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.
Aonghus MacKechnie for Edinburgh: City of Romanticism
Tuesday 6th October, 7pm
Professor Aonghus MacKechnie is a historian and heritage professional, who teaches Architectural Conservation at the University of Strathclyde, where he is based, and Edinburgh. He previously …
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Queer Fiction Reading Group
Tuesday 6th October, 7pm
Welcome to our Queer Fiction Reading Group!This is an inclusive reading group open to anyone to come together to read and discuss LGBTQIA+ literature, with titles …
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An Evening of Bond: Charlie Higson and Kim Sherwood on 007 and King Zero
Tuesday 6th October, 7pm
This October Charlie Higson joins us to discuss his return to the world of Bond, King Zero. Charlie understands what people want from Bond — from …
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Rachel Harrison for Kiss Slay Replay
Wednesday 7th October, 7pm
The month of horror is upon us, and to celebrate, we welcome one of the most interesting voices working in the genre. Rachel Harrison has established …
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David McCloskey for London Station
Wednesday 7th October, 7pm
'The top spy thrillerist of these wild turbulent times' -Simon Sebag Montefiore‘Quite literally, this is not just McCloskey’s best book by far, it is the best …
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Snakes, Spies, and Subterfuge: In Conversation with V.L. Bovalino and Hannah Kaner
Thursday 8th October, 7pm
It is the year of secrets, spys, and scheming in Fantasy, and we're over the moon to be celebrating the very pick of the bunch. Join …
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Pulitzer-Prize Winning author Benjamin Moser for Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History
Thursday 8th October, 7pm
Please note that this event is now taking place in the bookshop.'With meticulous research, wit, and a searching moral candour, Benjamin Moser takes on decades of …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Friday 9th October, 10am
Topping & Company Booksellers present Tiny Tales, with guest author, Joseph Coelho OBE!We are so excited to welcome former Children's Laureate and Carnegie Medal winning author/poet, …
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Jojo Barr for No Place Like Home
Friday 9th October, 7pm
Create a home that flows, functions and truly feels like you.With over two decades of experience, interior designer Jojo Barr (Founder and Creative Director of House …
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Adalyn Grace for The Wretched Divine
Friday 9th October, 7pm
Adalyn Grace returns to Edinburgh to talk about her first dive into adult fantasy, The Wretched Divine! It begins a sweeping medieval high fantasy series about …
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Dr Jean Menzies for Aphrodisia: Women, Sex and Pleasure in the Classical World
Monday 12th October, 7pm
'Offers fascinating insights into women's worlds and desires in Greco-Roman antiquity and beyond.'Emily Hauser, Sunday Times bestselling author of Mythica'A wonderfully witty and insightful look at …
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A New History of 1066: Erin Goeres for Nineteen Days in Autumn
Tuesday 13th October, 7pm
NB. This event is now taking place in the bookshop.For the first time in 1000 years, the Bayeux Tapestry is returning to the UK. When better …
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Cooks & Books: Jess Elliott Dennison for Vegetable Recipes
Tuesday 13th October, 7pm
Jess Elliott Dennison is a food writer, cook and founder of Elliott’s, her studio in Marchmont, Edinburgh. Here she hosts chefs, runs cookery workshops and tests …
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Pippa Perriam's (@itspippa) Opinionated Guide to Edinburgh
Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
Join Edinburgh expert Pippa Perriam, perhaps best known as @itspippa on Instagram (formerly @eatinburgh), for her beautifully curated Hoxton Mini Press Guide to our glorious city!Whether …
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Three's a Crowd - Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Quarterly Series Reading Group
Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
One's fun, two's a party, and three's a crowd. That's what they say, right? Well, if that's true, then why do so many novels come in …
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Lindsey Fitzharris for Sleuth-Hound: The Case of the Real Sherlock Holmes
Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
This October Lindsey Fitzharris joins us to celebrate Sleuth-Hound: The Case of The Real Sherlock Holmes. The conversation will be chaired by Surgeon Hall's Cat Irving.The …
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Shaun Bythell for Return of the Bookseller Diarist
Thursday 15th October, 7pm
We're delighted to be welcoming Shaun Bythell to Edinburgh this October to celebrate The Return of the Bookseller Diarist.The Bookshop in Wigtown is a bookworm's paradise: …
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Terry Deary for A History of the World in 10 Wars
Thursday 15th October, 7pm
War: what is it good for? Absolutely something, surely, or we wouldn't keep doing it.Throughout the ages, each generation has faced the same questions: Am I …
