Rev Jesse Jackson to Speak at Edinburgh International Book Festival
American civil-rights activist the Rev Jesse Jackson is among the big names appearing at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown and award-winning author Ali Smith are also on the bill.
This summer's festival - the biggest of its kind in the world - is promising to take readers on a literary journey "around the world in 18 days''.
Organisers are hailing the programme as their most international to date, including more than 900 participants from 55 countries writing in a multitude of languages.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop praised the "fantastic line-up of top writers''.
Jackson, described as one of the most formidable civil-rights activists of the 20th century, is making his first visit to the festival's Charlotte Square Gardens venue.
Closer to home, Edinburgh crime writer Ian Rankin will be chatting to some of his favourite authors and musicians, with guests including Hollywood actor Alan Cumming and musician Edwyn Collins.
Festival director Nick Barley said: "Charlotte Square Gardens will reflect the idea of the global village as we welcome authors from across the planet".
The festival runs from Saturday August 15 to Monday August 31, with an extra schools day to reach out to younger readers.