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The Book Lover's Guide to Edinburgh
Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or a curious traveller, this guide is the perfect companion to discovering Edinburgh’s extraordinary literary heritage. Explore the places and authors that have shaped the city’s cultural and physical landscape, from sites of literary history and interest to buildings and vistas that inspired famous poems and novels. Including many iconic Edinburgh sights, this guide also draws on local knowledge to highlight some lesser-known gems hidden away in the Old Town or located further afield in the city.
After a brief history of Edinburgh, the guide offers five detailed walking trails. These allow readers to follow in the footsteps of some of the best-known writers associated with Edinburgh from Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to J.K. Rowling and Diana Gabaldon. The second section delves into Edinburgh’s wider literary associations. Organised by geographical area, it spans a diverse range of authors, poets and playwrights across many centuries, uncovering unexpected connections, fascinating pieces of history and even a widely-disseminated literary hoax. The third and final section explores the city’s vibrant literary scene today, detailing museums, bookshops, and festivals, such as the world-renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival and Festival Fringe.
After a brief history of Edinburgh, the guide offers five detailed walking trails. These allow readers to follow in the footsteps of some of the best-known writers associated with Edinburgh from Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to J.K. Rowling and Diana Gabaldon. The second section delves into Edinburgh’s wider literary associations. Organised by geographical area, it spans a diverse range of authors, poets and playwrights across many centuries, uncovering unexpected connections, fascinating pieces of history and even a widely-disseminated literary hoax. The third and final section explores the city’s vibrant literary scene today, detailing museums, bookshops, and festivals, such as the world-renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival and Festival Fringe.
- GenresNonfiction
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 17, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Book Lover's Guide to Edinburgh, by Kate Stephenson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 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.
November 17, 2025
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!).
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!).
November 20, 2025
If I had read this book before August, I wouldn't have missed out on so many things....
I don't usually suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out), but this time I think I'll make an exception....
Se avessi letto questo libro prima di agosto, non mi sarei persa cosí tante cose....Di solito non soffro di FOMO (fear of missing out), ma stavolta credo che faró un eccezione....
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I don't usually suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out), but this time I think I'll make an exception....
Se avessi letto questo libro prima di agosto, non mi sarei persa cosí tante cose....Di solito non soffro di FOMO (fear of missing out), ma stavolta credo che faró un eccezione....
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: The Book Lover's Guide to Edinburgh by Kate Stephenson
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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.
I’m giving it four stars because while it’s fantastic in many ways, I would have loved even more insider anecdotes or personal stories from the author to add a bit more personality to the guide. Still, this is a beautifully crafted resource that will enrich your Edinburgh experience.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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.
I’m giving it four stars because while it’s fantastic in many ways, I would have loved even more insider anecdotes or personal stories from the author to add a bit more personality to the guide. Still, this is a beautifully crafted resource that will enrich your Edinburgh experience.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kate Stephenson, The Book Lover's Guide to Edinburgh, Pen & Sword | White Owl, January 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
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.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
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.
November 26, 2025
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities, so I was very pleased to read this short but informative book describing sites within the city limits and nearby with connections to famous writers and works of literature. The “meat” of the book consists of five self-guided walking tours related to what one might call the superstars of Scottish literature: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Diana Gabaldon and J.K. Rowling. The inclusion latter two on the top five list might seem questionable to some, but considering the number of tourists who come to Scotland each year to visit the coffee shop where much of Harry Potter was written (but which Rowling had to leave because she couldn’t get a moment’s peace there once the shop started advertising her connection), the street that was the inspiration for Diagon Alley, or the close where Outlander’s Janie and Claire reunite after twenty years apart, it’s logical to assume readers of this book would want to see them there.
Following the five most extensive tours, Stephenson; lists several other authors and poets with more nominal connections to Edinburgh, including Charles Dickens who was a Londoner but allegedly received his inspiration for the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in the city.
The walking tours are fairly easy (if you don’t count walking up the Royal Mile with its 45 degree pitch), and several of the main sites in the city are included in more than one tour, so tourists will be able to access quite a bit with little trouble. At the end, Stephenson lists several bookish locations and events, including the Writer’s Museum, the Scottish National Library, the Internship Book Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I’ve been to most of these and heartily recommend them all. In fact, one of my favorite evenings ever was listening to a poet recite Rabbie Burns’ more political works at the Scottish National Library. 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.
Many thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for granting my wish to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Following the five most extensive tours, Stephenson; lists several other authors and poets with more nominal connections to Edinburgh, including Charles Dickens who was a Londoner but allegedly received his inspiration for the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in the city.
The walking tours are fairly easy (if you don’t count walking up the Royal Mile with its 45 degree pitch), and several of the main sites in the city are included in more than one tour, so tourists will be able to access quite a bit with little trouble. At the end, Stephenson lists several bookish locations and events, including the Writer’s Museum, the Scottish National Library, the Internship Book Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I’ve been to most of these and heartily recommend them all. In fact, one of my favorite evenings ever was listening to a poet recite Rabbie Burns’ more political works at the Scottish National Library. 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.
