With just five weeks until the launch of the Guinness World Records 2012 edition our editor-in-chief, Craig Glenday, is joining authors and editors from around the world at the 2011 Edinburgh Book Festival in Scotland.

On Sunday 21st August, Craig will be taking to the stage at the ScottishPower Studio Theatre at 2pm as part of the festival's programme of events for children and family.

Craig's presentation will take the audience on a whistle-stop tour of Guinness World Records and its amazing 55-year history, with detailed personal stories about his time as editor, along with the oportunity for attendees to meet some of our fascinating world record holders.

Meanwhile, visitors to the festival on August 19 will get the chance to become a record holder themselves during an attempt at the title for the Longest Reading Chain in the world.

Organisers are hoping to attract 350 readers on the day, which would smash the current record of 290 people which was set in Vienna, Austria last year.

Award-winning Scottish childrens author, Theresa Breslin's novel Prisoner in Alcatraz has been chosen as the book to be read for the attempt, with each participant in the chain reading one sentence aloud.

Over 100 book lovers have already signed up to take part, including local authors The Mulgray Twins, Joyce Holmes, Charlie James and illustrator Julia Lacome.

Ms. Breslin said, "I've been a fan of the Guinness Book of Records forever and am absolutely thrilled that my book Prisoner in Alcatraz will feature in a record-breaking attempt! It's great to see Edinburgh Libraries encouraging reading and literacy in such a fun way. I am so looking forward to meeting everyone involved and can't wait to hear all those different voices reading out my story! "

If you'd like to join Guinness World Records at the 2011 Edinburgh Book Fair then tickets are £4.50 and can be purchased online at http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/