Books within 5 miles of Edinburgh

Regular role-playing night.

Writer, perfume expert and jogger Alex Musgrave talks about his life in poetry and scent (he's Business Manager of Penhaligon's), with a chance to smell the perfumes he mentions. Ages 16+. Booking is essential.

The science fiction writer launches his latest effort.

Creative writers of all stripes – poets, short story scribes, script writers, flash fiction junkies – are invited to discuss all things writing, from procuring an agent to overcoming writer's block.

To celebrate his new book Hitchcock's Greatest Films, the writer gives a talk on the details of the legendary director's life, including the Tippi Hedren scandal, the making of * Rebecca* and the banning of Blackmail.

An eclectic and experimental night of poetry, performance and spoken word, held on the second Friday of each month.

A relaxed session of oral storytelling, poetry by memory, music and song.

The crimer writer discusses and reads from his book Flesh Wounds.

Massie talks about his new novel about a group of British expatriates in Rome, connected through their AA meetings. In discussion with author Chris Dolan.

The historian and writer discusses her classic autobiography of Mary, Queen of Scots, published more than 40 years ago.

Share the reading experience with a group of fellow booklovers, with an evening of friendly discussion.

Test your literary credentials in teams of up to five members. Please arrive for 5.45pm. Booking is essential.

Scottish-born, California-based author Catriona McPherson launches her new Dandy Gilver mystery.

The nature conservationist and author talks ancient pinewoods, and their bearing on Scotland's cultural heritage as well as its landscape.

Danish author Juul and Scot Smith both read from their latest publications. Presented by the Danish Cultural Institute.

Celebrate the publication of the author's new book of quirky short stories, with a reading, Q&A and signing session.

The Edinburgh Book Fringe takes place in Word Power Books and brings together writers and activists from around the world for a host of daily events of readings and discussions, all of which are free.

A book club for gents with a lust for reading. All types of books considered.

The world’s largest public celebration of the written word takes place in the first UNESCO City of Literature in the beautiful Charlotte Square Gardens. As well as leading Scottish and international authors, the varied programme always manages to cover poets, politicians, historians, journalists and children's authors…

Three women recount their journey across the whole of the UK, travel by plane, train, automobile and every other mode of transportation available.

Esther Woolfson uses her hometown of Aberdeen as a case study as to why different animals (birds, squirrels, spiders – you get the picture) end up living in close proximity to cities despite their seemingly harsh conditions.