Book excerpt: For centuries, Edinburgh has inspired affection, admiration and awe amongst visitors and residents alike, and in this widely praised anthology Ralph Lownie draws on an expansive range of sources, including speeches, memoirs, letters, poems, novels and journals, to capture the unique spirit of Scotland's capital. Alongside the set-pieces, familiar names and city landmarks - the Porteous Riots, Burke and Hare, Deacon Brodie, the Castle and Arthur's Seat - are numerous less well-known accounts of the city, which cast fresh light on both the writer and topic: Chesterton, Betjeman, J.B. Priestley, Brontë and Wordsworth, for example, are names not generally associated with the city but are featured here. Auld Reekie showcases Edinburgh in all its beauty and historic worth but doesn't flinch from the less savoury side of its character, including sections on the city in adversity and on its crime record. This varied and absorbing collection will be treasured by all those who love Edinburgh.