Join us this August at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Explore the world, in words at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The biggest public celebration of words and stories in the world, the Book Festival takes place every August in the heart of Scotland's capital. With hundreds of events featuring authors from around the globe, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Book Festival.

Book Festival News

Communities Programme participants celebrate success of 2024 Communities Programme participants celebrate success of 2024
Friday 13 December

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Olivia Laing: In Search of Eden Olivia Laing: In Search of Eden When Olivia Laing began to restore a walled garden in Suffolk, she also embarked upon an imaginative discovery of the pleasures and possibilities of gardens through the ages. The Garden Against Time explores their significance in Western culture, from… Raynor Winn with Sally Magnusson: Nature and Mortality Raynor Winn with Sally Magnusson: Nature and Mortality The Salt Path chronicled the experiences of Raynor Winn and her husband Moth when, both in their 50s, they were evicted from their beloved farm in Wales. Shortly afterwards, Moth was diagnosed with an incurable brain disease. Against all medical advice… Peter Hitchens speaks to Ruth Wishart at the Edinburgh International Book Festival Peter Hitchens speaks to Ruth Wishart at the Edinburgh International Book Festival A former member of the International Socialists, Peter Hitchens now leans firmly to the right. But his latest book, The Phoney Victory, may rankle with those on both sides of the political spectrum as he argues that Britain went into truncated decline… Louise Welsh (2010 event) Louise Welsh (2010 event) Much-loved author of The Cutting Room and The Bullet Trick Louise Welsh discusses and reads from her new novel… Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor: Across the Indian Ocean Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor: Across the Indian Ocean ‘In this dazzling novel you will find the entirety of human experience – tearshed, bloodshed, lust, love – in staggering proportions.’ So said Taiye Selasi about Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s debut novel Dust in 2015 – a book that heralded the arrival of a… Stories & Scran Stories & Scran Join us for an evening of food and entertainment, hosted by our Citizen Writers in Residence Eleanor Thom and Leyla Josephine. With live readings, audio recordings and a film created by Citizen participants, our community meal will showcase the insightful… Chan Koonchung (2011 event) Chan Koonchung (2011 event) Is it possible to live in China today, and to raise an eyebrow about the country’s political ambitions? Chan Koonchung does precisely that… Gina Martin at the Edinburgh International Book Festival Gina Martin at the Edinburgh International Book Festival The vile practice of upskirting wasn’t an offence in Britain until activist Gina Martin came along. With no legal or political background, Martin changed the law within 18 months. Now, she wants to help others do the same. Be the Change is a campaigning… Matt Haig: The Library of Second Chances Matt Haig: The Library of Second Chances Matt Haig was already a beloved author for his trademark disconnected outsiders — from vampires to aliens — trying to get to the bottom of what it is to be human. But the 2015 publication of his memoir Reasons to Stay Alive, a powerful account of his… Irvine Welsh (2016 Event) Irvine Welsh (2016 Event) With The Blade Artist, Irvine Welsh returns to the vicious Trainspotting character who's emerged as the best reflection of our angry times. Robert Carlyle, who memorably played Begbie in the iconic movie, claims that 'small psychos are the best', and his…