2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival
By Edinburgh International Book Festival
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Podcast Description
Nobel prize-winners and bestselling authors from around the world rubbed shoulders with the literary stars of tomorrow at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival in over 800 events which included enlightening Parkinson-style chats, lively debates and readings. You can listen to extracts from some of the events in our series of free podcasts, recorded live at the festival.
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1 |
Kurdo Baksi (2011 Event) | Stieg Larsson’s books have sold more than 20 million copies in 41 countries. But because they were published after his death, many have been left wondering about the true character of a man who was as passionate in his campaign against Swedish neo-Nazism as he was about writing. In this event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, Kurdo Baksi – a former colleague and the author of a new biography of Larsson – explains why the complex, dogmatic writer was ‘both a dream and a nightmare to work with’. | 14 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Robert Coover (2011 Event) | The reissue of his early novels as Penguin Classics in 2011 underlines his status as a giant of American literary postmodernism. Stories like Spanking the Maid, Gerald's Party and Pricksongs and Descants show that a mordant – and morbid – humour are part of his genius. One former student described Coover as 'the most generous, rabidly intelligent, accessible, erudite and hilarious teacher I have ever met.' Another said 'Coover is flame retardant'. Recorded live, in conversation with Scotland's own literary firebrand Stuart Kelly, at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 10 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
Audrey Niffenegger (2011 Event) | Michigan-born writer and artist, Audrey Niffenegger is the author of the runaway bestseller The Time Traveler’s Wife. In this event she chats to Stuart Kelly about her various books, the most recent of which is a graphic novel, The Night Bookmobile. The novel uses Niffenegger’s Chicago base as a backdrop to the tale of a woman who stumbles upon a magical mobile library which reflects her own reading tastes to the letter. But when the bookmobile finally moves on to the next destination, she becomes obsessive and haunted. This event was recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 8 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Ben Mezrich (2011 Event) | His last book was adapted to become The Social Network, one of the most successful movies of 2010. Mezrich then turned his attention to another strange-but-true American tale in his novel Sex on the Moon. Back in 2002, a gifted former NASA intern and his girlfriend set out to steal a safe containing moon rocks from every Apollo mission. In this event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, he explains to Decca Aitkenhead how he reimagined the story of a real life heist | 6 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Stella Rimington (2011 event) | The former director general of MI5 has forged a new career for herself as an author of spy novels, using her inside knowledge of intelligence activities to create a credible new hero, Liz Carlyle. Rimington’s first ever visit to the Book Festival in 2011 coincided with her role as chair of the Man Booker Prize judging panel, and in this event she shares her own new novel as well as some thoughts about the world of fiction in general with Ruth Wishart. Recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 5 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
Michael Scheuer (2011 Event) | The death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011 marked a key moment in the history of the so-called War on Terror. But Michael Scheuer, formerly the chief of the CIA unit responsible for capturing the elusive Saudi, believes bin Laden’s death will make no difference. Incandescent at ‘pro-terrorist’ US foreign policies, he argues that while bin Laden was an icon and a strategic genius, al Qaeda’s next generation will be less visible and more violent. Scheuer’s hawkish views can be shocking: he believes militant Islamism is a violent enemy that the US must hold at bay. But his analysis of bin Laden’s power is unusual and intriguing. In this event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, he talks candidly to Ruth Wishart. | 1 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
Ed Stourton (2011 Event) | When you hear that a book by a renowned journalist and broadcaster is subtitled ‘Time Spent Following a Lead’, you might assume it’s a memoir concerning the pursuit of headlines. But Diary of a Dog Walker is in fact Stourton’s tale/tail of going out with his pooch (the delightful Kudu) and the questions it inevitably raises: Do dogs perceive ownership as we do? How devoted is your canine? And why are they a symbol of depression (thanks Winston) when so much of the time they cheer us up? In this event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, he talks to Ruth Wishart. | 31 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Melvyn Bragg (2011 Event) | Since its publication in 1611, the King James Bible has been the world’s number one bestseller. But the book has become a