From Orphan of the Mist to Ordinary People, the British Isles have been a literary powerhouse for centuries. Many of the world’s greatest books have been set in Blighty, from the epic masterpiece Wolf Hall to Monica’s Brick Lane.
Every May, bibliophiles from around the world make the pilgrimage to the Hay Festival of Books for endless readings, lectures and workshops. UNESCO’s Creative Cities Literature Programme, which turns 20 this year, connects 53 cities recognized for their outstanding contribution to literature. There are five in the UK and one in Ireland. Yes, it’s right up there with the best cities to read in.
Great Scott! Even reaching Waverley by train is a literary adventure. The station is named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel and is adorned with literary quotes from the author. The city brought us Robert, Owen and Muriel and will forever be synonymous with Harry Potter as resident Rowling wrote the series here. The city has its own Poet Laureate, Macca, and hosts the world’s largest international book festival. Founded in 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place every August and is attended by over 1,000 authors and 200,000 visitors.
The Radical Book Festival is another annual highlight, as is the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, where writers and poets weave stories in October. Other interesting facts: Scotland’s first book was printed here in 1508; the city has over 50 bookshops; and the world’s first purpose-built poetry library opened here in 1999. Don’t miss a visit to the Writers’ Museum off the Royal Mile, or take a literary walk on the Edinburgh Book Lovers’ Tour. As Edinburgh was the first city to be honored as a UNESCO Capital of Literature, it will host a Capital of Literature conference in October 2024 to mark its 20th anniversary.