Many thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for granting my wish to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 21, 2025
I thought this was a fun but rather limited guide to literary places in the wonderful (sorry, I’m biased) city of Edinburgh. The author splits it into three parts — some short walking itineraries on the city based around the works of famous authors, then a section on the city’s wider literary associations, and finally a section about museums and other sites with literary connections.
It’s a quick read, and I did find it a little haphazard in places. The opening section has a lot of potential given the city’s literary connections, and I thought it rather sold itself short. Of the five authors considered the first three — Burns, Scott and Stephenson — can be strongly anchored to the city and there are plenty of associated sites. Diana Gabbaldon used the city as a setting but never lived there for a period and JK Rowling has often denied drawing inspiration from particular places.
The walks associated with these latter two were very flimsy. The inclusion of the unglamorous Waverley Station, for example, on the grounds that “in all likelihood the Hogwarts Express would have passed through” felt a little fraudulent for someone expecting something interesting and different.
The rest of the book was okay and interesting at the margins, though I felt there was a lot of information withh limited organisation and so found it a little confusing.
I very much liked the concept of the book, but felt a little let down at the end, as there were plenty of places included which, frankly, are either inaccessible to the public or not worth the effort if visiting (in my opinion).
It’s a quick read, and I did find it a little haphazard in places. The opening section has a lot of potential given the city’s literary connections, and I thought it rather sold itself short. Of the five authors considered the first three — Burns, Scott and Stephenson — can be strongly anchored to the city and there are plenty of associated sites. Diana Gabbaldon used the city as a setting but never lived there for a period and JK Rowling has often denied drawing inspiration from particular places.
The walks associated with these latter two were very flimsy. The inclusion of the unglamorous Waverley Station, for example, on the grounds that “in all likelihood the Hogwarts Express would have passed through” felt a little fraudulent for someone expecting something interesting and different.
The rest of the book was okay and interesting at the margins, though I felt there was a lot of information withh limited organisation and so found it a little confusing.
I very much liked the concept of the book, but felt a little let down at the end, as there were plenty of places included which, frankly, are either inaccessible to the public or not worth the effort if visiting (in my opinion).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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".
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".
November 14, 2025
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!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
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!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
November 15, 2025
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!
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
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!
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
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 limes 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.
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.
November 22, 2025
I travelled to Edinburgh two autumns ago, and this would have been a great resource to have. The really is a general overview of visiting Edinburgh, overlayed with author and book history and location. Suggested walking tours are included. As a word of caution, although some are listed, this is not a guide to the current bookshops of Edinburgh (and there are lots!). If that is what you are looking for, I suggest doing further research, as not all of the current bookshops are mentioned.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.
December 3, 2025
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!
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!
April 29, 2026
How can one city have so many literary connections? If I lived in Edinburgh, I could amuse myself for decades just interacting with the book landmarks.
Where this guide really succeeds beyond other literary guides I've read is in how I also got a taste of so many of the authors' works. There are wonderful photos and directions and basically enough helpful information to design my own book tours if I get to visit.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Where this guide really succeeds beyond other literary guides I've read is in how I also got a taste of so many of the authors' works. There are wonderful photos and directions and basically enough helpful information to design my own book tours if I get to visit.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this with thoughts of it being recommendations for bookshop locations, best places to read. In turn ended being more about the History of the city along with some very popular authors and residents.
Overall good read but be warned the recommendations are limited and at the very end of the book.
I went into this with thoughts of it being recommendations for bookshop locations, best places to read. In turn ended being more about the History of the city along with some very popular authors and residents.
Overall good read but be warned the recommendations are limited and at the very end of the book.
November 30, 2025
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.’
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.’
Review of advance copy
this is not a pre publication it has been published in UK for several months and I live in Edinburgh and obtained from library
Update 20/03/26 - I did not enjoy this book at all for the first 30% of the book it seem to focus on Sir Walter Scott. It included quite a few walking routes which i may consider. It only showed a picture of The Oxford Bar and that was all that related to Rebus. It mentioned JK Rowling, Rabbie Burns and Robert Louis Stephenson and that is all really.
Update 20/03/26 - I did not enjoy this book at all for the first 30% of the book it seem to focus on Sir Walter Scott. It included quite a few walking routes which i may consider. It only showed a picture of The Oxford Bar and that was all that related to Rebus. It mentioned JK Rowling, Rabbie Burns and Robert Louis Stephenson and that is all really.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pen & Sword / White Owl, and Kate Stephenson for the opportunity to read and review this guide! I was provided a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
In addition to being a great guide for literary tours, this book is a great way to learn about the history of the city.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pen & Sword / White Owl, and Kate Stephenson for the opportunity to read and review this guide! I was provided a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
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