The Edinburgh International Book Festival has launched with a Brave New Words theme featuring authors from across the globe in a packed programme for 2017

Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, explains: '70 years on from the first Edinburgh Festival, the need for artists and performers to come together in celebration of free speech and the power of creativity is as great as it has ever been. Against a backdrop of political earthquakes, this year's Book Festival proudly presents an awe-inspiring international array of writers who are closely observing the changing world and – to paraphrase the poet Emily Dickinson – telling it slant.'

Acclaimed author Paul Auster makes his first visit to the EIBF discussing his new novel 4 3 2 1, appearing at a special event Paul Auster at 70 at the Kings Theatre. The event runs in partnership with Edinburgh International Festival and British Council as part of the Spirit of '47 programme.

Carrying on the theme of Brave New Words, Richard Ford examines the reality of the American Dream; Zadie Smith talks about struggles of young women; Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie debates the role of women in the world with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; there will be a keynote speech on the future of Scotland from Andrew O'Hagan, and Reginald D Hunter discusses the impact of slavery with novelist Tanya Landman.

David Mitchell (the author of Cloud Atlas rather than the comedian) will be taking part in a special event in collaboration with David Greilsammer, reading micro stories interspersed with piano music in the magnificent surroundings of St Mary's Cathedral. Mitchell will also be presenting more events exploring the boundaries between books and music featuring percussionist Evelyn Glennie, composer Sally Beamish, novelist Hari Kunzru and folk duo The Unthanks.

With over 1000 participants from 50 countries there are events aimed at readers of every hue. Other highlights include Laura Albert exploring her JT Leroy persona, Jeremy Paxman, Charlotte Rampling, Nicole Krauss, Peter Høeg, Simon Callow and Paula Hawkins (Girl on the Train). Plus a full children's programme (guests include Patrick Ness, Julian Clary, Clare Balding and Adrian Edmondson), spoken word strand Babble On, poetry, music and more. Not forgetting The List's own event where crime writer and music aficionado Ian Rankin will be in conversation with avant garde post punk pioneer Cosey Fanni Tutti (Throbbing Gristle).

The Edinburgh International Book Festival, various venues, Sat 12–Mon 28 Aug.