Internationally Acclaimed Historian William Dalrymple Set to Enchant Auckland with The Golden Road Talk

Strategic Insights -

Celebrated historian William Dalrymple will present his seminal book, The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, at the Dorothy Winstone Centre in Auckland, marking a rare opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand audiences to engage with one of the world's leading authorities on India's past and present. Dalrymple's vast scholarship, conveyed through the record-breaking Empire podcast (85 million downloads and counting) and numerous acclaimed books, has captivated global audiences, and his Auckland appearance is the third in a special Spring season of events hosted by Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tamaki.

Key Takeaways:

  • William Dalrymple, globally acclaimed for his historical works, will discuss his landmark book, The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, highlighting India's pivotal role in shaping world history, politics, and economics.
  • The event, to be held at the Dorothy Winstone Centre on November 5, 2024, will include an in-conversation session and book signing, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the author.
  • Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tamaki, celebrating its heyday in May with an expected 60,000 to 85,000 attendees, is marking a special Spring season with high-profile out-of-season events, including Dalrymple's talk and appearances by acclaimed writers Callie Hart and Trent Dalton.
  • The festival, which runs from May 12-17, 2026, and features Streetside: Britomart as a pre-festival teaser on May 8, has garnered support from key sponsors, including ARA Group, Freemasons Foundation, and Tataki Auckland Unlimited.

Statistics:

  • Dalrymple's podcast, Empire, has amassed 85 million downloads.
  • Auckland's annual Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tamaki attracts between 60,000 and 85,000 attendees.
  • The 2026 Festival will take place between May 12-17, with Streetside: Britomart serving as a pre-Festival event on May 8.
  • The festival has secured financial backing from key sponsors, including ARA Group, Freemasons Foundation, Barfoot & Thompson, Creative New Zealand, Ockham Residential, and Tataki Auckland Unlimited.

Sources:

  • [Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tamaki website]
  • [Ticketmaster]