Edinburgh Events and Reading Groups
We're delighted to bring our all-year-round Literary Festival to our bookshop in Edinburgh. We have a packed calendar which ranges from readings in the bookshop to evenings with literary stars.
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 7th July, 7pm
For the fifth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Oisín McKenna’s Evenings and Weekends - a poignant exploration of modern relationships, capturing …
View event details
Jonathan Healey for The Blood in Winter
Monday 7th July, 7.30pm
A thrilling political history about the months that brought the nation to the cusp of civil war, from the acclaimed author of The Blazing World.Jonathan Healey …
View event details
Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 8th July, 10am
Topping & Company Booksellers present Tiny Tales!Join us in the bookshop as our Children's Booksellers Tess and Emily read a handful of brilliant new picture books …
View event details
Ben Aaronovitch for Stone and Sky
Tuesday 8th July, 7.30pm
THE BESTSELLING RIVERS OF LONDON COMES TO SCOTLAND!Before becoming a bestselling author, Ben Aaronovitch was a screenwriter for Doctor Who and a bookseller. He now writes …
View event details
The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group
Thursday 10th July, 7pm
You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided …
View event details
Siouxsie and The Banshees' Budgie for The Absence
Thursday 10th July, 7.30pm
As a member of Big in Japan, The Slits and, most famously, Siouxsie and The Banshees and The Creatures, 'Budgie' became one of the era-defining drummers …
View event details
Black Fiction Reading Group
Tuesday 15th July, 7pm
Join Colby for the first session of our new Black Fiction reading group. We will be discussing Toni Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye. The novel …
View event details
John Niven for The Fathers
Tuesday 15th July, 7.30pm
"Vivid, visceral, brilliantly funny in places, dispensing sharp punches to the gut in others..." ~ Guardian on John Niven's writingJohn Niven is the author of twelve …
View event details
Poetry Reading Group
Wednesday 16th July, 7pm
We have three new selections for our poetry reading group! With Zain as our guide, we will be immersing ourselves in a range of exciting voices …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Yasmin Khan with Chitra Ramaswamy for Sabzi
Wednesday 16th July, 7.30pm
"Pure poetry and joy." -- Meera SodhaYasmin Khan is a food and travel writer, broadcaster, and human rights campaigner. She is the author of three previous …
View event details
Holly Jackson for Not Quite Dead Yet
Friday 18th July, 7.30pm
We are delighted to be joined by the best-selling author of the stellar series, Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson! We will be celebrating her …
View event details
Of This and Other Worlds - Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Group
Monday 21st July, 7.15pm
Heading on into 2025, we’ll be continuing our Fantasy and Science Fiction reading group, exploring worlds both fantastical and horrific, monstrous and utopian. Whether your interests …
View event details
Alan Parks for Gunner
Tuesday 22nd July, 7.30pm
Partly inspired by the true story of Rudolph Hess's secret mission to broker appeasement with Britain during WWII, Gunner is an atmospheric and addictive new thriller …
View event details
Graeme Thomson on George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door
Wednesday 23rd July, 7.30pm
'A magisterial biography… Thomson’s book adds something new to this conversation…' ~ Chicago TribuneGraeme Thomson writes about music and popular culture for The Guardian, Spectator, Pitchfork, …
View event details
Irvine Welsh for Men in Love: a Trainspotting sequel
Thursday 24th July, 7.30pm
* A Guardian and Standard BOOK OF 2025 *Choose life. Choose love? The Trainspotting crew fall for rave and romance in the blazing new novel from …
View event details
Ralf Webb for Highway Cottage
Thursday 24th July, 7.30pm
Ralf Webb is the author of Rotten Days in Late Summer, which was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, and the nonfiction book …
View event details
Stitch It, Don't Ditch It: Mary V Morton & Jeanna Wigger talk Mending Clothes
Wednesday 30th July, 7.30pm
Mary V Morton is a climate-concerned grandma and a sewing volunteer with SHRUB Coop, a zero-waste charity in Edinburgh. Mary set up Edinburgh Street Stitchers, a …
View event details
Denise Mina with Val McDermid for The Good Liar
Thursday 31st July, 7.30pm
'Denise Mina is crime-writing royalty' IAN RANKINDenise Mina is The New York Times bestselling author of the Garnethill trilogy, the Paddy Meehan series and the Alex …
View event details
Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 5th August, 10am
Topping & Company Booksellers present Tiny Tales!Join us in the bookshop as our Children's Booksellers Tess and Emily read a handful of brilliant new picture books …
