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| Edinburgh International Book Festival Celebrating 25 years, the Edinburgh International Book Festival will hold the biggest and most international program ever. The packed series of literary and political events taking place in Charlotte Square Gardens this August culminates with a world exclusive: the launch of one of the most eagerly anticipated books for years, the long-awaited memoirs of Sean Connery, Being a Scot. In the city of his birth, and on his birthday, Sir Sean will be in discussion with his co-author, distinguished Scottish film-maker Murray Grigor on the final day of this year’s book festival. Sir Sean’s appearance also marks a James Bond presence in this, the 100th anniversary year of Ian Fleming’s birth. Author and comedian Charlie Higson will launch the fifth and final episode of his hugely successful Young Bond series. The authorized biography of Ian Fleming, For Your Eyes Only, will also be presented. Running from Aug. 9 to 25, with a record 800 authors participating in more than 750 events, this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival welcomes specially invited guests from more than 45 countries, with 200-plus Scottish authors also taking part. Major literary names include Salman Rushdie, Louis de Bernières, Margaret Atwood, Alan Sillitoe in his 80th birthday year and Hanif Kureishi. A powerful line-up of politicians, political commentators and foreign correspondents includes John Prescott, Alex Salmond, Menzies Campbell, Tony Benn, Jonathan Powell, David Owen, Gavin Esler, Jonathan Dimbleby, Polly Toynbee, Martin Bell, Alan Johnston, Matt Frei and Kate Adie. A special 25th anniversary opening event will feature a major public figure revealed in a new light in conversation with Ian Rankin. The mystery guest will be announced on Aug. 8, the day before the festival opens. Special themes include Focus on China, in this Olympic year, bringing the finest writers on and from the world’s most populous country. To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of Israel and the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, our East and West and War and Terror series bring world experts to Edinburgh to examine, in depth, relations between the West and the Islamic world. Catherine Lockerbie said: “I am overjoyed that so many authors, from the most renowned to brand new writers being heard here for the first time, have accepted our invitation to come and be part of our intricately constructed 25th anniversary Festival. It is my passion to make this the most international, illuminating, engaging, argumentative and inspiring celebration of words and ideas anywhere in the world. I hope the pressing issues and powerful individual voices in this year’s programme reflect that ambition, a fitting one for Edinburgh, the first UNESCO City of Literature, and the world’s greatest festival city.” Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said: “The 25th-anniversary Edinburgh International Book Festival is a great addition to the city’s wider festival programme, which again looks firmly set to be an outstanding, world- class festival in its own right. The program for this year’s book festival is hugely impressive and I, along with many thousands of other festival goers, look forward to enjoying what’s sure to be a fantastic series of events.’’ The adult program is complemented by the RBS Children’s Program, which is packed with events, workshops and debates for every age group from toddler to teenager. Founded in 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world. Under Catherine Lockerbie’s directorship, it has become a platform for audiences to debate with leading thinkers from the worlds of science, politics, business, economics and journalism as well as literature. For more information, visit www.edbookfest.co.uk. |
| Book and Author Spotlights By Andrea K. Hammer For the Bulletin Literary Melting Pot As a central magnet in the city, the main branch of the Free Library [in Philadelphia] is a gathering spot where residents from every neighborhood converge. ....READ MORE The Authentic Garden Expert horticulturist Claire Sawyers, a recent speaker at the Phila- delphia Flower Show, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle and the New York Botanical Garden, draws on her experiences working in international gardens to inform her interpretations of American gardening..... READ MORE Learning From the Heart During a recent talk at the main branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Daniel Gottlieb - a psychologist and family therapist who has hosted "Voices in the Family" on WHYY 90.9 FM since 1985 - discussed his new book Learning from the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving, and Listening.... READ MORE |





| Catherine Lockerbie, director Sara Grady, children and education program director RBS CHILDREN’S PROGRAM The RBS Children’s Program of the Edinburgh International Book Festival has scheduled events, workshops and discussions for every age-group from toddlers to teenagers. Highlights include Good Night Mister Tom author Michelle Magorian’s first book for 10 years and exclusive peeks at new books from Eoin Colfer, Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo, Andy Stanton and Jonathan Stroud. James Jauncey’s first book has just been nominated for the Royal Mail Scottish Children’s Book of the Year, and he will be reading from his new novel The Reckoning. Francesca Simon will be joined by the voice of Horrid Henry - award-winning actress Miranda Richardson. "Stories from Around the World" brings a strong international theme to the RBS Children’s Program this year. More than 20 inspiring children’s authors from every continent will be in attendance. Authors from Hong Kong, Australia, Senegal, Mexico and Poland will visit Charlotte Square Gardens to share the literature, fables, myths and folklore of cultures past and present. Sara Grady, Director of the RBS Children’s Programme said “Our 2008 programme for children, teenagers and young people promises a summer of action, adventure and exploration. In our 25th year, we are delighted to celebrate a great tradition of Scottish, British and international children’s literature and encourage readers of all ages to explore words, discover stories and experiment with new ideas. “We have expanded our children’s program to include a vast array of events for all ages, tastes and talents in 2008. Insatiable fact finders can join us on a hunt for dinosaurs, missing treasure, lost civilisations, and explore the natural world with events on science, maths, history, archaeology, outer space, magic and more. Our inaugural art and design strand features some of the greatest illustrators, graphic novelists and innovative filmmakers working today, while a raft of new faces in children’s and young adult literature peppered throughout the programme are ripe for discovery. So join us this August and celebrate a cornucopia of books, stories, words and ideas that lift the spirit and open the mind.” |




