Lord Cockburn, Victorian defender of Edinburgh’s beauties, describes Calton Hill as ‘the Glory of Edinburgh’. ‘It presents us,’ enthused Cockburn, ‘with the finest prospects both of its vicinity and the city… it is adorned by beautiful buildings dedicated to science and to the memory of distinguished men.’

Following on from the success of Arthur’s Seat, the Journeys and Evocations series continues with a look at the events and folklore surrounding Edinburgh’s iconic Calton Hill. Standing only 338 ft (103m) high, this small hill offers a fascinating view of Edinburgh both literally and historically. The book brings together prose, poetry and photographic images to explore the Calton Hill’s role in radical and nationalist politics through the centuries, as well as taking a look at the buildings, philosophy and intrigue of a central part of Edinburgh’s landscape.

STUART McHARDY is a writer, musician, folklorist, storyteller and poet, and has lectured on many aspectes of Scottish history and culture. A prolific author, he has published several books including A New History of the Picts, Tales of Edinburgh Castle, The Quest for the Nine Maidens, On the Trail of Scotland's Myths and Legends and the Edinburgh and Leith Pub Guide.
DONALD SMITH is a storyteller, playwrite, novelist and performance poet. Born in Glasgow, he has worded in theatre and literature in Scotland since the 1970s. Donald is a founding director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, founding director of the National Theatre of Scotland and first chair of the Literature Forum for Scotland.