View event details
Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Wednesday 6th August, 7pm
Welcome to our Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by Mary. Woven together …
View event details
The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group
Thursday 7th August, 7pm
You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided …
View event details
Choose Life, Choose Leith: A Trainspotting Walk with Tim Bell
Monday 11th August, 10.30am
Tim Bell has lived in Leith since 1980. Intrigued by the way Welsh spliced geography and history into Trainspotting, he set about unpicking the chaos and …
View event details
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 11th August, 7pm
For the sixth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Anna Dorn’s 2024 novel Pain and Perfume. Unapologetically feminine yet ribald, steamy and …
View event details
Science Fiction Reading Group
Monday 18th August, 7.15pm
Heading on into 2025, we’ll be continuing our Fantasy and Science Fiction reading group, exploring worlds both fantastical and horrific, monstrous and utopian. Whether your interests …
View event details
Justin Lee Anderson for The Damned King
Tuesday 19th August, 7.30pm
Join us for an evening of fantasy action with Justin Lee Anderson to talk about the third book in The Eidyn Saga, The Damned King. Inspired …
View event details
Archaeologist Warwick Ball on Ancient Civilizations of Afghanistan
Monday 1st September, 7pm
Warwick Ball is an archaeologist and author who has spent over twenty years carrying out excavations, architectural studies and monumental restoration throughout the Middle East.He is …
View event details
Del Amitri's Justin Currie for The Tremolo Diaries
Tuesday 2nd September, 7pm
Justin Currie is the founder, frontman and songwriter of Del Amitri, the internationally acclaimed Glaswegian alternative rock band who have sold over 6 million albums globally. …
View event details
Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Wednesday 3rd September, 7pm
Welcome to the wonderful Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by Mary. Woven …
View event details
James Fox on Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades
Monday 8th September, 7pm
James Fox is an academic and multi-award-winning, BAFTA-nominated broadcaster, known for his many acclaimed BBC documentaries.He is Director of Studies in History of Art at Emmanuel …
View event details
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 8th September, 7pm
For the seventh installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will explore Kerry Andrew's novel We Are Together Because. The story starts as a sensual …
View event details
Witches: A King's Obsession with Steven Veerapen
Monday 8th September, 7pm
Steven Veerapen is the author of The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I, described by Philippa Gregory as "a real page-turner for …
View event details
Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 9th September, 10am
Topping & Company Booksellers present Tiny Tales!Join us in the bookshop as our Children's Booksellers Tess and Emily read a handful of brilliant new picture books …
View event details
Samantha Shannon for Among the Burning Flowers
Tuesday 9th September, 7pm
Samantha Shannon has carved out a name for herself as one of the world's most exciting Fantasy novelists and world-builders. She is the million copy bestselling …
View event details
Tim Spector for Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes
Wednesday 10th September, 7pm
The legendary Tim Spector joins us for his new cookbook Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes.Tim Spector, MD, is Professor of Epidemiology at King's College London. …
View event details
Whisky Tasting: Joel Harrison for The Whisky World Tour
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
An utterly fabulous World Whisky Tasting with award-winning drinks writer and presenter, Joel Harrison.The Whisky World Tour takes you beyond the glass to discover 52 of …
View event details
The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided …
View event details
Clare Jackson on The Mirror of Great Britain: A Life of James VI & I
Thursday 11th September, 7pm
Clare Jackson is Honorary Professor of Early Modern History at Cambridge University and a Fellow of Trinity Hall.She has presented a number of highly successful programmes …
View event details
Richard Armitage for The Cut
Friday 12th September, 7.30pm
Reknowned actor of stage and screen, and author of Geneva, Richard Armitage joins us to celebrate the release of his second thriller; The Cut.Richard's career on …
View event details
Mick Herron for Clown Town
Monday 15th September, 7pm
Please note, this is now taking place at Ps & Gs.Join us to celebrate the release of the latest 'Slough House' Thriller with author Mick Herron, …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Mark Diacono for Abundance: Eating and Living with the Seasons
