Edinburgh Events and Reading Groups
We're delighted to bring our all-year-round Literary Festival to our bookshop in Edinburgh. We have a packed calendar which ranges from readings in the bookshop to evenings with literary stars.
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 9th June, 7pm
For the fourth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Rita Mae Brown's classic coming-of-age novel, Rubyfruit Jungle. One of the first mainstream …
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The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group
Thursday 12th June, 7pm
You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided …
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Electric Spark: the Enigma of Muriel Spark with Frances Wilson
Thursday 12th June, 7.30pm
'Frances Wilson writes books that blow your hair back' ~ KATHERINE RUNDELLA 2025 HIGHLIGHT FOR: Telegraph, Financial Times, Guardian, Observer and Scotsman.From one of our leading …
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Of This and Other Worlds - Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Group
Monday 16th June, 7.20pm
Heading on into 2025, we’ll be continuing our Fantasy and Science Fiction reading group, exploring worlds both fantastical and horrific, monstrous and utopian. Whether your interests …
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Michael Pedersen with Jackie Kay for Muckle Flugga
Monday 16th June, 7.30pm
Please note, this event is now taking place in Pilrig St Paul's / LARCH.Michael Pedersen is a prize-winning poet and author of Boy Friends, which was …
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Alistair Moffat for To See Ourselves: A Personal History of Scotland Since 1950
Tuesday 17th June, 7.30pm
Alistair Moffat is a former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Director of Programmes at Scottish Television and founder of the Borders Book Festival. From 2011 …
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The Rest Is History's Tom Holland on The Lives of the Caesars
Wednesday 18th June, 3pm
Tom Holland is an award-winning historian, biographer and broadcaster - and presents the world's most popular history podcast, The Rest Is History.Tom is the author of …
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BBC Radio 4's BookClub with Tom Holland and James Naughtie
Wednesday 18th June, 6.30pm
To register your interest to book on for this event, please email bookclub@bbc.co.uk. BBC Radio 4’s Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, is coming to our bookshop …
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British Museum Lectures: Michael Lewis & Ian Richardson on Everyday Discoveries Reshaping History
Wednesday 18th June, 7.30pm
Join us as we pair once more with the British Museum to uncover the incredible stories of astonishing treasures found by everyday people and delve into …
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Chiara Valerio on The Little I Knew
Thursday 19th June, 7.30pm
Please note, this event is now taking place in Pilrig St Paul's / LARCH on Leith Walk. Chiara Valerio was born in Scauri in 1978 and …
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Maggie Stiefvater for The Listeners
Friday 20th June, 7.30pm
'A marvel: strange, witty, moving, exuberant... at once gloriously extravagant and perfectly poised' ROBERT MACFARLANEMaggie Stiefvater is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of …
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Cooks & Books: Ottolenghi's Sami Tamimi for Boustany: Palestinian Vegetarian Cooking
Monday 23rd June, 7.30pm
Sami Tamimi was born in Jerusalem. He became head chef of Lilith, one of the top restaurants in Tel Aviv, before moving to London. In 2002 …
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Poetry Reading Group
Tuesday 24th June, 7pm
We have three new selections for our poetry reading group! With Zain as our guide, we will be immersing ourselves in a range of exciting voices …
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Madeline Potter on The Roma: A Travelling History
Thursday 26th June, 7.30pm
Madeline Potter was born in Romania in 1989 and grew up Romani in nineties post-Communist Romania. She now lives in Scotland and is a scholar of …
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Jo Hamilton: Why Are You Here, Mrs Hamilton? The Post Office, Horizon and My Fight for Justice
Monday 30th June, 7.30pm
'Jo is an inspiration', Monica Dolan, who played Jo in the ITV drama, Mr Bates vs The Post OfficeImmortalised in the Bafta award-winning ITV drama, Mr …
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The Hiroshima Men: The Quest to Build the Atomic Bomb with Iain MacGregor
Tuesday 1st July, 7.30pm
"The Hiroshima Men is a meticulously researched and profoundly thought-provoking account of one of history’s most consequential events... More than just a work of history, this …
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Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Wednesday 2nd July, 7pm
We are back with the wonderful Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by …
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Rosemary Goring for Exile: The Captive Years of Mary, Queen of Scots
Thursday 3rd July, 7.30pm
Rosemary Goring has been the literary editor of Scotland on Sunday, The Herald and Sunday Herald.Rosemary's previous books include the bestselling Scotland: The Autobiography; Scotland: Her …
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An Evening of Poetry
Thursday 3rd July, 7.30pm
Join award-winning poets Theresa Muñoz, Daryl Lim Wei Jie, Medha Singh, and Tim Tim Cheng for an evening of poetry, followed by a Q&A. Come along …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 7th July, 7pm
For the fifth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Oisín McKenna’s Evenings and Weekends - a poignant exploration of modern relationships, capturing …
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Jonathan Healey for The Blood in Winter
Monday 7th July, 7.30pm
A thrilling political history about the months that brought the nation to the cusp of civil war, from the acclaimed author of The Blazing World.Jonathan Healey …
