The Athenaeum Club: A History

Join Michael Wheeler to discover the compelling history of the Athenaeum Club and its members’ impact on Britain’s scientific, creative, and official life, based on his book The Athenæum published by Yale University Press.

When it was founded in 1824, the Athenæum broke the mould. Unlike in other preeminent clubs, its members were chosen on the basis of their achievements rather than on their background or political affiliation. Public rather than private life dominated the agenda. Famous for its library, the club has always been closely linked to the learned societies including the Antiquaries. With its tradition of hospitality to conflicting views, the Athenæum has attracted leading scientists, writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout its history, including Charles Darwin and Matthew Arnold, Edward Burne-Jones and Yehudi Menuhin, Winston Churchill and Gore Vidal.

Michael devotes attention to the influence of Athenians on the scientific, creative, and official life of the nation. From the unwitting recruitment of a Cold War spy to the welcome admittance of women, this lively and original account explores the corridors and characters of the club; its wider political, intellectual, and cultural influence; and its recent reinvention.