SOME of the trials and tribulations of Chard and Ilminster will soon be brought to the forefront in the world's largest book festival.

Well-Known journalist and broadcaster, Rosie Boycott, will speaking about her book, The Farm, in the Edinburgh International Book Festival on August 11.

Rosie, who lives at Dillington Farm near Ilminster, tells the story of a year in the life of her smallholding and features many familiar references.

One of the prominent issues in the book is Ilminster's struggle with Tesco, the one-way system in Ditton Street and the closing of Chard's Hygrade factory last year.

Rosie will be followed on August 20 by fellow Somerset author, General Sir Michael Rose, who will be presenting his book, Washington's War.

General Sir Rose is one of the most distinguished servicemen having directed the UK Special Forces and commanded the UN Protection Force in Bosnia.

His book looks at how guerrilla warfare was used to beat the British out of America and how Iraqi insurgents are using the same techniques against US forces today.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival will feature authors from more than 40 countries and include a special look at India, China and British Muslims.

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