Not that familiar with Richard Dawkins' work I was uncertain if my flimsy brain would have the capacity to take in what he had to say.

I needn't have worried. As a best-selling scientific philosopher, it goes without saying that his work, as an Oxford professor and outspoken proponent of Darwinism and rationalism, would be accessible, even to the likes of me.

However, that soon became another problem in itself.

His scientific philosophies were so clearly put and so astutely observed, that, ridiculously, I began to believe I had heard it all before. The true sign of genius, it seems, is making things seem simple.

Oddly, with his neat hair and smart blazer, he looked more Nicholas Parsons than Einstein.

Joined on stage by his wife, actress Lalla Ward, they read extracts from his new book, The Devil's Chaplain.

A reference to Darwin's polemical The Origin Of The Species, it's a collection of mainly anecdotal yet piercing observations on subjects close to his heart.

Deconstructing myths and debunking intellectual mumbo jumbo, he defended Darwin, explored the notion of free will and explained exactly why he doesn't believe in religion.

Then a few brave souls got up and asked him questions - to which Dawkins' replies were interesting, of course.

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