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Miranda Malins for The House of Cromwell
Monday 19th October, 7pm
'Fascinating, gripping, revelatory' - Kate Williams Within a century, the Cromwell family produced two of the most powerful, impactful and controversial commoners in British history. Thomas …
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Of This and Other Worlds - Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Group
Monday 19th October, 7.15pm
For the tenth reading group of 2026, we are heading to a world much like our own, with some key differences.We are coming apart. We’re a …
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T.S. Eliot Prize-winner Alice Oswald for Rhapsody: A Manifesto
Wednesday 21st October, 7pm
Join us to hear Alice Oswald talk on Rhapsody, a daring, genre-defying work of non-fiction from one of the UK's greatest poets.Alice Oswald has published several …
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An Evening with Alexander McCall Smith
Wednesday 21st October, 7pm
This October Sir Alexander McCall Smith joins us to celebrate three novels: The Big Cats Dance Party, The Prime of Bertie Pollock, and The Isle of …
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Jasper Fforde for Dark Reading Matter
Thursday 22nd October, 7pm
Join the fabulous Jasper Fforde this October to celebrate the final novel in his highly acclaimed Thursday Next series, Dark Reading Matter. Will Thursday find her …
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Oz Clarke for A Vine is a Wild Thing
Friday 23rd October, 7pm
THE AWARD-WINNING BOOK FROM ONE OF THE BEST LOVED WINE WRITER OF OUR TIME"Oz is one of the wine greats and this book embodies all his …
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Perilous Enchantment:The True History of Faeries
Friday 23rd October, 7pm
"Inviting, charming, funny, sometimes horrifying and always informative, a wonderfully personal and lively introduction to the world of fairies" -- Marion GibsonSarah Clegg has a PhD …
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In Conversation: Travis Baldree and Miles Cameron
Sunday 25th October, 7pm
Grab your steaming coffees and your loaded crossbows for an evening of adventure with Travis Baldree, author of Legends and Lattes.Travis will be joined by Miles …
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Tim Downie for Rituals
Monday 26th October, 7pm
Tim Downie is an actor and podcaster. As an actor, he has starred in productions as varied as Outlander, Paddington and The Kings Speech as well …
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Garth Nix for Massif
Monday 26th October, 7pm
'You are in for a treat' GEORGE R.R. MARTIN'One of the best world-builders' BRANDON SANDERSON'Nix sets the standard' LEIGH BARDUGO'I will never get enough' SARAH J …
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British Museum Lectures: Rachel King for The Tudor Heart
Tuesday 27th October, 7pm
This book tells the remarkable story of a spectacular chance find of a pendant associated with Henry VIII and his first wife Katherine of Aragon, as …
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James Crawford for The Vanishing Earth
Wednesday 28th October, 7pm
'Crawford belongs with other storyteller-explorers - strolling player-writers like Iain Sinclair, Rebecca Solnit, and Robert Macfarlane - who are stretching naturalist observation into incisive cultural inquiry …
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Susie Dent for Death Writ Large
Thursday 29th October, 7pm
A brand-new linguistic mystery from Countdown's resident lexicographer, Susie Dent, set in the city of Oxford 'Huge fun and beautifully written'GYLES BRANDRETH'A tantalising mystery'JANICE HALLETT A …
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Julia Harding for The World Atlas of Wine
Thursday 29th October, 7pm
"The World Atlas of Wine is the single most important reference book on the shelf of any wine student." - Eric Asimov, New York Times"Simply superb …
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Emile Chabal for The Age of Hobsbawm
Friday 30th October, 7pm
Join us for an evening with Professor Emile Chabal, as he reflects on the life and intellect of one of the most influential historians of the …
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Jeremy Lee for Kitchening
Monday 2nd November, 7pm
'Gorgeous recipes in an equally gorgeous book' STANLEY TUCCI'Jeremy's simple dishes are glorious' CLAUDIA RODEN'Stuffed with tempting recipes' PRUE LEITHThis November Jeremy Lee joins us for …
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Tim Hayward for The Cocktail Hour
Tuesday 3rd November, 7pm
Tim Hayward writes for the Financial Times and is a panellist on BBC Radio 4's The Kitchen Cabinet. He won the Guild of Food Writers 'Food …
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Benoit Loiseau for The Death of the Clinic
Wednesday 4th November, 7pm
'Divergent and elaborate in the pursuit of its enthusiasms, balancing the personal and the intellectual, The Death of the Clinic is a book of hope and …
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Coinneach MacLeod for The Hebridean Baker: A Scottish Christmas
Thursday 5th November, 7pm
From Scotland's bestselling cookbook author, Coinneach MacLeod, this irresistible festive collection is packed with everything you need to create the ultimate Scottish Christmas. Brimming with seasonal …
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Irvine Welsh for Can Nothing Save Us?
