Edinburgh International Book Festival returns with a stellar lineup blending literary tradition with innovative global projects and marking the 900th year of the capital. The destination for thought-provoking, world-leading ideas and words continues from its new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute.This year’s programme will challenge the concept of human versus technology and pays homage to one of the giants of Scottish literature.Human Verses MachineThe AI writing tool "Lex 9000", based at EFI takes a satirical look at the explosion of AI and its place in the publishing world.Page Against the Machine is the play that will see the spoof launch of the device which will take place at Spiegeltent. Developed as part of Chancellor’s Fellow Pip Thornton's BRAID project Writing the Wrongs of AI is designed by Ray Interactive with the help of the WWAI participants.BRAID is a UK-wide programme dedicated to integrating Arts and Humanities research more fully into the Responsible AI ecosystem.A post-performance panel discussion will delve deeper into the ethical, practical, and existential issues faced by the publishing industry in an age of AI.Sinner’s walk200 years on from the James Hoggs’ classic novel The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, the public can now walk in the shoes of the sinner through an immersive tour.Through a mobile phone, participants will be guided through the dark, winding streets of Edinburgh, offering a unique, atmospheric experience that brings the city's rich literary heritage to life.The tour can be enjoyed by those not able to roam the streets of the capital, as it’s accessible from home.Anniversary celebrationAs Edinburgh marks nine centuries of history, the International Book Festival remains a beacon of cultural and intellectual exploration.This year’s festival not only celebrates the city's past but also looks forward to the future of literature in a rapidly changing world.The festival promises to be a must-visit for literature lovers and curious minds alike.Related LinksPage Against the Machine: Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Edinburgh International Book FestivalEdinburgh Futures Institute Publication date 14 Aug, 2024
