SURREAL, savagely satirical, subtly subversive and despairingly funny, award-winning author Allen Ashley will read from his latest collection of short urban fantasies Once and Future Cities, at Salisbury House, Edmonton, on Saturday, December 5, 7.30pm.

One of the most distinctive voices in modern literature, Allen will also give a talk on science fiction.

Tickets on door, 020 8360 2363 or poetry@chela.co.uk (£3.50/£2.50 concs)