BERKHAMSTED: Ann Widdecombe signs copies of and talks about her book, An Act of Peace, at Berkhamsted Town Hall, High Street, July 20, 6pm, £3 redeemable against purchase. To make a booking call Ottakar’s on 01442 879 663

BUXTON: Buxton festival, until July 24: talks and discussions with authors including Peter de la Billière, William Hague, Will Self and Fay Weldon; times and venues vary. Tickets £9 per event. To make a booking call 0845 127 2190, for details visit www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

CIRENCESTER: Anne de Courcy signs copies of and talks about her book, Debs at War: 1939-1945, at Ottakar’s, Cricklade St, July 26, 7pm, £2 includes light refreshments (01285 658998)

EDINBURGH: Terry Deary signs copies of Edinburgh: Horrible Histories, the latest book in the series, at Waterstone’s, Princes Street, July 23, 1.30pm, free (0131 556 3034)

Edinburgh International book festival, August 13-29: readings, talks, debates and discussions with authors including Boris Akunin, Tariq Ali, Iain Banks, Julian Barnes, Michael Cunningham, Dario Fo, Joanne Harris, Max Hastings, Charlie Higson, Mark Lawson, Jon Lee Anderson, Mark Leonard, Doris Lessing, Val McDermid, Ved Mehta, Caroline Moorehead, Jan Morris, Adam Phillips, Justine Picardie, Bernard Porter, Ian Rankin, Ásne Seierstad, Zadie Smith and Edmund White; times and prices vary. All events at Charlotte Square Gardens. For bookings and further details call 0131 624 5050 or visit www.edbookfest.co.uk

GLASGOW: Jasper Fforde talks about his first novel in a new series, The Big Over Easy, at Ottakar’s, Buchanan Street, July 19, 6.30pm, free but ticketed (0141 353 1500)

GRASMERE: John Hartley Williams and David Harsent read a selection of their poetry, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, nr the Wordsworth Trust, Dove Cottage, July 19, 6.30pm, £6 at the door, £5 pre-booked. Optional supper £15 (includes wine). To book call 015394 35544 or email poetryreadings@wordsworth.org.uk

KING’S LYNN: Vanessa Collingridge signs copies of and talks about her biography, Boudica, at Ottakar’s, Norfolk Street, July 23, 12.30pm, free (01553 660111)

LONDON: Kate Mosse and Tracey Chevalier discuss historical fiction, at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, WC2, July 21, 6.30pm, free (020 7437 5660)

Julian Barnes signs copies of and talks about his latest novel, Arthur & George, at Ottakar’s, Putney Exchange Centre, SW15, July 26, 7.30pm, tickets £3 redeemable against purchase (020 8780 2401)

Kathy Reichs talks about her new thriller, Cross Bones, at Waterstone’s, Piccadilly, W1, July 27, 7pm, £3 redeemable against purchase (020 7851 2400)

SALTASH: Port Eliot lit fest, July 22-24: performances, talks and discussions with authors including Louis de Bernières, Sam and Sam Clark, Geoff Dyer, Hari Kunzru, Toby Litt and Ali Smith. All events at St Germans, Saltash. Weekend ticket (including camping) £55, daily ticket prices vary. For bookings call 07776 033 069 or email info@porteliotlitfest.com, for further information visit www.porteliot litfest.com

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