Books

The madness of Claude Monet

Jackie Wullschläger’s exemplary biography reveals the impressionist painter’s obsessive commitment to his art.

Latest in Books

The novelist’s arresting study of the power of music is marred by a clumsy structure and snobbish tone.

By Ellen Peirson-Hagger

There’s fantasy, folklore and friendship in the best new books for young readers.

By Amanda Craig

Writers exploit and rebel against their parents – but can never escape them.

By Julian Barnes

A collection of essays on gaming confirms the rich complexity of an art form that remains widely misunderstood.

By Imogen West-Knights

For readers and writers, novels require enormous effort. Why do we persist in seeking meaning in their pages?

By Helen Oyeyemi

The history of the elegy reveals how the poetry of grief has the power to trouble, console and unite.

By Rowan Williams

Children are ravenously hungry for ideas. We writers have a duty to provide them.

By Katherine Rundell