tickets available for The Hairth
PAGE 8
Ben Okri Norman Mailer
A novel approach
LongPen technology brings Mailer and Munro to Edinburgh. Words: Allan Radcliffe
ith the announcement of its programme for
August 2007 an intriguing new chapter has
opened for the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The (‘harlotte Square-based festival. which has grown year on year since humble beginnings ill l983. boasts some 7()() events this year. featuring more than 60“ authors from around 35 countries.
As ever. the programme is a veritable roll call of the most compelling names in literature. from Scottish favourites Ian Rankin. Alexander McCall Smith. Liz Lochhead and James Kelman to international literary superstars such as Ben Okri. (‘live James. Margaret Atwood. Joyce (‘arol Dates and Alan Bennett. There are also eagerly anticipated appearances by scientist and author of The (ind Delusion. Richard Dawkins as well as Nell-.vlll'g/lt interrogator Jeremy Paxman and former UK foreign secretary Douglas Ilurd. Meanwhile. novelist Alan Warner. author of The Worms ('un Carry Me To Heaven appears in a special event
supported by The List. in conversation with broadcaster
Janice Forsyth. However. the most eye-catching author events are two in
which the writers themselves will be appearing long distance. Legendary American man of letters Norman Mailer will be discussing his life and work with Scottish author Andrew ()‘Hagan on Sunday 12 August via live link-up from his home in the states. The renowned (‘anadian short story writer Alice Munro appears in a similar event on Wednesday 15 August in conversation
with Margaret Atwood. Both will sign a limited number of
books using Atwood‘s remarkable LongPen invention.
As ever. running alongside the regular programme are a number of debates and writing workshops as well as the children's book festival which this year features such perennial favourites Jacqueline Wilson. Nick Sharratt. Nick Butterworth and Julie Beltagna.
Advance tickets for the festival. which are often snapped up at a dizzying rate. can be purchased online from www.cdbookfest.co.uk. by phoning ()845 373 5888 or in
person from the capital‘s George Street branch of
Waterstone‘s.
www.edbookfest.co.uk
ST PETER'S ON ENDANGERED LIST
I St Peter’s seminary in Cardross, the subject of an exhaustive List campaign after the Archdiocese of Glasgow allowed it to fall into ruin, has been placed on the World Monuments Fund list of the world's most endangered buildings. Gillespie, Kidd and Coia architects, Isi Metzstein and Andy McMillan completed the imposing concrete structure in 1966. Despite winning the RIBA architecture award, the seminary closed in 1980 and is now virtually derelict. Yet, the building continued to haunt and fascinate, even inspiring filmmaker Murray Grigor and artist Toby Paterson to create work around it. Campaigners, who had consistently warned that the building would be lost unless action was taken, have now been rewarded for their efforts as The World Monuments Fund has recognised St Peter’s as one of the most important modernist buildings of the last century. (AR)
RAISING THE TEMPERATURE
The ultimate sponsored challenge at Belladrum Music lovers heading for this summer's Belladrum festival are invited to take part in an exciting challenge — a fire walk across hot embers to raise funds for the Highlands' Cancer Caring Centre.
The Maggie's Blaze ' Firewalk Challenge will take place on the opening evening of the festival — Friday 10 August — and will raise money for the centre. which offers emotional support as well as practical advice for those affected by cancer. The centre relies on activities such as this to meet its funding costs.
While fire walking may not sound like the most relaxing way to kick off your weekend away. the phenomenon is considered a powerful tool that has helped combat fears and inspired people to do things they had never thought possible. Participants in the challenge will be given a two-hour preparation session before stepping over the embers. which burn at a temperature of 668 degrees centigrade. Participants can cool down in the company of Friday night headliners. The Magic Numbers. Registration for the event is £50 and participants are asked to raise minimum sponsorship of 52300. For further information please call Fiona on 01463 706302 or email fionamc@maggies centresorg Alternatively visit www.tartanheartfestival. co.uk (AR)
91 Juli-f) Jul 2007 THE LIST 7