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Ben Aaronovitch for Stone and Sky
Tuesday 8th July, 7.30pm
THE BESTSELLING RIVERS OF LONDON COMES TO SCOTLAND!Before becoming a bestselling author, Ben Aaronovitch was a screenwriter for Doctor Who and a bookseller. He now writes …
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The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group
Thursday 10th July, 7pm
You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided …
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Siouxsie and The Banshees' Budgie for The Absence
Thursday 10th July, 7.30pm
As a member of Big in Japan, The Slits and, most famously, Siouxsie and The Banshees and The Creatures, 'Budgie' became one of the era-defining drummers …
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John Niven for The Fathers
Tuesday 15th July, 7.30pm
"Vivid, visceral, brilliantly funny in places, dispensing sharp punches to the gut in others..." ~ Guardian on John Niven's writingJohn Niven is the author of twelve …
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Poetry Reading Group
Wednesday 16th July, 7pm
We have three new selections for our poetry reading group! With Zain as our guide, we will be immersing ourselves in a range of exciting voices …
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Cooks & Books: Yasmin Khan for Sabzi
Wednesday 16th July, 7.30pm
"Pure poetry and joy." -- Meera SodhaYasmin Khan is a food and travel writer, broadcaster, and human rights campaigner. She is the author of three previous …
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Holly Jackson for Not Quite Dead Yet
Friday 18th July, 7.30pm
We are delighted to be joined by the best-selling author of the stellar series, Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson! We will be celebrating her …
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Of This and Other Worlds - Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Group
Monday 21st July, 7.15pm
Heading on into 2025, we’ll be continuing our Fantasy and Science Fiction reading group, exploring worlds both fantastical and horrific, monstrous and utopian. Whether your interests …
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Alan Parks for Gunner
Tuesday 22nd July, 7.30pm
Partly inspired by the true story of Rudolph Hess's secret mission to broker appeasement with Britain during WWII, Gunner is an atmospheric and addictive new thriller …
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Graeme Thomson on George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door
Wednesday 23rd July, 7.30pm
'A magisterial biography… Thomson’s book adds something new to this conversation…' ~ Chicago TribuneGraeme Thomson writes about music and popular culture for The Guardian, Spectator, Pitchfork, …
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Irvine Welsh for Men in Love: a Trainspotting sequel
Thursday 24th July, 7.30pm
* A Guardian and Standard BOOK OF 2025 *Choose life. Choose love? The Trainspotting crew fall for rave and romance in the blazing new novel from …
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Ralf Webb for Highway Cottage
Thursday 24th July, 7.30pm
Ralf Webb is the author of Rotten Days in Late Summer, which was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, and the nonfiction book …
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Stitch It, Don't Ditch It: Mary V Morton & Jeanna Wigger talk Mending Clothes
Wednesday 30th July, 7.30pm
Mary V Morton is a climate-concerned grandma and a sewing volunteer with SHRUB Coop, a zero-waste charity in Edinburgh. Mary set up Edinburgh Street Stitchers, a …
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Denise Mina for The Good Liar
Thursday 31st July, 7.30pm
'Denise Mina is crime-writing royalty' IAN RANKIN Denise Mina is The New York Times bestselling author of the Garnethill trilogy, the Paddy Meehan series and the …
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Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Wednesday 6th August, 7pm
Welcome to our Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by Mary. Woven together …
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The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group
Thursday 7th August, 7pm
You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 11th August, 7pm
For the sixth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Anna Dorn’s 2024 novel Pain and Perfume. Unapologetically feminine yet ribald, steamy and …
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Justin Lee Anderson for The Damned King
Tuesday 19th August, 7.30pm
Join us for an evening of fantasy action with Justin Lee Anderson to talk about the third book in The Eidyn Saga, The Damned King. Inspired …
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Del Amitri's Justin Currie for The Tremolo Diaries
Tuesday 2nd September, 7pm
Justin Currie is the founder, frontman and songwriter of Del Amitri, the internationally acclaimed Glaswegian alternative rock band who have sold over 6 million albums globally. …
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Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Wednesday 3rd September, 7pm
Welcome to the wonderful Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by Mary. Woven …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 8th September, 7pm
For the seventh installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Kerry Andrew's novel We Are Together Because. The story starts as a sensual …
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Witches: A King's Obsession with Steven Veerapen
Monday 8th September, 7pm
Steven Veerapen is the author of The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I, described by Philippa Gregory as "a real page-turner for …
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James Fox on Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades
Monday 8th September, 7pm
James Fox is an academic and multi-award-winning, BAFTA-nominated broadcaster, known for his many acclaimed BBC documentaries.He is Director of Studies in History of Art at Emmanuel …
