Seek Out Your Free Jekyll & Hyde Book Today
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2008
SEEK OUT YOUR FREE JEKYLL & HYDE BOOK TODAY
Edinburgh became a city of readers today with the launch of the 2008 One Book - One Edinburgh citywide reading campaign co-ordinated by the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. 10,000 free copies of R L Stevenson’s classic tale, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde will be distributed around the city, with copies being handed out by schools, libraries and partner organisations. Edinburgh’s residents can claim a free copy of the book by calling into any of the city’s libraries – while stocks last.
A number of internationally renowned authors have backed the campaign. Alexander McCall Smith said “The idea of one city reading one book is an immensely attractive one, particularly when that book is by one of the city’s favourite writers. Stevenson wrote about Edinburgh even when he appeared to be writing about somewhere else. So Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a good choice. And if it scares you, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that lots of other people will be scared at the same time.”
Ian Rankin said “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novel I return to year after year, always finding some new layer of possible meaning. As a foray into humankind’s dark heart, it is without parallel.” While Irvine Welsh commented “Stevenson is probably Scotland's greatest writer and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is his best work, a telling and timeless parable on the human condition.”
This year’s campaign focuses on community reading, with people and organisations from across the city getting involved, including more than 70 book groups reading the book at the same time, coming together to discuss it and passing on reviews. There are over 40 events arranged over the next 10 days, some of which have proved hugely popular and are already fully booked. Cam Kennedy and Alan Grant will be launching their new graphic novel, and Ian Rankin will be speaking about the people and places that inspired Stevenson to create this gruesome tale. There are a range of walking tours - Stevenson’s Edinburgh, The Jekyll & Hyde City and Deacon Brodie’s Old Town - art workshops and movie screenings. Full details of the public programme of events can be found at www.cityofliterature.com.
Sandy Crombie, Chair of the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, said: “Our campaign last year was a wonderful success, and thanks to our partners, this year we have another great programme of events with more than 30 organisations coming together to celebrate reading and a great Scottish author’.
Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, has written a 45-minute performance piece entitled ‘Jekyll & Hyde - a Specimen’, which sets the classic tale in modern Edinburgh. This will be touring schools, community centres, HM Prison Edinburgh and a public performance will take place at the Storytelling Centre on Saturday 1st March.
Every high school in Edinburgh has received a set of the books, and a number have decided to take things a little further. Holy Rood High School will be taking pupils on a literary walk before having group discussions about the book and author. The Royal High School S3 pupils are working on split personality themes and gothic horror, and will be producing story boards as part of their media product project. Trinity High School will be working with their art department, photography unit and English department to produce cartoon strips, images and poems, plays and short stories respectively to tell the story of Jekyll & Hyde.
Gavin Wallace, Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council, said ‘Following the outstanding success of the 2007 Kidnapped reading campaign, I’m sure that Jekyll and Hyde will similarly capture the imaginations of Edinburgh’s readers, whether new to this Scottish literary masterpiece or not. Stevenson’s profound study of human duality, while universal, is also deeply permeated with its author’s fascination for the strange contrariness of his native Edinburgh, and this campaign is sure to bring both book and city to vivid life!’
George Grubb, Lord Provost of Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh will become one big book club as thousands pick up their free copy of this classic tale of good and evil. People of all ages and abilities will share a connection through the campaign and Edinburgh will buzz with talk of Dr Jekyll's hideous transformation. It's the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to visit the local library, not only for their free copy of Jekyll & Hyde, but also to learn more about what fantastic services the city's libraries have to offer."
“Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong learning said “There are few authors better than Robert Louis Stevenson in tempting the reader to turn to the first page of a book and remain hooked until “The End”. By providing this wonderful opportunity for people of all abilities to connect through this thrilling novel, this campaign highlights the enjoyment to be found in all kinds of Scottish literature. Every Scot – no matter their background - should have the curiosity, desire and ability to pick up a book and read to their heart’s content.”
For further information please contact:
Frances Sutton
A photocall will be held on Thursday 21st February at 12.00noon
At St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
9/2 Tweeddale Court, 14 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1TE
edinburgh@cityofliterature.com 0131 557 9821 www.cityofliterature.com
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FEBRUARY 2008 – Edinburgh is reading Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Are you reading the book? Let us know what you think! Visit our website to find out how
to get involved in the citywide reading campaign - www.cityofliterature.com
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Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
9/2 Tweeddale Court
14 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TE
Tel. (0) 131 557 9821
In 2004 Edinburgh became the world's first UNESCO City of Literature, pioneer in a new international network of cities under UNESCO’s Creative Cities programme. The City of Literature Trust is a charity that works with partners to promote literary activity in Edinburgh, champion Scotland’s literature and develop literary partnerships around the world.
Find out more about Edinburgh’s world of words - join our free e-bulletin - www.cityofliterature.com
Edinburgh World City of Literature Trust has its registered office at the above address, and is a company limited by guarantee (No. 270581) with charitable status (SC035697).