Converts: from Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark, why so many became Catholic in the 20th Century

The above book, by Melanie McDonagh, will be published by Yale University Press on November 25, £25. Frances Wilson has reviewed it for the Spectator.

Frankenstein Display at NLS today 11—4

The National Library of Scotland has a pop up display on Frankentein, inspired by the release of the del Torre film. The display includes Spark's biography of Mary Shelley and her Bram Stoker award. why not pop along if you are nearby ...

Spirit of Spark launched

The Spirit of Spark memorial project was offically launched at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh this week. The event was attended by the Chairman and Treasurer of the Muriel Spark Society, and the Chairman is on the advisory committee. The Society arranged the first meeting of philanthropists Morag and James Anderson with Penelope Jardine in Umbria in 2023. A competition for design proposals will open soon, with a projection of completion in 2027, with the memorial in place in east Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. Dame Muiel will the keep company with Scott and Stevenson, most appropriately. Great to see the event received such prominent coverage in the Scotsman and the front page of the Edinburgh Evening News. www.spiritofspark.info

Electric Spark shortlisted!

Frances Wilson's Electric Spark has been shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction. The winner of the £50,000 award will be announced on November 4.

Bridget Stevens MBE

Congratulations to our longstanding Committee member Bridget who has been honoured this year. Bridget has worked for years to help people with disabilities enjoy the arts, and of course has contributed greatly to the work of the Muriel Spark Society!

Muriel Spark heading to Princes Street Gardens

Delighted to confirm that the sculpture dedicated to Dame Muriel has been green lighted by Edinburgh City Council. This will be the first for a woman. we have still a long journey ahead, but thanks again very much to the sponsors Morag and James Anderson.

Electric Spark longlisted for the 2025 Baillie Gifford Prize

Frances Wilson has been longlisted for the £50,000 Baillie Gifford Prize for non—fiction for her biography of Muriel Spark. The shortlist will be announced on 2 October, and the winner on 4 November.

Welcome Elizabeth!

A warm welcome to Elizabeth Pearson who has now become our Membership Secretary. please contact Elizabeth with all initial enquiries about our work or becomimg a member: eapearson468@gmail.com.

Thank you Alastair!

Great thanks to Alastair Selkirk for all his work as Membership Secretary over the last three years.

Happy 90th Birthday Penguin Books!

To celebrate their 90th anniversary, Penguin Books have issued 90 classics in a fresh new livery, with the general title Penguin Archive. I am delighted to report one of these is Muriel Spark's The Driver's Seat - her favourie of her novels. They are a bargain at £5.99 - treat yourself!