Sign in Subscribe
Festivals

The Edinburgh International Book Festival's Descent into the Culture Wars

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has lost its way since its relocation from Charlotte Square. Last year, it yielded to pressure from Fossil Free Books, cancelling a 20-year partnership with Baillie Gifford due to perceived ties to oil and gas and Israel. This year, the festival has faced criticism for excluding authors like Darren McGarvey and the anthology "The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht," a bestseller deemed too divisive by director Jenny Niven. As a result, the festival's reputation has taken a hit, and its commitment to inclusivity and open discussion has been called into question.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Edinburgh International Book Festival has faced criticism for cancelling its partnership with Baillie Gifford last year due to pressure from Fossil Free Books.
  • The festival has been accused of taking sides in the culture wars by excluding authors like Darren McGarvey and "The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht" anthology.
  • Director Jenny Niven cited concerns about "divisiveness" as the reason for not featuring the anthology, sparking concerns about the festival's commitment to open discussion.
  • The festival has lost a 20-year corporate sponsor and has been reliant on individual donations as a result of the decision.
  • Author Darren McGarvey has spoken out about being excluded from the festival, citing his new book on trauma as a missed opportunity for the festival's "repair"-themed programme.
  • McGarvey's exclusion has been met with criticism from other authors and critics, highlighting the festival's failure to be inclusive of a range of voices.

Statistics:

  • 20 years: length of partnership between the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Baillie Gifford before its cancellation.
  • 3: number of times "The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht" anthology has been a Sunday Times bestseller.
  • 17: age of author Darren McGarvey, whose exclusion from the festival has sparked controversy.
  • 1: number of criticism from McGarvey about being excluded from the festival, citing his new book on trauma.

Sources:

  • (news/opinion/columnists/why-edinburgh-has-picked-exactly-the-wrong-moment-to-launch-to-bike-hire-scheme-5252927)
  • (news/opinion/columnists/whos-with-me-car-rentals-are-a-massive-rip-off-right-5231773)
  • Imagestore.jpimedia.uk
  • David Parry Media Assignments

Read more