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The 2014 Edinburgh International Book Festival opened on Saturday under the headline "Let's Talk".

Over 900 internationally-renowned writers and thinkers from 47 countries and regions came to Charlotte Square Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh to discuss such diverse topics as the Middle East, two world wars, the Commonwealth, economic migration, society, identity and the future of Scotland.

"The Book Festival provides a crucial forum for dialogue, where we can listen to and learn from one another, particularly in this year of momentous events in Scotland," said Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

"Our thought-provoking conversations with both authors and audiences will permeate through Charlotte Square Gardens as we welcome writers and thinkers from many countries and cultures to Edinburgh, some for the first time in their careers," said Barley.

"We offer a platform for emerging voices that are set to shape the world's literary stage in years to come and launch some of the most talked-about books of the year," added Barley.