Take Four Books

Random draw open

BBC Radio 4’s flagship literary programme, Take Four Books, speaks to an author about their latest novel and explores its connections to three other works. It’s a show about influences, inspiration and more broadly the joy of reading. 

Presented by the writer James Crawford the programme, which launched in November 2024, has spoken to some of the world’s biggest authors, as well as interesting debuts. 

Please join for what promises to be a fascinating conversation with the American writer Colson Whitehead and his new book Cool Machine.

Tickets will be distributed by random draw.

You can apply for tickets at any time until Friday 10 July at 4pm.

You can apply for a maximum of two tickets per show and should you be successful, you will receive tickets for a maximum of four shows.

Good luck!

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How to be in the audience for our Edinburgh Festival shows

Step 1: Apply for tickets

Tickets for BBC shows at the Edinburgh Festivals are being allocated by random draw, so when we receive your ticket request your details are added to the list of applicants.

Applications are accepted until the publicised closing date/time.

Step 2: Receive a message

Once the random draw has closed all eligible requests are entered into the random draw. If successful, we notify you by text message and send your e-ticket(s) to your email address.

If unsuccessful you will be kept on the waiting list in case anyone cancels their tickets.

You will receive tickets for a maximum of four BBC shows at this year's Festivals.

Step 3: Bring your tickets and ID

We do our best to get the numbers right, but unfortunately we occasionally have to disappoint people. Remember that every guest must bring original approved photo ID.

See a full list of accepted photo ID