NEW OCTOBER PUBLICATIONS

SIXTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

MARK THE PUBLICATION OF
THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE
Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, set in the heart of the city of Edinburgh in the 1930s, was first published not in book form but on the pages of The New Yorker magazine. It went on to be published as a book later in the same year, 1961, by Macmillan Publishers and today, some 60 years later it is still hailed as a masterpiece.

Our Centenary Hardback edition includes an introduction from journalist, author and friend to Muriel, Alan Taylor.

ONE AUTHOR, THREE AWARDS

HONOURING SCOTLAND’S MASTER STORYTELLER
Over the last week, our beloved author Alexander McCall Smith has received not one, not two but THREE major awards for his writing and wider work: the Edinburgh Award, the Strand Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award, and A Celebration of a Writing Life and Honorary Fellowship of the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival.

A truly remarkable week – for a truly remarkable writer.

AT THE EDINBURGH VAULTS

LAUNCH OF THE STAR DRIVE WITH PHILLIP HILLS
On Monday October 11th join Phillip Hills as we launch his latest book, The Star Drive. This book tells the amazing story behind the Stirling heat exchange engine, an invention truly ahead of its time. The practical application of this engine has taxed the minds of scientists and inventors for almost 200 years: only now is it possible for its full potential to be realised.

Author Phillip HIlls, founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, will host this very special occasion at the society’s spiritual home in the Vaults, Leith. Ticket price includes a dram on arrival as well as a copy of the book.

THE BOOKMARK FESTIVAL 2021

ANDREW CRUMMY AND
THE GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND
Tomorrow artist Andrew Crummy will be in conversation with Lesley Riddoch at the Bookmark festival 2021, discussing his most ambitious work which brought together over 700 individuals from 34 countries around the world: 300 panels each took an average of 200 hours to stitch.

This illustrated talk is a rare opportunity to see this exquisite work of art.

BOOKSHOP DAY

A DAY TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP
Tomorrow we are excited to join you all in celebrating Bookshop Day – a one-day nationwide celebration of all high street bookshops including independent bookshops, Blackwells, Waterstones and Foyles.The campaign aims to highlight the cultural importance of books and bookshops, and celebrate the people that bring the two together, our wonderful booksellers!

SPOTLIGHT ON EDINBURGH

HISTORY, CRIME AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Until October 15th get 20% off a brilliant range of titles set in or about Edinburgh. Uncover the city’s lost architectural history in Lost Edinburgh, catch up with neighbours, friends and Bertie in Edinburgh’s Scotland Street with A Promise of Ankles, brave the darker side of Edinburgh with Gillian Galbraith’s Blood in the Water, and much more!