Edinburgh: Our Storied Town

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About the Book: 

Celebrating its 900th year, Edinburgh is an unrivalled theatre of story. In this commemorative book, Donald Smith unravels the city’s storytelling evolution across the centuries, illustrated with vivid detail by Cat Outram. 

How did Edinburgh get its name?  

What gives the city its unique character? 

Why do nation and planet come together here? 

How did Edinburgh become the city of literature, and a Festival city? 

Which books have made the most impact?

Through its nine official centuries Edinburgh has thrived on books, words and ideas. Everyone who loves Edinburgh will love Donald Smith’s exploration of this storied town, as will anyone interested in how place shapes people and people, place. 

Reviews:

It is full of information I wasn't aware of, and I feel the book has a lot to say. I love history, and it was so good to learn more about my Scottish heritage. ROZANNEREVIEWS

For those with a strong interest in Edinburgh’s history and literary roots, this book is a treasure trove. MOMOBOOKDIARY

Donald Smith is like a tour guide but not in the normal sense as in he’s not here to boil your brain he’s here to take you on an informative journey allowing you to discover the rich history that built the city of Edinburgh in this vast account of the city. DAVECHATSBOOKS

This is a well researched and presented book that history buffs will enjoy. BOOKADDICT.TWLIE68

This book was filled to the brim with information! Extremely educational and informative, I really did enjoy my journey through Edinburgh's history. LAURENDOESBOOKS

This is a great read for any literature lover who wants to learn more about the beautiful and fascinating Edinburgh and its complex and rich literary history that made it what it is now. ARATECIA_THE_BOOKRAT

This is a really special book that celebrates and commemorates Edinburgh’s rich literary and cultural heritage. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Scottish history and/or literature. CHILDRESNFICTION

It dips into everything, from religion to poetry to royalty and the extracts are well explained. JAYBIRBTODD

The book is great for dipping into and learning about Edinburgh’s rich history. I loved the little illustration at the start of the chapters and the timeline at the end brings it all together. _LOZZIELOVES

I dipped in and out of this book and found the different stories fascinating and it has renewed my interest in Edinburgh and made me want to get back there! HAPPYMOTHERBOOKER

Wow! This little books packs a punch! It’s extremely educational. BOOKSHELF_LOSEYOURSELFINABOOK

It's an incredibly well researched, in depth study of the city's history and culture through literature. FATGUYREADING

Celebrating Edinburgh: 

Edinburgh is a mad god’s dream. HUGH MACDIARMID

You are my skyline as high as eye is lifted nothing is beyond you. TESSA RANSFORD

Flatter not thyself; the same justice remaineth in God to punish thee, Scotland, and thee Edinburgh in especial. JOHN KNOX

In my precipitous city beaten bells Winnow the keen sea wind. R L STEVENSON

Media on Edinburgh’s 900th Anniversary:

City’s 900th anniversary deserves to be celebrated in style. SUSAN DALGETY, Edinburgh Evening News

Edinburgh winning the bid today to host the 2024 UNESCO Cities of Literature conference is an important moment. JOHN KENYON, Chair of UNESCO Cities of Literature Network

I look forward to a great programme of events which will examine how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries, celebrate where it is now, and reflect its future ambitions and aspirations. ROBERT ALDRIDGE, The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh

About the Author:

DONALD SMITH is founding Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre and of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. Donald Smith is a noted storyteller and performance poet in his own right, novelist, and playwright; and has authored a succession of books about Scottish culture, including Storytelling Scotland (2001) and Freedom and Faith (2013). From 2012 to 2023 he was CEO of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland). (Donald was born in Glasgow to an Irish mother, and was brought up in Church of Scotland manses in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. In 2023 he was honoured to receive the Hamish Henderson Award for lifetime achievement.)