Books

Assessing the legacies of five great women writers who left us in just 17 December days.

Lady Hale, former president of the Supreme Court, remains as calm and steadfast as ever. But, as her much-praised book indicates, we haven't heard the last of her measured voice.

2022 promises more great fiction by women and writers of diverse nationalities and backgrounds

He’s remembered as an unsmiling, bloated figure festooned with medals. But at one point the Soviet leader was classed as a heart-throb.

In this exclusive extract from his new book It’s the Leader, Stupid: Changemakers in Modern Politics, ANDREW ADONIS charts the inexorable rise of Nigel Farage, the ‘bloody-minded wind-up merchant’ who changed Britain for the worse.

Focusing on 20 outstanding leaders, Andrew Adonis writes with passion and excitement, says ex-Speaker of the House JOHN BERCOW.

CHARLIE CONNELLY rounds up the best titles of 2021 and names one absolute favourite.

Bolstered by Tory scandals and a new shadow cabinet, Keir Starmer should heed a newly published account of one of his party’s darkest hours, which turns the Red Wall narrative on its head.

CHARLIE CONNELLY rounds up some of the best titles to give as stocking fillers – and put you in your loved ones’ good books.

The concept is fashionable yet controversial, exerting a romantic appeal on some and exerting deep atavistic fears in others. But at its essence, rewilding is a simple necessity.

Hezza helped save Liverpool because he knew the point of power: Doing stuff, not just saying stuff.

CHARLIE CONNELLY on the truth behind a ludicrous “woke” controversy over the Costa Book Awards.

CHARLIE CONNELLY on new efforts by the US right to burn or ban books they consider dangerous.

The German writer was one of Europe's greatest literary talents, even if she did sleep through the fall of the Berlin Wall

The recently awarded Booker Prize is a very far cry from the early days of the competition.

Before he got to Hollywood the filmmaker worked as a journalist in his native Europe. A new book tries to draw the links between his two careers.

The decision to block a Hebrew version of her latest book because of her dislike of what she sees as an apartheid state in Israel has seen the author come under fire.

KEITH KAHN-HARRIS on the linguistic politics behind the safety warning message found in the humble confectionery.

CHARLIE CONNELLY on a page-turner which brings to vivid, often gruesome, life one of the most violent periods in the history of Britain

The little-known writer was responsible for one of literature's truly great landmarks.

Even the greatest writers have had to get used to having their work turned down.

A beautiful book about an extraordinary obsession with a piece of used chewing gum

WILL SELF on educating ourselves from past and present literature

Albania's experience under the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha has received less attention than other repressive regimes. A new book provides a timely and truly chilling spotlight.

Two writers with strikingly different reputations, whose long-lost work has recently been unearthed.

Fancy a trip to the continent now the pandemic is easing? JOHN RAIN looks back at some exotic European locations James Bond has been to, and who he killed there

Having stayed afloat during the pandemic, the books industry now faces two major threats, including a Brexit-related change which risks the livelihoods of many writers, says CHARLIE CONNELLY

As his new book of celebrity encounters is launched, TIM WALKER remembers some memorable interviews with those on both sides of the EU divide

The superstar novelist has had some very searching write-ups over her wary approach to her own fame. CHARLIE CONNELLY explains why authors often make such uncomfortable celebrities

One writer not only pioneered satire, but also the literary feud, writes CHARLIE CONNELLY

The celebrated explorer and historian Christoph Baumer’s History of the Caucasus: Volume 1: At the Crossroads of Empires is released at a moment of crisis for the region, as tensions rise on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Here, he sets the scene for the current problems while sharing images from his sweeping, beautifully illustrated new book.

CHARLIE CONNELLY on the mysterious 14th century Arthurian epic poem behind a now delayed blockbuster movie