Desperate times and desperate measures in the city yesterday as public booking for the Edinburgh International Book Festival opened - or should have opened. So great was the demand for seats that the phonelines and website collapsed under the strain. Some hardy souls waited for hours on the pavement outside the box office, intent on nabbing the scarce-as-gold-dust Alan Bennett and Andrew Marr tickets. With the queue apparently nearing the outskirts of Glasgow ( I exaggerate slightly, but Mr. Cornflower did join it at one point and was a very long way from its head) many were destined to be disppointed in their quest for a place in the marquees of Charlotte Square Gardens in two months' time.
Being a Friend of the Festival, I was able - by dint of several very long waits to get through on the phone - to buy some tickets in the priority booking period, but alas, no Bennett or Marr for me. However, amongst other things I did manage to secure a couple of seats for :
and he is as delightfully funny in person as his books suggest.
I've never read any of his books but last Monday I was lucky to find two at a used book store--Friends, Lovers, Chocolate, 44 Scotland Street. They are teetering at the very top of my stack of TBRs. I had a chance to purchase M.F.K Fisher's The Art of Eating but wasn't sure about it. Then I read here that it was more than good, so I went back but it was snatched up. Grrr.
Posted by: Catherine Mary | 20 June 2007 at 01:43 PM
AMS is very funny and warm and I really enjoyed seeing him at a talk a few months ago. Haven't even had time to look at the programme yet....
By the way, doesn't the programme look lovely? The graphic designer responsible is Emma who also does all our design work.
Posted by: Vanessa | 20 June 2007 at 02:16 PM
Oh how lovely, what a splendid way to spend a few hours.
Posted by: Rebecca | 20 June 2007 at 03:04 PM
Lucky girl! I look forward to your comments on the event!
Posted by: Peg | 20 June 2007 at 04:20 PM
Can't wait to hear all about this! How fun. Wish I could be there to join in the revelry, but I'll be there in spirit!
Posted by: Bluestalking Reader | 20 June 2007 at 05:08 PM
How nice for you Karen. It should be great fun. I imagine the legal connection adds a certain interest to you.
Posted by: Lisa W | 20 June 2007 at 06:55 PM
How I wish I could have heard him. His work is so gentle, so full of kindness, and yet laced with humor. Perfect in my opinion.
Posted by: Nan | 20 June 2007 at 11:56 PM
Lucky you! Look forward to reports.
Posted by: Harriet | 21 June 2007 at 09:11 AM
What fun! I'm glad you were able to obtain some tickets and look forward to hearing about the event.
Posted by: tara | 21 June 2007 at 02:57 PM