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
Mark Diacono has written a number of award-winning books, including A Year at Otter Farm and A Taste of the Unexpected (which both won Food Book …
View event details
Hannah Ritchie for Clearing the Air: A Hopeful Guide to Solving Climate Change
Tuesday 16th September, 7pm
Dr Hannah Ritchie is Senior Researcher in the Programme for Global Development at the University of Oxford. She is also Deputy Editor at the highly influential …
View event details
British Museum Lectures: Ice Age Art Now
Wednesday 17th September, 7pm
Join us as we pair once more with the British Museum to bring to life an evening that celebrates humankind's connection and drive towards artmaking.Curator Jill …
View event details
Katherine Rundell for The Poisoned King
Thursday 18th September, 6pm
'Readers will seize this with delight.' ~ Philip Pullman on Impossible Creatures'There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell.' ~ Michael MorpurgoKatherine …
View event details
Stephen Grosz for Love's Labour
Thursday 18th September, 7pm
Stephen Grosz is a practicing psychoanalyst, and has worked with patients for more than forty years.The Examined Life, his Number One bestselling debut, was about learning …
View event details
Martin Parr for Utterly Lazy and Inattentive
Friday 19th September, 7pm
"Martin Parr is a genius." ~ W Magazine"Like all great artists, Martin Parr has altered how we see the world." ~ Grayson PerryMartin Parr is one …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Do Ferment with Matthew Pennington & Nicola Cradock
Friday 19th September, 7pm
Matthew Pennington is co-author of The Ethicurean Cookbook and co-founder of The Ethicurean restaurant, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and innovative approach.Over its decade-long …
View event details
Sasha Debevec-McKenney for Joy Is My Middle Name
Monday 22nd September, 7pm
'Joy Is My Middle Name is a mantra, motto and winking forewarning in this magnificent debut. Humour is juxtaposed with heartbreak; the weird tenderness of an …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Ottolenghi's Helen Goh on Baking & the Meaning of Life
Tuesday 23rd September, 7pm
'Helen in her absolute element. It really doesn't get any better.' ~ Yotam Ottolenghi'I have rarely leafed through a book and wanted so much to get …
View event details
Joanna Pocock for Greyhound
Wednesday 24th September, 7pm
'Pocock's writing is intellectually and emotionally thrilling. In Greyhound she brings us on a road trip through America's alienated hinterlands - anonymous motels, all-night diners, blighted …
View event details
Lady Hale for With the Law on Our Side
Thursday 25th September, 7pm
Brenda Hale, Rt Hon the Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE, made history as the first woman to serve on the newly created Supreme Court, was appointed …
View event details
Jenny Uglow on A Year with Gilbert White: The First Great Nature Writer
Thursday 25th September, 7pm
'Uglow's style is supremely elegant and often amusingly bathetic, her research exhaustive but lightly worn.' FINANCIAL TIMESJenny Uglow is one of our most enquiring and celebrated …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Elliott's Jess Elliott Dennison for Weekend Recipes
Friday 26th September, 7pm
Jess Elliott Dennison is a food writer and the founder of Elliott’s. Her cookbook Midweek Recipes was a runaway success, becoming our bestselling cookbook of 2024 …
View event details
The Kindest Garden: A Practical Guide to Regenerative Gardening with Marian Boswall
Monday 29th September, 7pm
"I found myself crying 'yes, yes, yes!' to every page of this beautiful, inspiring, visionary yet practical and compassionate book. This is how we can garden …
View event details
David Nicholls for You Are Here
Monday 29th September, 7pm
One of the best novels of the year for the Sunday TimesA book of the year pick in the Guardian, Observer, Independent, GQ, & more.ONE OF …
View event details
Malcolm Gaskill for The Glass Mountain
Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
Malcolm Gaskill is Emeritus Professor of Early Modern History at the University of East Anglia. One of Britain's leading experts in the history of witchcraft, his …
View event details
In Conversation with Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon
Tuesday 30th September, 7pm
As October draws close, join us for an evening of horror from two Bram Stoker Award-Winning legends of the genre, Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, to …
View event details
Kirsty Loehr for A Short History of Queer Parenting
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
We are thrilled to be joined by Kirsty Loehr, author of A Short History of Queer Women, for her latest dive into queer history, A Short …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Hoppers' Karan Gokani for Indian 101
Wednesday 1st October, 7pm
