The second Festival to launch its programme this week, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has swung into action with a mammoth schedule of talks and seminars.  Coinciding with the second part of the Fringe, and running from 11th to 27th August, there's a lot to recommend the quietly-successful Book Festival; it's gentle, manageable, and the sheer variety of its programme means you're sure to find something which interests you.

Courtesy Edinburgh International Book Festival

The programme's index of authors makes a perfectly serviceable Who's Who of the current literary scene; simply glancing over the list turns up names like Ruth Rendell, Fay Weldon, Ian Rankin and the ever-present Alexander McCall Smith.  Non-fiction is also well represented, with a fascinating programme of talks on subjects as diverse as history, travel and science; and there's a welcome programme of family-friendly events for the younger readers, too.

As usual, there's a good smattering of figures in the public eye who have books out this year.  Among others, William Hague is here to talk about his biography of William Wilberforce, Paddy Ashdown discusses his book Swords and Ploughshares, and Roy Hattersley talks about his light-hearted diaries written from the perspective of his dog.

The world of journalism is also represented, with such well-known figures as Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Marr.  But the final footnote has to go to Canadian storywriter Alice Munro.  She'll be present by video link and - we promise, we're not making this up - plans to sign books in Edinburgh using a high-tech, remote-controlled pen.

Browsing and booking

Ironically, perhaps, for this Festival of the printed word, the easiest way to browse the programme is online.  You can download the whole thing as a PDF file from the Book Festival's web site; if you're daunted by its size, just flip to the index of authors right at the back.  You can also pick up the programme from many bookshops and libraries within Scotland, or email the Festival to ask for a copy through the post - look for details on this web page.

Either way, you have just a few days to make your picks if you want to be sure of your seats.  Popular tickets for the Book Festival go very quickly - it's not unusual for a well-known author to sell out on the day the box office opens.  The online booking system isn't running yet, but we're assured it will be open from 9:30 on Tuesday, from which time you'll also be able to call the box office on 0845 373 5888.

If you prefer, you'll be able to book in person at Waterstone's bookshop, 83 George Street, Edinburgh (that's near the junction with Frederick Street) - again from 9:30 on Tuesday.  That arrangement lasts through until 11th August, when the operation decamps to the festival proper at Charlotte Square.