Like a Cat Loves a Bird: the nine lives of Muriel Spark

James Bailey, the author of the above study, will be appearing at Topping Books in Edinburgh on 23 April at 7pm. Tickets from £5 are available from the Topping website.

Allan Massie dies aged 87

Allan Massie, Scottish novelist and crtic, has died aged 87. Massie wrote a book-length study of Muriel Spark, and introduced her novel The Comforters in the centenary edition of her novels, which was supported by the Society.

Kathleen Hardie

It is very sad to report the passing of our stalwart member Katheen Hardie. Kathleen led a long and fruitful life and was herself a prize winning writer. We will miss her good humour and company very much. The funeral is on Friday 12 December at Holy Cross Church, 11 Bangholm Loan, Edinburgh at 10am. Therafter to Warriston Crematorium at 11, followed by refreshments in the Church Hall. Thank you for your support of the Society Kathleen.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie film at the Filmhouse Edinburgh for New Year

Start the year with some Jean Brodie at Edinburgh Filmhouse! The 1969 film starring Maggie Smith will show at 3pm on the 2nd January. Great chance to see it on the bog screen ...

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.