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.

Mary Ballentyne

The Society was saddened to learn of the passing of our member, Mary Ballentyne. A tribute from our previous chair, Gail Wylie, is below: Mary was a very early - and very loyal - member of the Society. Her commitment to and interest in all the talks, visits, anniversary meals and get-togethers could be relied on. Her quiet, keen involvement, sense of humour and appreciation of a wide range of viewpoints made Mary a real pleasure to be with. She was an enthusiastic participant in the three dedicated trips to Italy (Siena, Rome and Citta di Castello) and the extra one many of us went on to Florence. Her unfailing good nature chimed beautifully with the pleasant amosphere of all these voyages. In Rome, we came across a stone-cutter who inscribed the word "Sparkisti" (a term devised by the inestimable Martin Gray, our guide) into a little stone that she placed in her garden. She made long-lasting friendships and we will all miss her conversations, her laughter and her company. It was a privilege to have known her.

The Very Fine Clock

Delighted to report that a new edition of Muriel Spark's children's book will be published on April 7. It will include the lovely illustrations of Edward Gorey. Hardback £17.99 from Transit Children's Editions.

Muriel Spark Walk 14 March

Fiona Donaldson is offering a Muriel Spark Walk on Saturday 14 March. The previous one was very much appreciated. Kick off is at 10.30am at Morningside Library. Cost is a minimum donation of £15 to the James Gillespies Trust and the Muriel Spark Society. Please contact Fiona to book: fionamd5@gmail.com.

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.

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.