'Karan reveals the geographic soul of Indian cooking while keeping our weeknight sanity intact. This is cooking that's practical, varied, and utterly genuine.' ~ Yotam Ottolenghi'An …
View event details
Graham Robb on The Discover of Britain: An Accidental History
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
'Graham Robb has found a new format for writing history just as Craig Brown found a fresh way to write biography.' ~ Alan JohnsonGraham Robb has …
View event details
The Witcher's Joey Batey for 'It's Not A Cult'
Thursday 2nd October, 7pm
We are pleased to welcome beloved actor and musician Joey Batey, best known as Jaskier from Netflix's The Witcher and frontman of folk band, The Amazing …
View event details
Lea Ypi for Indignity: A Life Reimagined
Monday 6th October, 7pm
A captivating journey, of imagination and of longing, and a gentle uncovering of a deep buried history. ~ Philippe SandsLea Ypi holds the Ralph Miliband Chair …
View event details
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 6th October, 7pm
For the eight installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we are exploring William S. Burrough's classic novel Queer. Originally written in 1952 but not published …
View event details
Mary's Feminist Fiction Reading Group
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
Welcome to our Feminist Fiction Reading Group! A place to discover and enjoy a range of titles and themes lovingly hand picked by Mary. Woven together …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Harrods' Head Pastry Chef Philip Khoury for Beyond Baking: Plant-based Baking for a New Era
Tuesday 7th October, 7pm
Philip Khoury is an award-winning, classically trained pastry chef who spent six years as the Head Pastry Chef at Harrods.Philip joins us for his new book, …
View event details
Dr Julia Shaw for Green Crime
Thursday 9th October, 7pm
Dr Julia Shaw is a criminal psychologist at University College London. Her academic work, teaching, and role as an expert witness, focus on different ways of …
View event details
Amanda Block for The Haunting of Hero’s Bay
Thursday 9th October, 7pm
We are thrilled to be joined by the author of The Lost Storyteller for her second novel, The Haunting of Hero's Bay.A chilling and compelling greek-myth …
View event details
M. L. Rio for Hot Wax
Monday 13th October, 7pm
This October we are overjoyed to host M. L. Rio for her latest novel, Hot Wax, a nostalgic love-letter to the late 80s rock and roll …
View event details
Gyles Brandreth on Somewhere, A Boy And A Bear
Tuesday 14th October, 7pm
Gyles Brandreth is a writer, broadcaster, podcaster, trustee of The Queen’s Reading Room charity, former MP and Chancellor of the University of Chester, as well as …
View event details
The Evolution of Devolution in Scotland: Unfinished Business with James Mitchell & Henry McLeish
Wednesday 15th October, 7pm
Rt Hon Henry McLeish was elected as a member of the UK Parliament and acted as Minister for Devolution and Home Affairs in the Labour government …
View event details
Jules & Greg's Wild Swim
Friday 17th October, 7pm
Following on their successful BBC TV series, Jules Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill explore Scotland and give us their guide to all that's best about wild …
View event details
Jonathan Freedland for The Traitors Circle:
Monday 20th October, 7pm
Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist and former foreign correspondent. He was named Columnist of the Year in 2002, Commentator of the Year in 2016 and …
View event details
Wine Tasting with Olly Smith for WINE
Tuesday 21st October, 7pm
Olly Smith is the UK's best-loved wine expert, with 18 years' presenting wine on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen. He has written about wine for the Mail on …
View event details
F1's Susie Wolff for Driven
Wednesday 22nd October, 7pm
Former racing driver and Managing Director of F1 Academy Susie Wolff lifts the bonnet on her incredible journey to the top of motorsport.From the moment her …
View event details
Wahaca's Thomasina Miers for Mexican Table
Wednesday 22nd October, 7pm
Cook, writer and winner of MasterChef, Thomasina Miers has made cheese in Ireland, cheffed in Michelin-stared kitchens and, having travelled to Mexico in 1994, went to …
View event details
Ann Cleeves for The Killing Stones
Thursday 23rd October, 7pm
'Cleeves is one of our secret chroniclers, charting a series of expertly plotted and mesmerizing crime novels' - Mick Herron, author of Slow HorsesAnn Cleeves is …
View event details
Alan Davies for White Male Stand-Up
Sunday 26th October, 7pm
'Davies has done it again, damn him. Irritatingly good. Maddeningly funny. Annoyingly fine.' STEPHEN FRYAlan Davies is a comedian, writer and actor, best known for starring …
View event details
Ambrose Parry for the Final Raven and Fisher Mystery; 'The Death of Shame'
Monday 27th October, 7pm
This autumn, we are overjoyed to welcome back Ambrose Parry to celebrate the Raven and Fisher Mysteries. The Death of Shame is the final installment in …
