I mean, of course, THE Book Festival – the Edinburgh International Book Festival. It officially shut up shop yesterday, but as usual I have been around and about for the past extended fortnight, chatting, snapping, reviewing, occasionally getting in the way. I’m not going to waste too many words here, I’m just going to post my usual mini montage. All photos © Paul Thompson unless otherwise noted.

It wouldn’t be Charlotte Square without a couple of shots of Prince Albert, so here’s one with a seagull…

and one with a contrail. These show this year’s changeable weather in Edinburgh.

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, seen here in the main signing tent, introduced us to two emerging poets…

Keith Hutson and Mark Pajak.

Two generations of the Mandela family joined us from South Africa.

The vin van:

There’s always something going on, even if I’m not quite sure what…

Louis de Bernières was here again.

“Smile please, Sir!” call the photographers

Photo call for economist, broadcaster, and author Linda Yueh

Happening to be in the right place at the right time, and with many thanks both to Festival Director Nick Barley and to the two storytellers, I was able to get some lovely exclusive photos of Maimouna Jallow and Mara Menzies!

The Bookshop is always busy. I say the Bookshop, but there are at least three – four if you count the shelves in the main signing tent. Anyhow, this is a shot from inside the big one in Charlotte Sq.

Science(ish)ists Rick Edwards and Michael Brooks

Two shots of ‘Makar’ Jackie Kay, one at her photo call, the other in the signing tent when she spots Ali Smith and another friend in the queue. Jackie always brings brightness into the Festival.

And here is Ali Smith, who was here helping to celebrate Muriel Spark’s centenary.

A natural break for one of the Festival staff. What better than to read a book!

Alice Strang was here, promoting the fine book she edited on Scottish Modern Art in the first half of the Twentieth Century.

Another famous face – June Sarpong.

Brian Dillon appears pensive…

Jim Broadbent and Dix, whose unusual graphic novel Dull Margaret (which Jim positions somewhere between Victoria Wood and Hammer Horror) was featured in the Baillie Gifford Theatre.

And if you can blag a selfie with a National Treasure, why not!

And as usual, there is always time for leisure at the Festival.

All being well, I hope to be back there same time next year.

PT.