From prehistory to the present day, the story of Edinburgh is packed with incident and drama. As Scotland’s capital since 1437, the city has witnessed many of the key events which have shaped the nation. But Edinburgh has always been much more than just a political centre. During the Enlightenment, it was one the intellectual powerhouses of Europe, and in the twentieth century it became the arts capital of the world with the founding of its many festivals. Finance, religion, education and industry are also important parts of the story.

Alistair Moffat explores these themes and many more, showing how the city has grown, changed and adapted over the centuries. He introduces Edinburgh’s famous places and people – including monarchs, murderers, writers and philosophers – as well as the ordinary citizens who have contributed so much to the life of one of the world’s best-known and most beautiful cites.

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'A very enjoyable book to dip into or to read in one sitting'

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'engrossing...  with fascinating detail, and storytelling skill...  Moffat writes with flair and imagination'

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'Moffat’s colourful and concise history of the capital covers the best part of a millennium with a light, readable touch'

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'One of Scotland's most prolific non-fiction authors. [A] well-written, easily digestible, and engaging portrait of one of the work'd most important cities'

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'a thoroughly readable encapsulation of the history of what for many is the greatest city in the world ... approachable and well-written'

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'an engaging biography of the Scottish capital...Moffat has a real talent for description, ably conjuring vivid images of landscapes and historical events through his words ...  A very enjoyable book to dip into or to read in one sitting'

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'A short text, barely two hundred pages long. But the material is handled so adroitly and so confidently, that one hardly notices, for it nevertheless provides an essential history of Scotland’s capital, rather like a bowl of strong Scotch broth'