Thursday 5th November, 7pm
A divided Las Vegas family is forced to confront the past and reckon with a dangerous future in the searing new novel from Irvine Welsh.'Welsh writes …
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An Evening with Rick Stein
Friday 6th November, 7pm
Rick Stein has been cooking for the last 60 years. Now, for the first time, he shares his complete cookery course.With 150 classic recipes and photographed …
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Booker-Longlist 2026: Luke Kennard for Black Bag
Saturday 7th November, 7pm
'The funniest and smartest novel I've read in a while' -- Zadie Smith'A campus novel for our end times . . . Black Bag fizzes with …
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Elif Shafak for In One Brief Moment All Eternity
Monday 9th November, 7pm
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS NOW TAKING PLACE IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS‘A unique and powerful voice in world literature.’ Ian McEwan‘Make place for Elif Shafak on …
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Nick Harkaway for The Taper Man: a Novel of John Le Carre's Circus
Tuesday 10th November, 7pm
'Le Carre's legacy is in good hands - Smiley is back with a vengeance!' -- Ian Rankin'Note-perfect' -- Mick HerronNick Harkaway is the acclaimed author of …
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Former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, for Black Coffee and Red Lipstick
Tuesday 10th November, 7pm
Alexandra Shulman is a writer and commentator. She was British Vogue's Editor-in-Chief from 1992 to 2017 and was awarded the CBE in the 2018 New Year's …
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A Wine Tasting with Noble Rot's Dan Keeling for Pick Your Bottles
Wednesday 11th November, 7pm
“The more you read, the more you want to pour a glass and taste. The ultimate dinner-party cheat sheet — just enough knowledge to sound effortlessly …
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Bonnie Garmus with Donna Ashworth for Peck & Peck
Wednesday 11th November, 7pm
Welcome to another dazzling and unforgettable novel from Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry. Hugely original, brilliantly funny and peopled with unforgettable characters, Peck …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Thursday 12th November, 10am
We are delighted to welcome award-winning author and illustrator, Catherine Rayner to Tiny Tales for the first time! Catherine's books for children have sold over two …
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An Evening With Maki & Ramen's Teddy Lee
Thursday 12th November, 7pm
Teddy Lee is the founder of Maki & Ramen. From an early age, he worked in his family's restaurant kitchens, learning not just techniques but the …
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Patrick DeWitt for Dodge City
Thursday 12th November, 7pm
From the Booker-shortlisted author of The Sisters Brothers comes Dodge City, a thrilling novel about a young man on an amphetamine fuelled cross-country road trip fleeing …
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Jonathan Coe for Lessons in Harmony
Monday 16th November, 7pm
A STUNNING, HEARTFELT NEW NOVEL ABOUT A DECADES-LONG FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TWO COMPOSERS FROM THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE PROOF OF MY INNOCENCE, BOURNVILLE AND MIDDLE ENGLAND'My …
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Mary Lawson for Solace in Winter
Tuesday 17th November, 7pm
'Close to perfection' The Times'Exquisitely poignant' Liane MoriartyWinter in the small Canadian town of Solace is a season of hibernation. But this year, the snowfall brings …
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Jamie Gianoutsos for In Rome's Long Shadow
Tuesday 17th November, 7pm
Jamie Gianoutsos is Professor of History at Mount St. Mary's University, Maryland. Her book The Rule of Manhood won the Istvan Hont Prize for best book …
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Ragnar Jonasson in Conversation with Ian Rankin for The Body in the Bath
Wednesday 18th November, 7pm
'Jonasson is an automatic must-read for me . . . possibly the best Scandi writer working today' Lee ChildAs snow blankets Reykjavik and Christmas approaches, young …
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Alice Loxton for A History of Britain in 21 Paintings
Thursday 19th November, 7pm
Join us this November for an evening of illuminating history with the wonderful Alice Loxton. In this vibrant and insightful book, Alice travels across Britain in …
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Alix E. Harrow for The Slantwise Histories
Saturday 21st November, 7pm
Joinus this November to cleberate the release of Hugo Award Winning Alix E. Harrow's new collection of short stories.Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alix E. Harrow …
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Kate Dylan for Soul Sworn
Monday 23rd November, 7pm
"A sizzling romance and a breathlessly pacy plot. Magnificent!" - Saara El-Arifi"Soul Sworn is a cut of the knife and a wrench of the heart. . …
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Donna Ashworth for The Art of Being Easily Pleased
Monday 23rd November, 7pm
'Donna Ashworth's words are sunshine for the soul. And this new collection is full of her best work.' - MATT HAIGThis November we're joined by Donna …
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Of This and Other Worlds - Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Group
Monday 23rd November, 7.15pm
For the eleventh reading group of 2026, we retell a classic children's tale with an interesting and fresh twist. Of poison.Healer Anja regularly drinks poison.Not to …
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Odyssey Translator Emily Wilson for Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea
Thursday 26th November, 7pm
Please note that this event is now taking place at Tollcross Central Hall."Emily Wilson's brilliant reconsiderations of the ancient world-through the figure of Helen of Troy, …
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British Museum Lectures: the Bayeux Tapestry
Wednesday 13th January, 7pm
This January we're joined by Sue Brunning from the British Museum to discuss the history of The Bayeux Tapestry.The British Museum have produced a number of …
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TJ Klune for The Stars Look Like Home
Thursday 18th February, 7.30pm
TJ Klune is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, …
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