The Edinburgh Literary Companion by
Andrew Lownie
pbk out August 05
(Polygon)
at £9.99
Take a journey round the Scottish capital, even if it's only from your
favourite armchair. Edinburgh-educated Andrew Lownie succeeds in
bringing the city's past to life. Read about poet Robert Ferguson (1750-
1774) who died in penury in a madhouse and about Robert Burns who
had a short-lived affair in the town.
Lownie has split his book into five easy-to-follow chapters (The Old
Town, The University Quarter, The New Town, The Villa Quarters, The
Edinburgh Villages) which makes it ideal as a walking guide for the
intrepid tourist. The inside covers also provide handy maps.
The Edinburgh Literary Companion will appeal to anyone who likes
quirky facts, as the author uncovers various myths and truths about the
city. There's also a lengthy list of novels set in the capital which will be
of interest to literary buffs.
Crime writers feature at length, from Arthur Conan Doyle to James Hogg,
best known for his classic Confessions Of A Justified Sinner. Modern
scribes are also featured, including Ian Rankin, Paul Johnston and Joyce
Holms.
The book doesn't gloss over the fact that Edinburgh has its dark places,
noting that Miss Jean Brodie shepherded her girls past the queues of
unemployed men in the Tollcross and that Rebus has described the
Cowgate as `the blood bank' and `little Saigon.'
Such fictional characters blend well with the factual landscape that the
author describes, a landscape which is effectively captured in the book's
colour photographs. An intelligent and thought-provoking read.
The Edinburgh Literary Companion by
Andrew Lownie
