The Book Lover's Guide to Edinburgh (eBook)

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We are planning a return trip to Edinburgh next year and if I had a physical copy of the book, I would take it with me. Many of the whatever “lovers” books are filled with lovely pictures but often little meat. This book was full of interesting bits of history about the locations and the relationship each had to the specific author who are covered. Naturally, in a city as old as Edinburgh, there is going to be some crossing of paths even if the time lines did not cross.

I really think this book would be great for a first time visitor to the city who loves literature. It covered many of the greats and will be an interesting addition to your library. Four purrs and two paws up.

NetGalley, Susan Johnston

Article featuring the book

The International Travel Writers Alliance Bulletin

This was an interesting arm chair literary travel book through Edinburgh and Scotland. The book includes five walking tours for five authors, literary highlights for more authors and small list of literary festivals and bookshops. Whether you are planning a trip or just arm chair traveling the book is easy to read and very informative. There are lots of photographs included as well. While most of the places are in the city of Edinburgh, places outside of the city are also included. Enjoy.

NetGalley, Kari Cook

I was a big fan of this book. It was unlike anything I have ever read. It gave a brief history of a lot of famous literary people/ their works. Then it talks about important land marks to them and their success . It gives you a walking tour and how to find each place which is so fun.

NetGalley, Samantha Williamson

Being a lover of both literature and travel, I was delighted to read an early digital review copy of this beautiful book. If you looked only at the photographs and their descriptions, you would still learn so much and receive a virtual journey to remember. But author Kate Stephenson also suggests several themed walking tours to fully immerse one in the discoveries.

NetGalley, Lynn Thomas

As someone who loves both books and travel, The Book Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh by Kate Stephenson became a favorite companion for my future literary adventures. This guide offers a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s rich literary landscape, perfect for anyone eager to dive into the city’s storied past and vibrant book culture.

Stephenson takes readers on five thoughtfully crafted walking tours that let you walk in the footsteps of legendary authors like Robert Burns, Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as contemporary favorites such as J.K. Rowling and Diana Gabaldon. These routes weave together iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems tucked away in the Old Town or scattered around the city, making each trek feel like a treasure hunt.

Beyond the walks, the book also explores Edinburgh’s broader literary connections, organized by neighborhood. I loved uncovering unexpected historical tidbits, intriguing literary hoaxes, and the deep roots many authors have in the city’s fabric. The final section brings things into the present day, spotlighting key museums, charming bookshops, and celebrated festivals like the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Fringe. This really helped me appreciate how alive and thriving Edinburgh’s literary scene remains.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the gorgeous cover—it's beautiful and inviting, just like the content inside. The guide is packed with well-curated lists of statues, buildings, and bookstores, accompanied by plenty of photos that give just enough visual clues without spoiling the joy of discovering these places yourself. I also appreciated the bibliography and author listings, which make it easy to dive deeper if you want.

Overall, The Book Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh strikes a wonderful balance between being informative and accessible. It’s engaging without ever feeling overwhelming, making it an excellent pick whether you’re a passionate bibliophile or a curious traveler looking to explore Edinburgh through its literary heritage. I enjoyed every page and would highly recommend it to anyone planning a visit to this remarkable city—or anyone who simply loves books.

NetGalley, The Sassy Bookworm

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Book Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh by Kate Stephenson is a great guide for travelers looking to create a literary tour of Edinburgh. There are 5 tours that take travelers throughout Edinburgh. Edinburgh has a rich literary history and the book is a great introduction for readers planning their travel.

In addition to being a great guide for literary tours, this book is a great way to learn about the history of the city.

NetGalley, Cait's Reading Nook

Although I've never been to Edinburgh, it frequently pops up as a setting in many of the books I've read. As a result, I was curious to get a guided glimpse of the real city. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, the typical tourist guidebook, I guess, but this one is much more. Partly guidebook, yes, but also part history, part biography of the designated authors, a sharing of their connections to Edinburgh and sites within and about, and an abundant array of excerpts that remind us why we were drawn to these authors to begin with. Each was somehow tied to the site in question. It was a perk to get to know not just the city but learn more about the authors via their connections.

Bottom line, I got lost in the stories of the authors and history as much as the actual places we were virtually visiting. The illustrations/photos were an excellent bonus, showing us much of the history of Edinburgh as well as how people lived and live there today. It definitely gave me a new appreciation of the term tenement. There are lots of lists and a great deal of information to take in, so sit back for a leisurely, informative virtual trip. It was an intriguing visit to a place many of us have only visited within a book. Thanks #Pen&Sword for inviting me along on this virtual preview trip to a city that looms large in history and literature. In fact, Edinburgh was selected as the first UNESCO City of Literature. With the New Year creeping up on us as I type, it was an extra kick to be reminded who penned the words to the song "Auld Lang Syne".

