talks and activities occurring during the Festival of Ideas, the UK’s only arts, humanities, and social science festival (www.cam.ac.uk/festivalofideas).

The main day of the festival, on Saturday, October 22, is bursting with free events for the whole family to enjoy. There will be talks by world-famous children’s authors Marcus Sedgwick and zombie-loving Charlie Higson; debates by pioneering academics and dozens of hands-on activities for adults as well as children.

Defying Gravity sees Cambridge Community Circus demonstrating awe inspiring, gravity defying feats and miscellaneous manipulative mayhem. They will also be teaching participants juggling, plate-spinning, diabolo, deveil stick, hat manipulation, and other classic circus skills.

Also on October 22, Dr Michael Scott will explore Delphi and Olympia; and the fate of the English language will be questioned by Dr Andrew Dalby and Dr Stephen Pax. Leonard, just returned from a year spent recording the language of the Inughuit people of north-west Greenland, the northernmost settled population in the world.

The Festival of Ideas runs from 19-30 October. The full programme is available and can be requested by phoning 01223 766766. Please visit:www.cam.ac.uk/festivalofideas for more information.