Literary Edinburgh - NEW for 2020!

Edinburgh, Scotland

Postponed for 2020

For students in the Senior Program (grades 9-12).

"Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind." ― Sir Winston Churchill.

For centuries, Scottish writing has been at the forefront of world literature. That is why Great Books is excited to bring our program to this majestic kingdom! Scotland's poets, authors, and playwrights are some of the the greatest writers who ever put pen to paper.

Great Books literary exploration will take place in the hallowed halls of the University of Edinburgh. Imagine walking in the same steps as alumnus Robert Louis Stevenson, contemplating the mystical voyage of The Hispaniola in Treasure Island or observing the monsterous transformation of Dr. Jekll to Mr. Hyde.

Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is currently ranked as one of the best universities in the world for arts and humanities. Great Books students will have the privilege of studying in some of the oldest and most enchanting buildings in the city.

Academics

Literary Edinburgh students will spend the mornings in Shared Inquiry seminars and discussions focused on the works of great Scottish writers including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter Scott, Muriel Spark, Irvine Welsh, Sir James Matthew Barrie, and of course, Scotland's national bard, the Poet Robert Burns.

“The love of books is among the choicest gifts of the gods.”― Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

During the afternoon, students will walk in the literary steps of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Peter Pan, “Long John” Silver, Harry Potter, and evil incarnate himself, Lord Voldemort.

Students will live their literature by touring Edinburgh's magnificent landscapes, historic sites, castles, and landmarks that inspired so many of Scotland's poets and authors.

Excursions

To fully experience the history of this literary treasure, we will spend the afternoons touring the sites in Scotland and exploring the places that inspired this city's greatest stories. Excursions may include:

Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock
The Hispaniola Restaurant, Robert Louis Stevenson’s favorite haunt later renamed to honor his ship in "Treasure Island"
Multiple cafes where JK Rowling wrote many of her "Harry Potter" books
Greyfriars Kirkyand, the cemetery that reportedly holds the gravestone that inspired JK Rowling's famous villian, Voldemort
And more...

Add Oxford for More Literary Adventure:

Literary Edinburgh is open to students in the Senior Program and works well as a standalone week or added onto Great Books Oxford for a three-week adventure abroad.