NetGalley, June Price

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Kate Stephenson’s Guide is not only a notable practical resource, but a pleasure to read. Well designed and clearly explained walks become literary explorations as the Guide dips into the literary sources related to the people it discusses. The introduction provides an historical context for the literary walks which, in the second section, cover the monuments and excerpts from the work of well-known literary figures: Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson Sir Walter Scott, JK Rowling and Diana Gabaldon. Less well-known figures are also featured in the next section, in less detail but their appearance is nevertheless engaging. So too, is the last section which features festivals, museums, and bookshops.

The historical and geographic information establishes the social and physical environment in which the writers’ imaginations were cultivated, in which they worked and produced the literature that makes them part of, as well as a product, of Edinburgh. With this attention to the writers’ lives the Guide becomes far more than a useful pointer to the relevant monuments. It encourages reflection upon the inspiration behind the literature that is the purpose of the journeys.

The detail in the walks related to the five major authors is so absorbing it is like being in Edinburgh. This is further enhanced by the inclusion of the authors’ writing. At times this comprises lengthy extracts from familiar works, at others, glimpses chosen adeptly to tempt the prospective walker into reading as well as exploring. The less detailed section on other writers is also satisfying as it reaches more widely across a range of writers and environments.

There is a bibliography, a list of authors and cited works, as well as copious graphics. The additional information about the museums, bookshops and festivals is an excellent read. The Book Lover's Guide to Edinburgh blends an impressive amount of information in an engaging and wonderfully accessible read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book – it is certainly tempting me back to Edinburgh.

NetGalley, Robin Joyce

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve been toying with the idea of going to Edinburgh, but there’s so much to do and see. And while I picked a few things, I’d like to see after reading this book? I had quite a few more.

I love the history and the walking trials included in this book and I cannot wait to get there to explore them all. I also ordered a few books to read before we go that are referred to in this book. Hubby and I are going to enjoy this trip immensely. This is a great book and gift for anyone who loves to travel!

NetGalley, Cindi Austin

Well, there are certainly many well-known authors with ties to Edinburgh. To name just a few, there are Robbie Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Diana Gabaldon and J.K. Rowling, as the author notes in her introduction. Learn more about them and their connections to the city in these pages.

This informative text is enhanced by the photographs that are found throughout. I especially enjoyed the walking tour sections-they offer a great way to organize getting to know the city and its writers.

I also enjoyed the section on literary events and places. For one, there is mention of the Literary Museum-I imagine that would offer a good experience to a bibliophile. There is mention of festivals for those who would be interested (I would!). I also loved that there was a list of bookshops.

Any reader who is planning a trip to Edinburgh would do well to have this book in hand. It will enhance the visit. This title is well researched and filled with information.

NetGalley, joyce laudon

A must read for book lovers ❤️

This book is split into four sections…

1) Historical context
2) Walking trails
3) Literary associations by geographical area
4) Literary attractions

‘Follow in the footsteps of some of the best known and most prolific writers associated with Edinburgh.’

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books

I would have loved to have had this book when I visited Edinburgh, and I just may have to plan another trip so I can use it.

NetGalley, Ellen Rosewall

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Edinburgh is a dream destination for this reader, so this book jumped out at me! It did not disappoint! I will come back to this book again and again just for the comfort. If I ever do make it to Edinburgh I will be bringing a physical copy of this book!

NetGalley, Alicia Modin

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a wonderful guidebook for bookish adventurers looking to learn about and explore Edinburgh, the world's first UNESCO City of Literature.
It features walking trail recommendations for semi-self guided tours related to famous authors like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott or fan favorite site seeing stops for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter or Diana Gabaldon's Outlander.

There are phenomenal lists of key statues, buildings, and bookshops. This guide has a good number of photos to showcase the sites without giving away the magic (but will help you to find them!).

NetGalley, Grace Riensche

Books and Edinburgh what a great combination. This book has walking trails all over Edinburgh for the book lover. I enjoyed this interesting read of Edinburgh.

NetGalley, Sheila Treacy

I’ve always wanted to go to Edinburgh and this was a perfect guide to lesser known places and hidden gems.
I would recommend this guide to anyone going to Edinburgh not just book lovers. I cant wait to explore these places when I go.

NetGalley, Lucy Murphy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was a gorgeous travel companion filled with rich history and stunning photographs.

Traveling abroad can be overwhelming to plan on your own and Scotland has always intrigued me. As a traveler I want to visit main attractions but would also like to see some local recommended places off the beaten path, especially those that might be a bit quieter and less well known. When planning on your own it can be difficult to know where to start.

I loved how the author included the rich literary history of Edinburgh before introducing us to walking trails and the several sites we might stop at along the way and then also included other places and events we may want to consider.

A well thought-out travel guide to a beautiful city!

NetGalley, G C

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A true must have and pack guide for exploring the beautifully haunting and gorgeous landscape that is Scotland, in particular Edinburgh. I've always wanted to travel there and reading this companion makes me visualize like I'm already there.

The descriptions and photographs are stunning and I know don't do seeing them in person justice. But for now, this is the closest I'll get to Scotland and I'm alright with that. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to travel and wants to scout out Edinburgh as a destination to visit!

NetGalley, Megan Beech