What's on in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Upcoming events Search Event date Date from Date to Jul 27 2026 11.00 - 12.00 A Slow and Somewhat Unnatural Demise: The Barbados Rum Economy 1775-1815 A research seminar by Dr Geoffrey Ward (University of the West Indies) on the Rum economy of Barbados, and the decline in its export. Celtic and Scottish Studies Further information Aug 07 2026 14.00 - 15.30 Echoes Across Time: A Century of Modern Chinese Literary Translation A lecture by Professor Yifeng Sun (University of Macau) which reexamines the historiography of modern Chinese literary translation, positing that it was essential to the foundation and building of the history of Chinese literature. Asian Studies Translation Studies Further information Aug 11 2026 17.35 - 18.35 The Provocateurs: Memory management / Bridget Jones meets the existentialists David Sorfa (Film Studies) will present a talk on what Bridget Jones can teach us about existentialism, alongside neurobiologist John Girgis talking about memory management. Part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Film and Intermediality Further information Aug 16 2026 13.30 - 14.30 Wild Dark Shore A talk by bestselling author Charlotte McConaghy and chaired by David Farrier (English Literature), in which they will discuss Charlotte's new eco-thriller novel, Wild Dark Shore. Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. English and Scottish Literature Further information Aug 16 2026 19.00 - 20.00 The Pinnacle A talk with Abir Mukherjee on his new thriller novel, The Pinnacle, as well as celebrity and glamour, chaired by Kim Sherwood (Creative Writing). Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. English and Scottish Literature Further information Aug 17 2026 18.30 - 19.45 A Verse of Poets An evening of poetry readings from a range of Scottish poets, from Scots Scrievers to Gaelic singers, all hosted by Beth Cochrane (Creative Writing MSc alumna). Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. English and Scottish Literature Further information Aug 19 2026 13.30 - 14.30 Rat Race A talk by Callum McSorley, chaired by Kim Sherwood (Creative Writing), on his latest book Rat Race, the closing of his trilogy of DCI Alison McCoist novels. Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. English and Scottish Literature Further information Aug 19 2026 13.45 - 14.45 The Provocateurs: Bridget Jones meets the existentialists / Forensic jewellery David Sorfa (Film Studies) will present a talk on what Bridget Jones can teach us about existentialism, alongside forensic jeweller Dr Maria Maclennan discussing her work. Part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Film and Intermediality Further information Aug 19 2026 14.00 - 15.00 The Travelling Life Maddy Potter (English Literature) along with author Garth Cartwright will discuss the experiences and traditions of European Romani communities, with Maddy touching on her book 'The Roma: A Travelling History'. Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. English and Scottish Literature Further information Aug 20 2026 14.00 - 15.00 Community Secrets A joint discussion between authors Frances Crawford and Jennie Godfrey, chaired by Mary Paulson-Ellis (Writer in Residence), on writing thrillers with a lighter touch. Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. English and Scottish Literature Further information 1 2 Previously... Browse our archive for a curated selection of past events This article was published on Friday 7 February 2025