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Samantha Shannon for Among the Burning Flowers
Tuesday 9th September, 7pm
Samantha Shannon has carved out a name for herself as one of the world's most exciting Fantasy novelists and world-builders. She is the million copy bestselling …
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Tim Spector for Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes
Wednesday 10th September, 7pm
The legendary Tim Spector joins us for his new cookbook Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes.Tim Spector, MD, is Professor of Epidemiology at King's College London. …
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Clare Jackson on The Mirror of Great Britain: A Life of James VI & I
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
Clare Jackson is Honorary Professor of Early Modern History at Cambridge University and a Fellow of Trinity Hall.She has presented a number of highly successful programmes …
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Richard Armitage for The Cut
Friday 12th September, 7.30pm
Reknowned actor of stage and screen, and author of Geneva, Richard Armitage joins us to celebrate the release of his second thriller; The Cut.Richard's career on …
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Mick Herron for Clown Town
Monday 15th September, 7pm
Please note, this is now taking place at Ps & Gs.Join us to celebrate the release of the latest 'Slough House' Thriller with author Mick Herron, …
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Cooks & Books: Mark Diacono for Abundance: Eating and Living with the Seasons
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
Mark Diacono has written a number of award-winning books, including A Year at Otter Farm and A Taste of the Unexpected (which both won Food Book …
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Hannah Ritchie for Clearing the Air: A Hopeful Guide to Solving Climate Change
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
Dr Hannah Ritchie is Senior Researcher in the Programme for Global Development at the University of Oxford. She is also Deputy Editor at the highly influential …
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British Museum Lectures: Ice Age Art Now
Wednesday 17th September, 7pm
Join us as we pair once more with the British Museum to bring to life an evening that celebrates humankind's connection and drive towards artmaking.Curator Jill …
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Katherine Rundell for The Poisoned King
Thursday 18th September, 6pm
'Readers will seize this with delight.' ~ Philip Pullman on Impossible Creatures'There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell.' ~ Michael MorpurgoKatherine …
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Cooks & Books: Do Ferment with Matthew Pennington & Nicola Cradock
Friday 19th September, 7pm
Matthew Pennington is co-author of The Ethicurean Cookbook and co-founder of The Ethicurean restaurant, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and innovative approach.Over its decade-long …
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Martin Parr for Utterly Lazy and Inattentive
Friday 19th September, 7pm
"Martin Parr is a genius." ~ W Magazine"Like all great artists, Martin Parr has altered how we see the world." ~ Grayson PerryMartin Parr is one …
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Sasha Debevec-McKenney for Joy Is My Middle Name
Monday 22nd September, 7pm
'Joy Is My Middle Name is a mantra, motto and winking forewarning in this magnificent debut. Humour is juxtaposed with heartbreak; the weird tenderness of an …
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Cooks & Books: Ottolenghi's Helen Goh on Baking & the Meaning of Life
Tuesday 23rd September, 7pm
'Helen in her absolute element. It really doesn't get any better.' ~ Yotam Ottolenghi'I have rarely leafed through a book and wanted so much to get …
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Joanna Pocock for Greyhound
Wednesday 24th September, 7pm
'Pocock's writing is intellectually and emotionally thrilling. In Greyhound she brings us on a road trip through America's alienated hinterlands - anonymous motels, all-night diners, blighted …
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Jenny Uglow on A Year with Gilbert White: The First Great Nature Writer
Thursday 25th September, 7pm
'Uglow's style is supremely elegant and often amusingly bathetic, her research exhaustive but lightly worn.' FINANCIAL TIMESJenny Uglow is one of our most enquiring and celebrated …
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David Nicholls for You Are Here
Monday 29th September, 7pm
One of the best novels of the year for the Sunday TimesA book of the year pick in the Guardian, Observer, Independent, GQ, & more.ONE OF …
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The Kindest Garden: A Practical Guide to Regenerative Gardening with Marian Boswall
Monday 29th September, 7pm
"I found myself crying 'yes, yes, yes!' to every page of this beautiful, inspiring, visionary yet practical and compassionate book. This is how we can garden …
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In Conversation with Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon
Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
As October draws close, join us for an evening of horror from two Bram Stoker Award-Winning legends of the genre, Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, to …
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Malcolm Gaskill for The Glass Mountain
Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
Malcolm Gaskill is Emeritus Professor of Early Modern History at the University of East Anglia. One of Britain's leading experts in the history of witchcraft, his …
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Cooks & Books: Hoppers' Karan Gokani for Indian 101
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
'Karan reveals the geographic soul of Indian cooking while keeping our weeknight sanity intact. This is cooking that's practical, varied, and utterly genuine.' ~ Yotam Ottolenghi'An …