story in itself. It has been the Bible of wars from the British Civil War to the American Civil War and it played a part in social movements such as the abolition of slavery as well as defining attitudes to modern science, education and sex. Melvyn Bragg, in this event recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, charts a remarkable history. In conversation with Nick Barley. | 30 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Niall Ferguson (2011 Event) | Are we living through the dying embers of Western ascendancy? For Scottish historian and broadcaster Niall Ferguson, the ‘killer applications’ test is the best way to measure our status with the rest of the world. So, how are we doing when it comes to science, democracy, medicine, consumerism and the work ethic? Not so well, he reckons. Civilization takes us on an extraordinary journey from Nanjing to Namibia, for a story of sailboats, missiles, vaccines, blue jeans and Chinese bibles. Niall Ferguson explains all to Iain Macwhirter in this hour-long event, recorded live at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 26 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Tam Dalyell with James Naughtie (2011 event) | There can be few backbench politicians who have had as much influence on British politics as Tam Dalyell. Fiercely independent and a thorn in the side of several Prime Ministers, his contributions to politics include his vocal opposition to military intervention in the Falklands and Iraq, as well as his 'West Lothian question' about partial Scottish and Welsh devolution. Here Dalyell discusses his extraordinary life with BBC broadcaster James Naughtie in an event recorded live at Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 23 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Neil Forsyth (2011 Event) | The BBC Radio adaptation of Forsyth's Delete This at Your Peril catapulted the fictional Dundonian anti-hero Bob Servant to national attention. Servant's habit of responding to junk emails and striking up a relationship with their shady foreign senders provides a surprisingly touching and often hilarious portrait of an ordinary man from Broughty Ferry. In this very special event, Bob Servant himself was joined by some guest actors to bring his exuberant emails to life in this unmissable live performance at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 22 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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John Fardell: The Day Louis Got Eaten (2011 Event) | In this fun, interactive event for 4-10 year olds, award-winning author-illustrator John Fardell introduced his new picture book The Day Louis Got Eaten and talked about his artwork, sketches and models. The event involved the young fans in the audience in plenty of participation. Gobbling, gurgling and gulping monsters feature as do amazing chase-and-rescue vehicles. | 17 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Michel Faber (2011 Event) | The astonishing, triumphant television adaptation of Michel Faber's novel The Crimson Petal and the White represents a radical new step for the previously tired costume drama genre. In this event, Faber discussed his book with Lucinda Coxon, who adapted the novel for television and Romola Garai, the actor who brought the young prostitute Sugar so vividly to life on screen. Chaired by Guardian literary editor Claire Armitstead. This is the full hour-long event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 14 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Pamela Stephenson-Connolly (2011 Event) | Her book is certainly engaging but can it live up to the claims that it is the most enlightening book on sex ever published? Pamela Stephenson-Connolly's event threw up some surprises at the Book Festival in 2011. Originally trained as a clinical psychologist, Pamela Stephenson-Connolly turned her back on life as a TV comedian to become a sex therapist. In Sex Life, Mrs Billy Connolly provides an entertaining and occasionally shocking account of how human sexual appetites continue to evolve throughout life, aiming to dispel the myths that commonly surround this most fundamental of activities. The event is chaired by Ruth Wishart. | 12 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
Dragons and Fairies with Julia Donaldson (2011 event) | The opening event at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival drew huge crowds of 5-9 year olds and their families to see the inimitable and forever-entertaining newly appointed Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson. A fantastic event featuring her new and recent picture books Freddie and the Fairy, The Highway Rat and Zog which prooved to be a roof-raising start to the 2011 Book Festival. | 10 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
