Canadian novelist, poet, critic and essayist of global renown and influence, Margaret Atwood's Book Festival events always sell out in a matter of days and her visits to Edinburgh are much anticipated. In this 2005 event she reads some of her short stories and poetry, offering a delightful hour in her company.

She is one of the world's most gifted and eminent authors, on a special visit from Canada to receive the Scottish Arts Council's Muriel Spark International Fellowship. Always an entertaining speaker, here Margaret Atwood talks about her life as a writer in an event at the Queens Hall, Edinburgh as part of the Book Festival's special 2006 autumn programme.

Join leading journalist Nicola Barry for this poignant event from 2007 about her family's struggle and her ultimate triumph over alcoholism.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the publication of Malory Towers, Enid Blyton's daughter, Gillian Baverstock, shares her memories of growing up with one of the world's best-loved children's authors. Hear about the real-life inspirations behind Blyton's famous characters in this 2006 event. One for all the family.

In the fastest selling event at the 2006 Book Festival, captivating speaker Tony Benn enchants his audience with wit and unquenched passion.

Alan Bennett talks about his latest sublime fiction, The Uncommon Reader, in this fun 2007 event. The story revolves around the Queen's dicovery of literature and is full of Bennett's trademark humour and humanity.

Fun poems and stories from entertaining children's author Tony Bradman in this 2007 schools event for pupils from P4-7. Tony also reads from his new book Assassin, which features a boy growing up in Scotland during the time of Hadrian's Roman occupation.

Thoroughly at home with an audience, political singer and activist Billy Bragg inspires his hundreds of fans with talk of his new book, The Progressive Patriot in this 2007 event.

Hear from one of the most important voices coming out of South Africa in this 2005 event. Andre Brink discusses his new novel Praying Mantis, many years in the making and steeped in African magic and dreams.

Well known for producing controversial, demanding and prize-winning teen fiction, Melvin Burgess is now regarded as one of the best writers of contemporary children's literature. In this 2005 schools event he talks about the significance of myth in his new book Bloodsong, the sequel to Bloodtide. Suitable for pupils from S2-4.