Stuart Kelly is apparently a great admirer of writer, translator and critic Michael Hofmann. He says that people are wrong to think that critics are envious of authors; they are in fact envious of other critics. However it seems Hofmann is more comfortable as a writer than a raconteur as throughout the session Kelly had to work to get him to expand … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Michael Hofmann
EdBookFest: Ian Rankin
When they walk in Ian Rankin is busy pointing out that Phil Jupitus is dressed in a very smart suit, complete with twirled moustache. He is apparently dressed in character as Arthur Conan Doyle for one of his Fringe shows. Rankin jokes that he feels underdressed and invisible. Jupitus responds by laughing that most people are invisible when they’re … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Ian Rankin
EdBookFest: Mark Fisher & Joyce McMillan
Jackie McGlone introduces two of Scotland’s ‘finest and busiest’ theatre critics and states that she’s happy to be on stage with two of the people she’s worked with for years. Mark Fisher has previously written a book on how to survive the Fringe and has now published a book of invaluable advice on how to write about the theatre, which includes … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Mark Fisher & Joyce McMillan
EdBookFest: Viv Albertine with Ian Rankin
Viv Albertine is the second guest selected by Ian Rankin. Guitarist for The Slits, she has now written an autobiography. She begins by reading a section focusing on the White Riot tour when the Slits were supporting The Clash, often playing at different speeds and hoping to end at the same time. At one concert a skinhead jumped up onto to stage and … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Viv Albertine with Ian Rankin
EdBookFest: Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson is not a man who needs much of an introduction and anyone who has heard him speak knows that it is quite an experience. He walked in shaking hands with everyone within reach and it seemed as if the chair, Ruth Wishart, couldn’t quite believe she was actually on stage with him. He spoke of the fact that with the digital age we are no … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Jesse Jackson
EdBookFest: Ben Aaronovitch
Ben Aaronovitch has now published five books in his Rivers of London series (the sixth will come out later this year). The latest, Foxglove Summer, saw the main character, Peter Grant, take a case outside of London for the first time. The chair, Stuart Kelly, explains that this change caused an interesting shift in many of the aspects of … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Ben Aaronovitch