View event details
Gabrielle Bates for Judas Goat
Monday 27th October, 7pm
We are so excited to be hosting the Scottish launch of Gabrielle Bates' debut poetry collection, Judas Goat. The conversation will be chaired by beloved Edinburgh-based …
View event details
Sunburn's Chloe Michelle Howarth for Heap Earth Upon It
Tuesday 28th October, 7pm
Chloe's debut novel, Sunburn, was a sensation. Shortlisted for the 2024 Polari First Book Prize, the 2024 Book of the Year: Discover Award at the British …
View event details
Andrew Graham Dixon on Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found
Tuesday 28th October, 7pm
"This book is going to revolutionize the way we understand Vermeer. I read it slowly, feeling 'like some watcher of the skies when a new planet …
View event details
An Evening with TJ Klune
Wednesday 29th October, 7.30pm
Join us as cosy fantasy icon TJ Klune heads to Edinburgh to discuss the no. 1 bestselling sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea; Somewhere …
View event details
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage for New Cemetary
Thursday 30th October, 7pm
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage joins us for his major new collection New Cemetery.Simon Armitage CBE was born in West Yorkshire and is Professor of Poetry at …
View event details
Hamza Yassin for Homeward Bound
Friday 31st October, 7pm
Hamza Yassin is a Scottish wildlife cameraman and presenter, a skilled ornithologist and the winner of the 2022 season of Strictly Come Dancing!Born in Sudan, Hamza …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Stephen Harris for The Sportsman at Home
Monday 3rd November, 7pm
Stephen Harris is a self-taught chef who opened The Sportsman in 1999, turning something ordinary into something extraordinary. Under his guidance, the restaurant has earned and …
View event details
CL Clark with Hannah Kaner for Fate's Bane
Tuesday 4th November, 7pm
Award winning author, and bookseller favourite, C. L. Clark comes to Edinburgh for the release of their brand new novella; Fate's Bane. Delve in the fens …
View event details
Clare Carlisle for Transcendence for Beginners
Wednesday 5th November, 7pm
Clare Carlisle is Professor of Philosophy at King's College London, and the author of eight books on philosophy and philosophers, including Philosopher of the Heart: The …
View event details
Sir Bradley Wiggins for The Chain
Thursday 6th November, 7pm
Sir Bradley Wiggins is one of the greatest cyclists the UK has produced.He won five Olympic gold medals and eight World Championship titles in a long …
View event details
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 10th November, 7pm
For the ninth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction reading group, we will read Lauren J. Joseph's debut At Certain Points We Touch. This is a story …
View event details
The Story of Art Without Men's Katy Hessel for How To Live An Artful Life
Tuesday 11th November, 7pm
This November, we are joined by the author of The Story of Art Without Men for her new book How to Live an Artful Life.Katy Hessel …
View event details
John Crace for The Bonfire of the Insanities
Thursday 13th November, 7pm
John Crace is the Guardian's parliamentary sketch writer & columnist and the author of several books, including Taking the Lead: A Dog at Number 10, Depraved …
View event details
Christopher Clark on A Scandal in Koenigsberg
Friday 14th November, 7pm
Christopher Clark is the Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge. He was knighted in 2015. His previous books are The Politics of Conversion, …
View event details
Whisky Tasting with Dave Broom for The Japanese Way of Whisky
Monday 17th November, 7pm
Dave Broom is an internationally celebrated spirits expert. He has won two Glenfiddich prizes and, in 2013, the IWSC Communicator of the Year Award. In 2015, …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Skye McAlpine for The Christmas Companion
Tuesday 25th November, 7pm
Skye McAlpine is the author of A Table in Venice, A Table for Friends and A Table Full of Love. Skye writes a monthly column for …
View event details
Cooks & Books: Ixta Belfrage on FUSAO ~ Brazilian Recipes
Thursday 27th November, 7pm
Described as 'one of the most influential women in food,' Ixta Belfrage began her culinary career at Ottolenghi's NOPI restaurant. She then moved to the Test …
View event details
Queer Fiction Reading Group
Monday 8th December, 7pm
For the tenth installment of Sanna's Queer Fiction Reading Group, we are looking at Sarah Waters' 2002 novel Fingersmith. Shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the …
View event detailsMore Edinburgh events launching soon!
Sign up to be the first to hear when new events are confirmed.
Join the Edinburgh newsletter
Newsletter subscribers are the first to hear about our events and early bird offers, as well as exclusive complimentary invitations