Frequently Asked Questions

What is an intellectual salon?

Art & Popular Culture defines salons as a gathering "partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings, often consciously following Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, 'to please and educate.'"

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Hear Dr. Matthew Green speak on the lost London coffeehouse salons in his TedXEastEnd lecture.

How is a Literary Salon different from a Book Club?

While there are no hard and fast rules for either, simply put, a book club focuses on the reading of one book while a salon is more concerned with a theme of ideas. This explanation may help as well: "A literary salon... is a collection of likeminded individuals who gather to explore intellectual topics together, often sharing their own writing. At a book club, the members are focused on a single book; at a literary salon, the gathering focuses on general literature and concepts." (fairygodboss)

What is a salon like?

While our hope is to grow intellectually, that does not mean our gatherings will be stuffy and serious. Fox and Heron's goal is to foster an entertaining, engaging community of people who enjoy the sharing of ideas. There are no requirements for reading, writing, or education. Everyone is welcome so that we can learn from one another.

Is it always about books?

No! Salons can take on a variety of topics. While our focus is literary in nature, themes can be interpreted through art, music, theater, science, philosophy, and more.

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Watch this mini-bio on Gertrude Stein, whose epic salons of 1920's Paris brought together the top modern literary and art giants.