Reviews of The Edinburgh Literary Companion

"…as near to a pocket-sized, comprehensive introduction to the "literary" city as might reasonably be sought…Lownie writes as though this heartland is still alive with the shades of infamy and tragedy, and his route in each case is as practical and sequential as might conceivably be devised. It is so well written that its pleasure is doubled…A perfect gift for the book buff at large."
The Scotsman

"This updated version of Lownie's intelligent and erudite guide to Edinburgh's saturation in poetry and prose puts some flesh on the bones of the recent UNESCO title, "World City of Literature". The familiar examples are all here - Burns, Scott, Stevenson, Spark - and due attention is paid to the ever-burgeoning number of crime novels; but there are countless curiosities to pique the interest of the most bookish resident or tourist, such as Helen Bannerman (author of Little Black Sambo), the real St Trinian's or the premiere of TS Eliot's The Cocktail Party."
Scotland on Sunday

"…entertaining and smoothly compiled, full of evocative descriptions and unexpected associations between writers and their milieu…."
The Herald

"…a fascinating literary history of the city with a delightful anecdote-packed tour of its key locations."
Mail on Sunday 'Travel Book of the Week'

"Lownie serves up a feast of fascinating facts."
Sunday Herald

"…useful and entertaining survey of Edinburgh's culture…The great virtue of Lownie's book is that he not only celebrates a colourful cultural history but also brings into focus the living scenes with their sights and smells …an excellent critical apparatus…"
Sunday Herald

"This is an ideal book for the reader who enjoys an armchair tour of Scotland's capital city! As well as being an expert on the city, Andrew Lownie shows his considerable talent for writing and guides the reader seamlessly on a journey through the considerable literary history of Edinburgh past and present…. It's written in a friendly and informative way and whether you know the city or not, I'd defy you to read this and learn nothing."
review Radio Forth website

"A fascinating mixture of anecdotes and historical facts woven together with the addition of photographs, maps, lists of relevant websites and 5 pages of bibliography to whet your appetite for more....This is such an enjoyable read. Beautifully written, entertaining and informative. It is packed with quotes, snippets of history and the defining legacy of Edinburgh's streets and writers."
newbooksmag

"This excellent book….. an informative and practical guide …an indispensable guide for literary tourists…"
Scots Heritage

"The Edinburgh Literary Companion will appeal to anyone who likes quirky facts, as the author uncovers various myths and truths about the city. …. An intelligent and thought-provoking read."
Carol Anne Davis, Tangled Webb

"….a gifted writer. Reading his book about Edinburgh is the best thing I have ever done in connection with this great city… get a copy if you are going to Edinburgh for the first time or the fifteenth… a jewel of a book."
Electric Scotland

"If you want follow in famous writers' footsteps, Andrew Lownie's book The Edinburgh Literary Companion is a great place to start your journey."
Susie Maguire