The Front List
About our events
We return to McEwan Hall, with 15 events spanning fiction, media, history, politics and performance, presented in partnership with Underbelly.
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and journalist Cory Doctorow ask whether we can ever restore the ‘good’ internet, BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet discusses her experiences on the front lines, beloved illustrator Charlie Mackesy conjures The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse before your eyes, Elif Shafak reflects on her remarkable literary career, and Diana Gabaldon celebrates 35 years of Outlander.
Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart talks about his new novel John of John, there’s a rare audience with Booker winner Kiran Desai, Kae Tempest brings his electrifying new story and performance style, we’re joined by Pulitzer Prize winners Ann Patchett and Colson Whitehead who both reflect on their careers and new titles, and new gen national treasure Mel Giedroyc launches her latest title The Comeback.
Tom Holland brings us a new twist on the Roman Emperors, journalists Edward Wong and Lewis Goodall examines the current state of the US and UK’s ‘special relationship’, Val McDermid and Jo Sharp excavate Scotland’s failed Darien scheme, and David Olusoga explores how our understanding of British history has changed during his career.
List of Events
The Front List: Cory Doctorow and Jimmy Wales
Remember when the internet was exciting and full of possibilities? As online content becomes darker, more divisive, and sensationalist over…
The Front List: Val McDermid and Jo Sharp
Did you know that in the 17th century, Scotland tried to establish a colonial project in Panama? Hear acclaimed crime novelist Val McDermid…
The Front List: Kae Tempest
Kae Tempest is a phenomenon of words as a multi-award-winning poet, playwright, songwriter – and novelist. Renowned for his electric live…
The Front List: Diana Gabaldon
It's been 35 years since Claire Randall first slipped through time, landing in the arms of Jamie Fraser and at the heart of a love story…
The Front List: Tom Holland
Historian and The Rest is History podcast co-host Tom Holland describes The Lives of the Caesars, written by Suetonius 2,000 years ago, as…
The Front List: Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead is one of America’s most skilled and essential storytellers, holding the horrors of history in one hand and big-hearted…
The Front List: Lewis Goodall and Edward Wong
What’s the current state of the ‘special relationship’ between the USA and the UK? As America’s new approach to geopolitics redefines the…
The Front List: Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling illustrated book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (and its Academy Award-winning BBC animation)…
The Front List: David Olusoga
Author, broadcaster, historian, and The Celebrity Traitors’ ultimate Faithful, David Olusoga has been pivotal in broadening the scope of…
The Front List: Kiran Desai
After a 20-year wait, Kiran Desai returns with another spellbinding epic. Following two young lovers across continents, The Loneliness of…
The Front List: Special Edition – John Grisham
The original legal thriller sensation, John Grisham has written 52 consecutive number one bestsellers, which have sold 500 million copies…
The Front List: Mel Giedroyc
Comedian, presenter, and Sunday Times bestselling author Mel Giedroyc is at the peak of her powers… unlike Gill, the central character of…
The Front List: Lyse Doucet
As the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet has witnessed 30 years of seismic events at dangerously close quarters. With…
The Front List: Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak has published 21 books, including 13 acclaimed novels, and been translated into 58 languages. Following a sold out event…
The Front List: Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett is one of the most masterful and beloved writers of our time. Her new novel, Whistler, is a radiant story about the power of…