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Kirsty Loehr for A Short History of Queer Parenting
Wednesday 1st October, 7.30pm
We are thrilled to be joined by Kirsty Loehr, author of A Short History of Queer Women, for her latest dive into queer history, A Short …
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The Witcher's Joey Batey for 'It's Not A Cult'
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
We are pleased to welcome beloved actor and musician Joey Batey, best known as Jaskier from Netflix's The Witcher and frontman of folk band, The Amazing …
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Lea Ypi for Indignity: A Life Reimagined
Monday 6th October, 7pm
A captivating journey, of imagination and of longing, and a gentle uncovering of a deep buried history. ~ Philippe SandsLea Ypi holds the Ralph Miliband Chair …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 6th October, 7pm
For the eight installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we are exploring William S. Burrough's classic novel Queer. Originally written in 1952 but not published …
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Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
Welcome to our Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by Mary. Woven together …
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Dr Julia Shaw for Green Crime
Thursday 9th October, 7pm
Dr Julia Shaw is a criminal psychologist at University College London. Her academic work, teaching, and role as an expert witness, focus on different ways of …
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M. L. Rio for Hot Wax
Monday 13th October, 7pm
This October we are overjoyed to host M. L. Rio for her latest novel, Hot Wax, a nostalgic love-letter to the late 80s rock and roll …
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Gyles Brandreth on Somewhere, A Boy And A Bear
Tuesday 14th October, 7pm
Gyles Brandreth is a writer, broadcaster, podcaster, trustee of The Queen’s Reading Room charity, former MP and Chancellor of the University of Chester, as well as …
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Wine Tasting with Olly Smith for WINE
Tuesday 21st October, 7pm
Olly Smith is the UK's best-loved wine expert, with 18 years' presenting wine on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen. He has written about wine for the Mail on …
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Wahaca's Thomasina Miers for Mexican Table
Wednesday 22nd October, 7pm
Cook, writer and winner of MasterChef, Thomasina Miers has made cheese in Ireland, cheffed in Michelin-stared kitchens and, having travelled to Mexico in 1994, went to …
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Alan Davies for White Male Stand-Up
Sunday 26th October, 7pm
'Davies has done it again, damn him. Irritatingly good. Maddeningly funny. Annoyingly fine.' STEPHEN FRYAlan Davies is a comedian, writer and actor, best known for starring …
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Ambrose Parry for the Final Raven and Fisher Mystery; 'The Death of Shame'
Monday 27th October, 7pm
This autumn, we are overjoyed to welcome back Ambrose Parry to celebrate the Raven and Fisher Mysteries. The Death of Shame is the final installment in …
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Gabrielle Bates for Judas Goat
Monday 27th October, 7pm
We are so excited to be hosting the Scottish launch of Gabrielle Bates' debut poetry collection, Judas Goat. The conversation will be chaired by beloved Edinburgh-based …
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Sunburn's Chloe Michelle Howarth for Heap Earth Upon It
Tuesday 28th October, 7pm
Chloe's debut novel, Sunburn, was a sensation. Shortlisted for the 2024 Polari First Book Prize, the 2024 Book of the Year: Discover Award at the British …
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Andrew Graham Dixon on Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found
Tuesday 28th October, 7pm
"This book is going to revolutionize the way we understand Vermeer. I read it slowly, feeling 'like some watcher of the skies when a new planet …
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Poet Laureate Simon Armitage for New Cemetary
Thursday 30th October, 7pm
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage joins us for his major new collection New Cemetery.Simon Armitage CBE was born in West Yorkshire and is Professor of Poetry at …
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Hamza Yassin for Homeward Bound
Friday 31st October, 7pm
Hamza Yassin is a Scottish wildlife cameraman and presenter, a skilled ornithologist and the winner of the 2022 season of Strictly Come Dancing!Born in Sudan, Hamza …
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CL Clark for Fate's Bane
Tuesday 4th November, 7pm
Award winning author, and bookseller favourite, C. L. Clark comes to Edinburgh for the release of their brand new novella; Fate's Bane. Delve in the fens …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 10th November, 7pm
For the ninth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will read Lauren J. Joseph's debut At Certain Points We Touch. This is a story …
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The Story of Art Without Men's Katy Hessel for How To Live An Artful Life
Tuesday 11th November, 7pm
This November, we are joined by the author of The Story of Art Without Men for her new book How to Live an Artful Life.Katy Hessel …
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Whisky Tasting with Dave Broom for The Japanese Way of Whisky
Monday 17th November, 7pm
Dave Broom is an internationally celebrated spirits expert. He has won two Glenfiddich prizes and, in 2013, the IWSC Communicator of the Year Award. In 2015, …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 8th December, 7pm
For the tenth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction Reading Group, we are looking at Sarah Waters' 2002 novel Fingersmith. Shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the …
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