BBC Knowledge (BBC4)

American political comedian Will Durst returns to the Edinburgh Fringe at the Traverse Theatre

Kate Mosse hosts the literary discussion programme from the Edinburgh International Book Festival. With authors Tariq Ali, Kamila Shamsie and Laura Blumenfeld

Series of short documentaries about the apes. The gorilla is no longer seen as the thug of the jungle, but recognised as a gentle and intelligent giant with a sophisticated society

Documentary series charting the four-and-a-half-billion-year history of the Earth. Aubrey Manning discovers that the tranquil scenery of Switzerland conceals a violent past. This programme traces the history of the Ice Ages, and makes the startling claim that our present climate could be nothing more than a temporary lull.

Presented by award-winning journalist George Alagiah

Highlights from this year’s Edinburgh Festival, focusing on the comedians, musicians, actors and authors who have invaded the city. Ronnie Corbett checks out fresh comedy on the Fringe, and Kirsty Wark reports on the Book Festival

Renowned American novelist Joyce Carol Oates and Booker-shortlisted author Ali Smith join Kate Mosse at the Edinburgh International Book Festival to discuss their work

Recorded live at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre, Douglas Maxwell’s comic and touching play, performed by the Grid Iron Company, follows the fate of a number of variety acts threatened with the final curtain at a Scottish theatre in 1929

Biographical drama based on the later life of the director’s mother - prominent German novelist and devout Leninist Giseta Elsner. Her personal and professional life suddenly decontextualised and devalued following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the self-indulgent and once prominent author struggles to find a place for herself in the new world