Alan Taylor - Edinburgh: The Autobiography

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Alan Taylor to talk about this latest book, Edinburgh: The Autobiography, which is published with Birlinn Books.
Following on from 2016's Glasgow: The Autobiography, Alan talks about why the time was right for Edinburgh to get similar treatment (its publication coincides with the city's 900th anniversary), the format of the book, the research required, trying to maintain balance in terms of themes and subjects, and goes into detail about just some of the people who, and the places and events which, would shape Scotland's capital, especially its literary legacy.
The two also discuss the impact of two periods in particular, namely The Enlightenment and all things Edinburgh Festival, looking at the incidents which fired both, and how they came to change perceptions of the city both at home and abroad.
A conversation with Alan Taylor is always entertaining and educational, and an absolute pleasure, and, as a proud Glaswegian with an undying fondness for Edinburgh, it was fascinating to not only read the book (a review of which will be in the next SNACK magazine) but to be able to discuss it with the Editor himself. If you thought you knew Auld Reekie, think again.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at www.scotswhayh...

[@avrilconacher]

Glad to find this interview. I recently read this book and it is a fascinating read. I have read many books on the city and this is one of the best in my opinion. The extracts from the historical documents are so interesting. I would encourage anyone living or interested in the city to read it.

[@JohannGambolputty86]

As a non-native speaker, I started learning the English language 30 years ago. Back in the day in Yugoslavia (Serbia), I had a Scottish teacher, Mr. Callum something... I forgot his last name. I completely, and unfortunately, abandoned that Scottish accent. And I am sorry about that. Now, I am back again to improve my Glaswegian. That dialect exactly rang my lugs back then. This is a pure braw podcast, there.