Alan Hollinghurst (2011 Event) | It's many years since Alan Hollinghurst's last novel, The Line of Beauty, was published – a story so powerful that it beat David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas to win the 2004 Booker Prize. His follow-up, The Stranger's Child, is perhaps the most hotly-anticipated British novel of 2011. In an epic story of two families from the eve of the Great War to the close of the 20th century, Hollinghurst paints a picture of British society in a state of flux. He talks about his work with Steven Gale in an hour long event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 7 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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John Hartson (2011 Event) | The explosively talented Welsh footballer John Hartson enjoyed success with Arsenal and West Ham before becoming a striker for Celtic, where he scored more than 100 goals in a glorious five year period. But following his retirement in 2008 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and was rushed to hospital. Hartson's memoir interweaves the story of his professional success, his harrowing personal battle and the perspective of his pregnant wife when he became ill. In this event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, he discusses his story with Pat Nevin. | 5 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
Kristina Stephenson: Sir Charlie Stinky Socks (2011 Event) | Children's author Kristina Stephenson introduced her new book featuring the lovable but slightly pongy Sir Charlie Stinky Socks to the delight of her young audience of 5-7 year olds. Offering great storytelling, music, songs and sound effects! This is the full recording of the live event at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 2 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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19 |
John Byrne (2011 event) | Painter and set designer, playwright and novelist, John Byrne is one of Scotland’s great polymaths. Best known for his plays the Slab Boys Trilogy and Tutti Frutti, Byrne has also designed record sleeves for Donovan and The Beatles. We were thrilled to welcome him to the Book Festival in 2011 to discuss his written work with Jackie McGlone - it proved to be an electrifying and unforgettable hour of entertainment and you can listen to the lie recording of it here. | 1 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
Richard Bath and Sir Tommy Macpherson (2011 Event) | Rugby writer Richard Bath has tackled a very different kind of battle in aiding Sir Tommy Macpherson with his memoir, Behind Enemy Lines. Britain’s most decorated living war hero with three Military Crosses, three Croix de Guerre, a Légion d'Honneur and a papal knighthood, Macpherson has now revealed so much more about his wartime acts. Aged 21, he persuaded 23,000 SS soldiers to surrender, and almost single-handedly stopped Tito’s Yugoslavia annexing the whole of north-east Italy. Come and hear an astonishing story. | 29 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
May Contain Nuts (The World of Norm) with Jonathan Meres | The former stand-up comedian turned children's novelist Jonathan Meres launched his mad-cap new novel starring the hapless Norm at the Book Festival. All about poor Norm, whose family has just moved house and his dad keeps him awake at night snoring like a constipated rhinoceros. If you like your books daft, eccentric and full of nuts – then this is for you. This is the full recording of the live event for 9-11 year olds as it happened at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival. | 26 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
Edna O'Brien with Andrew O'Hagan (2011 event) | 'I'm very grateful for Ireland,' said Edna O'Brien in a recent interview. 'It stirs things up in me.' O'Brien came to Edinburgh to discuss her latest book, Saints and Sinners, which includes several stories set in her beloved home country. Her book is the 21st in a distinguished career that began in 1960 with a stunning debut, The Country Girls, and includes an acclaimed biography of James Joyce. Aged 80 in this event, she shows no sign of stopping. In this very special hour-long event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, she discusses her life and work with the author Andrew O’Hagan. | 26 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
Ingrid Betancourt with Kirsty Wark | When Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt went on the campaign trail in 2002, she could not have imagined that it would end in a kidnapping and six year incarceration at the hands of guerrilla forces. Even Silence Has an End is the tale of her jungle ordeal which included beatings by her captors, mutual distrust of fellow prisoners and a constant struggle to escape the attentions of red ants, tarantulas, anacondas and bears. She discusses her experiences with Kirsty Wark. | 22 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
Jacqueline Wilson | Jacqueline always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was only 9. Since those early days she’s gone on to write over forty books, won many prestigious awards and created iconic characters such as Tracey Beaker. Her latest novel is Lily Alone. Come and hear all! | 22 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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25 |
Michael Ondaatje | His hotly-anticipated new novel is without question his finest to date. Launched worldwide at this event, The Cat's Table tells the story of a child and his journey from Ceylon to England on an ocean liner in the 1950s. As the child grows up into the realities of adult life, he looks back on his voyage as a symbol of the floating dream of childhood. Join the man who won the 1992 Booker Prize for The English Patient, to hear about a new book that's sure to be hailed as a modern classic. | 18 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
