QUALITY and diversity of interest are the emphases on the fourth
Autumn Scottish Book Fortnight starting this weekend. The strength of
Scottish writing has been signalled already by the inclusion on this
year's short-list for the Booker Prize of James Kelman's novel A
Disaffection (Secker & Warburg), but Scottish publishing is also
stronger and healthier than it has been for a while.
During the fortnight there will be public launches (free drinks and
readings) of some important new titles. Two are in Glasgow this
Saturday. At noon in Sherratt & Hughes, Princes Square, there is the
launch of a science fiction anthology by Scottish writers. Published by
the Orkney Press at #10.95, and edited by Duncan Lunan, Starfield brings
together for the first time those important figures in Scottish writing
who have made their personal detours into the world of science fiction.
Among them are Edwin Morgan, Alasdair Gray and Naomi Mitchison.
For those who want to complete the double-header there will be the
launch of a unique biography compilation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh
which brings together the fruits of Alistair Moffat's new research into
the diaries, letters, memoirs and interviews with some living associates
of Mackintosh, and Colin Baxter's photographic studies. Remembering
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, published at #17.50 by Colin Baxter
Photography, will be launched at Queen's Cross Church, Maryhill Road, at
7.30 pm.
These are just two of the books featured in Scottish Book Fortnight,
and the booksellers, publishers, and librarians who got together to
decide the full list of books to be included in the promotion had a
genuine problem in selecting 60 titles from the 150 submitted. Their
choice can be viewed during the fortnight in the ''Best of Scottish''
display at Book Trust Scotland, Lynedoch Street, Glasgow, from Saturday.
The casual observer will immediately note the high proportion of books
for children represented there -- some 18 out of the 60.
Lorraine Fannon, Director of the Scottish Publishers Association, said
yesterday: ''We can't afford to denigrate books for children. If
children are hooked now they become readers for life. During Scottish
Book Fortnight I hope that children get the message that books are for
fun, not things to be associated exclusively with school and work. Over
the fortnight we want them to come and have fun in bookshops.''
Lined up to attract children are two special parties at the Sherratt &
Hughes branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh. This Saturday in Glasgow
children from age three upwards will be able to listen to Katie Morag
and Maisie stories read by their authors, Mairi Hedderwick and Aileen
Paterson, and join in the games that will be organised, along with
refreshments, for them. In Edinburgh next Saturday Mairi Hedderwick will
be aiming to entertain children from age five upwards with more readings
and competitions.
It will be a busy fortnight for Mairi because she will also be flying
over to Islay, courtesy of sponsors Loganair, for readings at the
Bowmore Bookshop for more readings on October 25 and 26. Islay is just
one of the outlying areas which will be reached by this year's
promotion. There are other events which will take in Ullapool, Elgin,
Inverness and Dumfries.
All the news about the 100 events at some 90 Scottish bookshops can be
found in the special eight-page supplement Book News (a refreshing
alternative to the usual programme brochure) which can be picked up free
from bookshops or libraries.
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