All Events

There are events for just about every age and interest at the Book Festival, bringing readers and writers together for inspiration, entertainment and discussion. Over 900 authors appear in around 800 events, including novelists, poets, scientists, sportsmen, illustrators, comics creators, historians, musicians, biographers, Nobel and Booker prize-winners and many more besides.

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    Browse this year's themes

    Fernando Aramburu & David Keenan

    Lethal Loyalties

    Tuesday 13 August 19:00 - 20:00

    Fernando Aramburu & David Keenan Buy Tickets
    Two phenomenal novels take a fearless look at terror groups and those caught in their orbits. Fernando Aramburu’s gripping Homeland explores the relationship of two best friends, torn asunder by ETA’s impact on their families. Scottish author David...

    Jim Al-Khalili & Richard Morgan

    Constellation of Sci-fi Stars

    Tuesday 13 August 19:15 - 20:15

    Jim Al-Khalili & Richard Morgan Buy Tickets
    Broadcaster and theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili adds novelist to his achievements with his debut Sunfall. Set 25 years in the future, with the world on the brink of apocalypse, an Iranian hacktivist stumbles upon dark truths. Richard Morgan, whose...
    Changed

    What is ‘Gender’ in the 21st Century?

    Personal Choice, Political Change

    Tuesday 13 August 19:30 - 21:00

    What is ‘Gender’ in the 21st Century? Buy Tickets
    The understanding and expression of gender identities is reshaping 21st century society, creating new communities and new points of conflict. So what does modern equality look like? Join the debate with Elizabeth Paton, New York Times European styles...

    Val McDermid

    The finest crime fiction

    Tuesday 13 August 20:30 - 21:30

    Val McDermid Buy Tickets
    Scotland’s undisputed Queen of Crime, Val McDermid, is back at the Book Festival with the latest knock-out thriller in her bestselling Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, How the Dead Speak. Spend an entertaining hour in the company of one of our...

    Nicole Flattery & Samanta Schweblin

    Short and Bittersweet

    Tuesday 13 August 20:30 - 21:30

    Nicole Flattery & Samanta Schweblin Buy Tickets
    Despite geographical differences, there are intriguing similarities between the short stories of Nicole Flattery and Samanta Schweblin. Flattery’s Show Them A Good Time marks her as a bright star in the luminous galaxy of Irish literature. In Mouthful...

    Susan Tomes

    Keys to Success

    Tuesday 13 August 20:45 - 21:45

    Susan Tomes Buy Tickets
    As tough as learning a new musical instrument can be, the rewards can easily outweigh the frustrations – take it from multi award-winning concert pianist Susan Tomes. The Edinburgh local offers advice to all levels of pianists, while arguing that...

    Unbound with Edinburgh Gin

    Live Literary Cabaret

    Tuesday 13 August 21:00 - 23:00

    Unbound with Edinburgh Gin
    Grab a drink from the bar and settle in for some serious literary revelry. An enticing line-up of talent (revealed in The Skinny and on our website in July) plays with words, music and a lot more every night of the Festival.

    Are You Sitting Comfortably?

    All Ages

    Wednesday 14 August 10:00 - 10:30

    Are You Sitting Comfortably? Free Tickets
    Join one of our Festival authors each morning for a magical half hour of storytelling, poetry, song or rhyme. This daily changing event is suitable for children of all ages. Appearing today: Edinburgh for Under Fives.

    Leila Aboulela, Robin Robertson & Kamila Shamsie with Val McDermid

    What is Home?

    Wednesday 14 August 10:00 - 11:00

    Leila Aboulela, Robin Robertson & Kamila Shamsie with Val McDermid Buy Tickets
    One of this year’s Guest Selectors, Val McDermid leads a lively and thought-provoking discussion on the shifting nature of home with three leading authors who have written about the topic. Cairo-born Leila Aboulela was raised in Khartoum but has lived...

    Ten at Ten

    Wednesday 14 August 10:00 - 10:10

    Ten at Ten Free Tickets
    A small yet perfectly formed reading from one of our Festival authors to start your day. Check the screen in the Entrance Tent to see who's reading today.

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