Jonathan Agnew | In 1991, cricket commentator Agnew was involved in a slice of broadcasting history with an innuendo-fuelled remark about Ian Botham. His throwaway line during a Test Match Special had his radio colleague Brian Johnston dissolving into an unstoppable fit of giggles. Thanks, Johnners is Agnew’s affectionate tribute to his old buddy who died suddenly in 1994; it also includes tales of batting and bowling legends Trueman, Boycott, Richards and Botham. In this event, recorded live at the 2011 Edinburgh International Book Festival, Agnew talks to Al Senter. | 15 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
Horrid Henry with Francesca Simon | You may not want Horrid Henry as your son or brother but how much fun would it be to have him in class? Francesca Simon describes his latest adventures and misadventures with all his friends and accomplices, from hapless Weepy William and Perfect Peter to Inky Ian and – of course! – Henry himself. | 15 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
Wendy Cope | The poetry of Kent-born Cope has charmed readers ever since her first collection, Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis. In Family Values, she gives it to us straight with verse about religion, childhood and death, all imbued with her trademark wit and honesty. And there are a few life lessons here for friends and relatives: in ‘My Funeral’, she wants no one to overstay their welcome when delivering an elegy while ‘Another Valentine’ aims a slingshot at the forced romanticism of one day in February. | 12 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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29 |
Jo Nesbø | The Nordic crime explosion shows no sign of abating and everyone seems to be searching for the next Stieg or Henning. Across the 600 plus pages in The Leopard, Norway’s Nesbø is looking set on continuing to mine this golden seam. In the depths of winter, the bodies of two young women are found, both with inexplicable wounds. The crime scenes offer no clues, the media are reaching fever pitch, and the police are running out of options. Time to call for Inspector Harry Hole. | 8 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
Marshmallow Skye with Cathy Cassidy | The wonderful Cathy Cassidy returns with book two of her Chocolate Box Girls series. For Cherry it’s an exciting time, ‘a new mum, a proper house, a bunch of brand-new sisters’, and in the latest book it’s time to meet Marshmallow Skye. Come and hear Cathy talk about her writing and her delicious new series. | 6 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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31 |
Caitlin Moran | What should you call your v****a? And why does everyone ask you when you're going to have a baby? Caitlin Moran is on a mission to reclaim feminism and make it relevant to women today. Always refreshingly straightforward, the award-winning journalist and Times columnist describes her new book, How to be a Woman, as 'The Female Eunuch, but with knob gags'. She shares some punch lines with the deputy editor of the Guardian, Katharine Viner. | 1 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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32 |
Pamela Stephenson-Connolly | Her book is certainly engaging but can it live up to the claims that it is the most enlightening book on sex ever published? Originally trained as a clinical psychologist, Pamela Stephenson-Connolly turned her back on life as a TV comedian to become a sex therapist. In Sex Life, Mrs Billy Connolly provides an entertaining and occasionally shocking account of how human sexual appetites continue to evolve throughout life, aiming to dispel the myths that commonly surround this most fundamental of activities. Chaired by Ruth Wishart. | 1 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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33 |
Alasdair Gray | Thirty years ago Lanark was published, which confirmed Alasdair Gray as the most ferociously inventive Scottish writer of his generation. His output since then has been characterised by a close relationship between his writing and his singular image-making style. Already the author of much-admired murals, he has just finished a new public art project at Glasgow Hillhead subway station. To celebrate his remarkable contribution to the written and visual landscape in Scotland, we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Book Festival. | 30 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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34 |
Neil Gaiman with Audrey Niffenegger | It’s ten years since the publication of the landmark American Gods, a book that brought Gaiman to international fame. One reviewer even lauded him thus: ‘Saying Neil Gaiman is a writer is like saying Da Vinci dabbled in the arts.’ Since then he’s won countless awards for his work in the fantasy, sci-fi and horror genres as well as the Carnegie Medal for children’s literature. In this event, selected and chaired by Audrey Niffenegger, Gaiman discusses the epic blend of Americana, myth and fantasy in his work. | 28 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 34 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
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Very interesting
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