What we learned at Edinburgh International Book Festival
27 August 2016
The Edinburgh International Book Festival features a host of talent from the worlds of literature, comedy, music and film, taking part in more than 700 events throughout August. We filmed a selection of sessions, and here are some choice words of wisdom from the biggest names...
Even the tea boy returned for the filming of Trainspotting 2
Irvine Welsh on Trainspotting 2
The author explains how the original crew were reunited for the sequel to the 1996 film.
The author joined Brian Taylor on 27 August to talk about his new book, The Blade Artist, which sees the return of Trainspotting's Francis Begbie. He also discussed the long-awaited sequel to the smash-hit Trainspotting film.
Oprah Winfrey inspired the title of Alan Cumming's new book
Alan Cumming on a meeting with Oprah
The actor tells how the US chat show host gave him the title for his new book.
The actor spoke to Sarfraz Manzoor on 27 August about his latest book, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams. Watch the full session on BBC iPlayer until 26 September.
If you want to be a comedian, learn from your catastrophes
Alexei Sayle on life and 'inventing' British comedy
Alexei Sayle discusses his new book, Thatcher Stole My Trousers, and talks British comedy.
The comedy legend appeared at the festival on 14 August to discuss his second memoir.
Even a giant talent like Orson Welles has the occasional off night
A disastrous opening night
Simon Callow describes the premiere of Orson Welles' play 'Moby Dick - Rehearsed' in 1955.
Actor Simon Callow had the audience in stitches on 18 August with this brilliant anecdote from the third volume of his biography of Orson Welles. Watch the full session on BBC iPlayer until 17 September.
Jackie Kay expected her birth father to look like Nelson Mandela
Jackie Kay on tracing her birth parents
The poet tells Nicola Sturgeon about her family.
Scotland's Makar chatted to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about her family, poetry and more on 18 August. Watch the full session on BBC iPlayer until 17 September.
Lou Reed can have a coffee in peace at Manchester Piccadilly station... well, almost
Tim Burgess: What happened when I asked Lou Reed for an autograph
The Charlatans front-man talks about his one and only meeting with Lou Reed.
The Charlatans singer shared anecdotes from his latest memoir, Tim Book Two: Vinyl Adventures from Istanbul to San Francisco, with Ian Rankin on 18 August. Watch the full session on BBC iPlayer until 17 September.
Marina Warner believes in 'the power of the dream world' - but not fairies
'Do you believe in fairies?'
Marina Warner shares a story about Melvyn Bragg asking her if she believed in fairies.
The author enjoyed an in-depth conversation with Kirsty Logan about her new book of short stories, Fly Away Home, on 18 August. Watch the full session here until 17 September.
Winning the Booker Prize hasn't stopped James Kelman being marginalised
James Kelman: Too Scottish?
The hugely influential author discusses the marginalisation of Scottish writers.
The author spoke to Kirsty Wark for Edinburgh Nights ahead of his appearance at the festival on 21 August. Watch the full show on BBC iPlayer until 19 September.
