Dr. Rooney’s interests and achievements are comprehensively “Ruskinian,” ranging from art and architecture to mathematics and ecology.
A distinguished mediaevalist, she has also written on contemporary and scientific subjects, having received world acclaim for books on The Story of Mathematics and The Story of Medicine.   Her children’s books of fantasy and imagination are increasing in reputation, and books aimed at young adults on ecology and climate change have enhanced her reputation.   She has written on King Arthur, and provided introductions to Machiavelli, Voltaire, Coleridge (with the Doré illustrations), and Chaucer (with illustrations by Morris and Burne-Jones).
This evening she is giving us the opportunity to hear about a work in progress, which is to be centred on the Palazzo Pisani at Santa Marina, one of the modester Venetian palazzi such as Ruskin admired.
Dr. Rooney will explore the challenges and delights of recreating this building in its Renaissance heyday.