ARNHEM: THE HEART OF WAR
The nation’s premier military historian has analysed conflicts in places that proved pivotal during the Second World War such as Berlin and Stalingrad. Now he turns to Arnhem, where Britain, America and the Netherlands tried in vain to thwart the Nazis’ hopes for dominion. In Arnhem: The Battle for the Bridges, 1944, Sir Antony Beevor explores why this project failed, but also why it became ‘the last German victory’. Chaired by Sheena McDonald.

Gavin Francis (2018 Event)

In 2018, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (edbookfest) offered audiences the Freedom to Think in over 800 events with some of the world’s leading writers and performers. Topics under discussion included the future of democracy, the role of radical women in shaping society, the state of our oceans and the environment, the legacy of Edinburgh literary legend Muriel Spark, and the freedoms that matter most to us in an age of political upheaval. More than 900 novelists, poets, illustrators, historians, politicians, journalists, scientists and performers arrived from 55 countries to entertain, educate, inspire and debate with our audiences, in another unforgettable year for the Book Festival. Listen to a selection of our favourite events from across the programme in this free podcast series – there’s something for every taste and interest.