Jekyll & Hyde

In February 2007 Edinburgh UNESCO city of literature launched One Book - One Edinburgha reading campaign to celebrate Kidnapped, the classic adventure story by Robert Louis Stevenson. A series of public events across Edinburgh was held and a graphic novel was specially commisioned.

Following on from the successful 2007 campaign, One Book - One Edinburgh is embarking on a campaign in February 2008 to celebrate another classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This gothic tale explores the universal theme of the human duality of good and evil, but has a particular resonance with Edinburgh and its genteel veneer that often belies a murky underbelly.

This year's campaign will focus on community involvement with over 70 book groups involved, many of whom are expected to contribute online reviews to www.cityofliterature.com. Also online will be a recording of internationally renowned author, Ian Rankin, reading his introduction to the new paperback edition of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, 10,000 free copies of which are being distributed around the city with copies available from your local library from Friday 22 February 2008.

Big Issue Vendors in Edinburgh will receive a free copy of the book, and free books will also be distributed through Hospital Outreach via the Council's Information and Learning Resources, to WHALE, the Wester Hailes Arts Agency and to the Homelink Partnership as well as to every city high school.

As part of the campaign, Alan Grant and Cam Kennedy, the team behind last years acclaimed Kidnapped graphic novel, have produced a graphic novel version of Jekyll and Hyde, which will be available in English, Scots and Gaelic and simplified English. Alan Grant and Cam Kennedy will be kickstarting a week of Jekyll and Hyde public events with the launch of the graphic novel at the Jekyll and Hyde pub on 21 February in Hanover Street Edinburgh (sold out).

The Jekyll and Hyde graphic novel will be acting as a springboard for young people to create an animated scene of their choice. Twelve young people are involved in the project and are working with the Fruitmarket Gallery in Market Street, with the intention of producing an exhibition of their work. The completed animation pieces will also be available to view on YouTube.

From Monday 18 February you will be able to get a sneak preview of one of the 123 film adaptations of the wonderful Robert Louis Stevenson story 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde'. The 1920 silent movie, starring John Barrymore, will be available to watch, for free, on the City of Literature website.

Donald Smith, director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, has written a 50 minute performance piece of the classic story, entitled Jekyll and Hyde - A Specimen. This will be touring the city during February, with free performances taking place at HMP Edinburgh, a number of the city's high schools, a residential centre for looked-after children, and for CLAN (City Literacy and Numeracy) and the Youth Literacy Workers. There will also be a public performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Saturday 1 March.

Full details of the One Book - One Edinburgh citywide reading campaign, the public programme of events, the community involvement and where to claim your free book, can be found at www.cityofliterature.com.