Edinburgh: Backdrop to the world’s big fest

This Week, Those Books usually links the big international story to the world of books but this bonus post is about the big story of MY week: travels in Scotland, especially its capital Edinburgh. Luckily, the world’s biggest arts festival is about to get underway in Edinburgh so my news is on the world radar too.

Read on to get This Week, Those Books’ usual offering: crucial context — from fiction and non-fiction — to the shouty, doomscroll news cycle. We’ve been going two years and have built up a following in 121 countries. It’s a small operation here at TWTB and we’re sustained by reader support. If you find This Week, Those Books useful, thoughtful, and…a conversation starter, please read, respond, refer a friend.

Housekeeping note: We’re still supposedly on holiday until mid-August

The Big Story:

Visiting Edinburgh in July is like communing with a noted actor just before they go on stage — those quiet, private moments can speak loudly and reveal who they really are.

Within days, the Scottish capital will put on the Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s biggest arts festival, as well as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a celebration of the marching and musical skills of army bands. Both draw participants and audiences from around the world.

At this point in July, Edinburgh is preparing for its big annual performance; it’s that hushed moment before the curtain goes up and the great actor is gearing up for the world stage.

Incidentally, one Donald J Trump, president of the United States, also arrives in Scotland late next week.

These books offer context:

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