Hemlock and After

Hemlock and After is the story of Bernard Sands - novelist, liberal, and humanist - who sets out to establish a writers' colony at Vardon Hall, which is to be the climax of his distinguished career. But Sands has influential enemies, and life is further complicated by his wife Ella's mysterious illness and his own affair with his young lover, Eric. Dazzling with his originality and insight, Wilson ensures that Sands's liberal ideals, both public and private, are put to the test.

Angus Wilson in 1963 became a part-time lecturer at the new University of East Anglia in Norwich, subsequently becoming Professor and Public Orator.