Wednesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents JD Oswald: The Ballad of Sir Benfro. An epic fantasy series from one of Scotland’s most successful new crime writers, ‘an unputdownable tale of the great dragons returning to the kingdom of men’.  In a small village, miles from the great cities of the Twin Kingdoms, a young boy called Errol tries to make his way in the world….Deep in the forest Benfro, a young dragon, begins his training in the subtle arts. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.  Part of Book Week Scotland.

Dr Patricia Andrew: Scottish War Art and Artists in the 20th Century. Dr Andrew discusses her new book  A Chasm of Time: Scottish War Art and Artists in the 20th Century, looking at Scottish artists and their experience of war, and how they recorded and interpreted Scotland at war. 2.30-3.30pm, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite.

Catriona Child: Swim Until You Can’t See Land. Catriona’s latest novel contrasts the struggles of injured swimmer Hannah Wright with the life of Mariele Downie, a wartime spy. 7-8pm, South Queensferry Library, 9 Shore Road.  Please book via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event.

Patrick Richardson: In Search of Landfall: The Odyssey of An Indefatigable Adventure. Patrick Richardson will talk about his second book , ‘an almost mythical meditation on childhood, the loss of innocence, love and the passing of time’. He has been travelling to exceedingly remote parts of the world for the past 45 years, and writing travel articles about these places for the last 20; ‘teeming with the fascinating characters and even more fascinating encounters that have contributed to a very rich life‘ (Alan Spence). 7-8pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. To book a place call the library on 0131 529 5665 or email stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Gorgie Tots: for babies and children 0-5 years – come on in and enjoy tea, coffee and snacks. 10am-12 noon, Destiny Church, 52 Gorgie Road. All welcome: £1 entry.

Morningside Justice and Peace Group:  Our Work In The Middle East – a speaker from Mercy Corps, which has the largest humanitarian presence in Gaza after the UN. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door 420 Morningside Road. All welcome: for more information see website or email b.darcy20@gmail.com. £1 per person.

Russel McLean: Crime Noir. Russel D McLean’s new novel Cry Uncle is a sequel to four previous criminal stories featuring private investigator J McNee. In his mission to get closer to ageing gangster David Burns and uncover his secrets, how far can McNee go until he crosses the line? 7-8pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Please book your free place via eventbrite.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 10.30-11.15am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road.

Arts by the Book: meet local artists, appreciate original art, listen to live music from The Spylaw Scarlets with Frances Cockburn, enjoy wine and nibbles – and the library will even be open for the borrowing and return of books! 5-7pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 2pm, Piershill Library, Piersfield Terrace.

LGBT: Stigma and Stones – living with a diagnosis of BPD. Poets Jo MacFarlane and Sally Fox share their relationships with the stigmatising diagnosis of borderline personality disorder through creative and compassionate spoken work performances, discussion and information. Whether you feel personally or professionally impacted by this often misunderstood diagnosis, or you simply love poetry that will make you want to laugh, cry and become an activist, this event is for you! 6-8.30pm, Serenity Cafe, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, off Holyrood Road.  Free but booking is essential and can be made via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event.

LGBT Community Discussion: the Future of LGBT Equality in Scotland. A unique opportunity to explore what’s next for the campaign for equality in Scotland, with guest speakers Tom French from the Equality Network, Jacq Kelly from Leonard Cheshire Disability and trans playwright Jo Clifford, this friendly, informal event will give you the chance to have your say on equality issues and hear what others’ hopes are for LGBT people in Scotland. 6.30-9.30pm, Eric Liddell Centre,15 Morningside Road. Please book if possible, via this online link or by contacting Jules on 0131 523 1100.

LGBT: Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group – an inclusive book group where you can meet new people and read and discuss interesting books. 7-9pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact info@gaybookgroup.co.uk.

Anselm Kiefer: Forest Stories. Dr Christian Weikop delivers this talk about the importance of the representation of trees and mythic forests in Anselm Kiefer’s art practice, from his earliest artworks to more recent, large-scale, composite woodcuts, drawing on an interview Christian conducted with the artist in Paris in 2013 as an envoy of the Royal Academy. This event coincides with the current major retrospective of Anselm Kiefer’s work at the Royal Academy, London. 5-6pm, Main Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. RA exhibition ends 14th December 2014.

Edinburgh Napier University Undergraduate Web Chat: if you are a UK student and thinking of studying at Napier, join in online and chat to staff and other potential students – about courses, the UCAS process and living in Edinburgh. 4-6pm: register here.

Conversations in Faith: the third in a series of six sessions aiming to foster understanding and respect, make a contribution to world peace and create an international community of faith. The conversations will be chaired by Dr Anthony Allison on behalf of the Bishops’ Committee for Interreligious Dialogue. This week: Janice Oliver will speak about Islam. 7.30-9pm, Lauriston Jesuit Centre, 28 Lauriston Street. For more information call 0131 229 9821.