It really is not possible to list them all. For real book enthusiasts the good news is that literary events take place all year round and there is something waiting practically around every corner. It is our task to try to narrow this list down and, perhaps, suggest the dates that eager readers definitely ought to put down in their calendars. There are popular festivals of international fame that gather the best-selling authors and those cosy ones, organized in a small-town style or appealing only to selected audience, connoisseurs of specific genre. Some of them will garner international recognition and applause, work in favour of mass entertainment, worldwide merchandise and sales on a big scale, while other ones have a completely different agenda, be it paying a tribute to an author or promoting a cause targeted at a particular social matter/group. Either way, it is books that remain a reason for crowds to gather and celebrate.
The big talk about Edinburgh International Book Festival will dominate part one of the series and there are BIG reasons why we think it’s necessary!
August the 4th marked the beginning of this year’s International Book Festival 2014 in Edinburgh, an important annual cultural event for the bookworms from all over the world. With the guests of honour announced, the excitement was shooting through the roof. Who was among the most anticipated ones? You might know that already thanks to implications from our previous articles, but we want to tease you anyway by delaying the answer while we explore some of the past, and present general information.
It was started off as a biannual event in 1983, a meeting of book-lovers in a tent in Edinburgh. Soon it became so popular that every two years was not enough and as of 1997, the event has started to be held every year. Being a central event to Edinburgh's acclaimed August arts celebrations, it runs parallel to Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
In the last three weeks of August, Charlotte Square in the centre of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh turns into a loud and lively book appreciation arena. That is where you would go to meet some of the famous authors, hear about new releases being promoted by them in person, or find your book-mates who you can talk all bookish things with through the night. With the wide range of activities such as writing workshops, educational events, panel discussions, talks and performances by international writers, poets, musicians and thinkers, being there and just inhaling the atmosphere while interacting with other bookworms and seeing the most loved authors live, can prove to be an invaluable and rich experience. There is something prepared for just about every age and interest, bringing readers and writers together for entertainment and to share thoughts.
Who have put their feet in Charlotte Square Gardens in Edinburgh so far? You will be thrilled to hear that among many big personas appeared names such as Margaret Atwood, J. K. Rowling and Darren Shan, but this year’s list of guests was an undeniable treat! But before we go there, we just want to mention briefly that Edinburgh was named the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. Yes, UNESCO has established a new category to recognize the greatness and potential of the Edinburgh book celebration. Last year the title of City of Literature was granted to Cracov, Poland.
George R. R. Martin already made his appearance on the 11th and 12th of August. The first one in order, CREATING BRAVE NEW WORLDS, was dedicated to discussing the book-side of the ultra-popular Game of Thrones, worshipped by fans all over the globe; flawed and utterly believable characters created by Martin and developments to the plot, specifically. Journalist and literary critic Stuart Kelly took part in the discussion. On day two, in contrast, the attention shifted to the HBO, all-conquering TV series. Martin explained during the FROM MIND TO PAGE TO SCREEN debate, how it felt to see his work being altered for screening purposes and in general, seeing the world he created on pages coming to life. Each of those events was followed by a book signing.
Watch an interview with George RR Martin for BBC 4 conducted during the festival.
It is said that the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2014 is taking place in the context of the Scottish referendum on independence (18th September), the Commonwealth Games in Scotland that happened just a few weeks ago, and the first world war centenary is fast approaching, which makes for quite a meaningful backdrop for the celebration. It was expected that guest speakers would have tackled those topics, especially the matter of independence. "What's at stake here is the future of these islands – we're about to make a decision which affects them. And the book festival has become a really important forum for public debate", said the Festival director Nick Barley.
The festival will close on 25th of August.
Have you been to this year’s Edinburgh Book Festival or in the previous years? What was it like - the atmosphere and organization? Have you met anyone famous or someone you really wanted to? Otherwise, tell us just why you wish you were there and how is it the last year you are missing out on it!