“We are all a little mad in one or other particular” The Presentation of Madness in the work of Muriel Spark

Our joint lecture with The Saltire Society takes place in Edinburgh a week today. Allan Beveridge will deliver with the intriguing title above. Members only and attendance is free. We still have some of our allocation of tickets, please ket me know if you will attend. Details below. The Royal Scot Club (Douglas Room) 29 Abercromby Place Edinburgh EH3 6QE 6pm for 6.30 until 8. Refreshments on arrival - please arrive in goid time.

Monument Winner Announced Today!

Jacqueline Donnachie has won the competition to design the monument to Muriel Spark! There will be an official announcement soon and Jacqueline will appear on Front Row today.

Olga Wojtas at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Our Committee member Olga Wojtas will hold an event on her latest novel, Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Parcel of Rogues, at the Book Festival on August 18 at 1.30pm. Tickets have already sold out but we have some concession price places for members. Please get in touch if you are interested.

Muriel Spark Walk this Saturday

Dr Fiona Donaldson will lead another fascinating Spark walk in Edinburgh on 6 June. Join her at Morningside Library at 10.30am. Email fionamd5@gmail.com ASAP. Minumum donations of £10 will be shared by the James Gillespie Trust and the Muriel Spark Society.

Thank you Elizabeth

Sincere thanks to our outgoing Secretary Elizabeth Pearson. We have all enjoyed receiving her friendly messages. Thanks too for her hospitality to the Committee. I am delighted to report that Elizabeth will remain with us on the Committee.

It was twenty years ago today …

Dame Muriel Spark passed away twenty years ago today, 13 April 2006. A pause for reflection, but also to celebrate a career and person vibrantly present.

Where to start with Muriel Spark …

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Muriel Spark's death on Monday, James Bailey, author of yet another biography, offers some advice on where to start reading her work — check it out on the Guardian website.