Paperback Revolutions
National Library of Scotland • Professional company
About National Library of Scotland
Paperback Revolutions is a free exhibition by the National Library of Scotland, hosted in the Exhibition Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The display tells the story of how the humble paperback revolutionised and democratised access to books — tracing the format from Penguin's first titles in 1935 through to bestsellers across the decades. The exhibition explores how paperbacks have both reflected and shaped British society. Open to all ages, the exhibition runs for 540 minutes per day, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
Why see this show?
A quietly absorbing free exhibition that charts how paperbacks changed who could read what. Perfect for book lovers, it spans decades of British publishing history and is open to all ages — an easy addition to any Fringe day out.
Monday 3 - Monday 31 August 2026
All performances at 10:00
25 performances
540 minutes
1 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Free
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paperback Revolutions free to attend?
Yes, admission is free.
How long is the exhibition open each day?
The exhibition is open for 540 minutes per day.
What is the age guidance?
The exhibition is suitable for all ages — 0 and above.
Where is the exhibition held?
The exhibition is in the Exhibition Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
What does the exhibition cover?
The display tells the story of how the paperback revolutionised access to books, from Penguin's first titles in 1935 through to bestsellers across the decades, exploring how paperbacks have reflected and shaped British society.
About This Performance
Paperback Revolutions is a exhibitions performance at Exhibition Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 540 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.
Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.
Venue: Exhibition Hall
Exhibition Hall is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.
Tips for Attending
- •Read recent reviews for audience reactions
- •Check venue accessibility if needed
- •Allow time to find unfamiliar venues
- •Download venue apps for digital tickets
Booking Information
Ticket Prices: From £null
Age Guidance: 0+
Content Warnings: None
Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.
Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026
Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Paperback Revolutions represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.
Looking for more exhibitions shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?
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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API
