BOOKS

Authors like Dorothy Allison, David Wojnarowicz, and T Kira Madden have made tremendous contributions to literature.

26 Amazing Books by LGBTQ+ Authors You Should Add to Your Bookshelf

Celebrate the many contributions to literature that LGBTQ+ authors have made with these great reads by Danez Smith, Dorothy Allison, Alexander Chee, Alice Walker, and more.

The “silver-colored dove” illustration in the Aberdeen Bestiary

Browse a Medieval Bestiary That Once Belonged to Henry VIII

See a digital scan of the sumptuously decorated book that had a surprisingly humble origin.

First edition of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.’

10 of the Most Valuable Children’s Books

If you have any of these classic kids’ books sitting on your shelf in mint condition, you could make a pretty penny.

The 50th anniversary cover of Peter Benchley’s ‘Jaws.’

“[It] Looked Like a Penis”: The Origin of the Iconic ‘Jaws’ Art

A nude swimmer and a phallic-looking fish nearly sunk one of the most recognizable book covers of modern times.

Leo Tolstoy with grandchildren Leo and Sofia, 1909

Inside the Tolstoy Family Reunion

Author Leo Tolstoy had a big family with his wife, Sophia. Now, you can get an inside glimpse at what a family reunion is like for his living descendants.

‘Jaws’: 10 Facts About Peter Benchley’s Bestselling Novel for Its 50th Anniversary

Editors loved Benchley’s shark thriller, which turns 50 in 2024. They had one important note, though: The first draft had too many jokes.

Reading comes with some surprising benefits.

6 Scientific Benefits of Reading More

Some of the perks that come with picking up a book might surprise you.

23 of Our Favorite Children’s Books

From picture books to chapter books, we went and asked the staffs what their favorite reads as children were.

Quiz: Can You Guess the Book Based on Its Original Title?

Test your knowledge of literary history with this quiz.

10 Things We Learned From ‘Marky Mark,’ Mark Wahlberg’s 1992 Autobiography

The rapper-turned-actor dedicated the book to his penis.

Your iPhone Can Help You Find Titles on Your Bookshelf

If you've ever searched in vain for a book on your overstuffed shelf, your iPhone can help.

8 Facts About Flannery O’Connor

The writer, best known for her Southern gothic style, died at the age of 39 from lupus. Here’s what you should know about her life.

We have Shakespeare to thank for a whole bunch of words.

Quiz: Can You Guess the Word Coined by Shakespeare?

Shakespeare is often given credit with coining more than a thousand words. How many of them do you know?

14 Surprising Facts About William Shakespeare

Despite his many contributions to English literature, surprisingly little is known about William Shakespeare's life. Here’s what we do know about the celebrated actor, poet, and playwright.

The cover of the book ‘The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies.’

13 Fun Facts About The Berenstain Bears Books

Here’s how to steer a predictable discussion about teamwork and manners to one on sex and panda discrimination.

10 Fascinating Facts About Salman Rushdie’s ‘Midnight’s Children’

When “Midnight’s Children” was released in 1981, The New York Times pronounced that “the literary map of India is about to be redrawn.” Here’s what you should know about the novel that introduced the authorial voice of Salman Rushdie.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s is now one of literature’s most valuable author signatures.

10 Extremely Valuable Author Signatures

From James Joyce to Ernest Hemingway, discover which famous author signature is worth the most.

The cover of Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women.’

11 Fascinating Facts About Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’

“Little Women” is one of the world's most beloved novels—but Louisa May Alcott only wrote it to help her father get a publishing contract.

Your new favorite book is just a click away.

Find Your Next Favorite Book, Movie, Band, and More with This New Media Recommendation Tool

The Global Network of Discovery offers an endless stream of recommendations specific to you.

A Sherlock Holmes Story Handwritten by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Could Net $1.2 Million at Auction

The original manuscript is one of the few Holmes drafts to ever come up for sale.

Stephen King owes his career to the support of his wife, Tabitha.

How Stephen King’s Wife Saved ‘Carrie’ and Helped Launch His Career

Take a look back at the surprising origins of “Carrie,” Stephen King’s first book—and more importantly, discover how his wife Tabitha King played a pivotal role in its creation.

9 Memorable Facts About ‘Bridge to Terabithia’

'Bridge to Terabithia,' Katherine Paterson’s celebrated 1977 children's book about friendship and loss was, incredibly, based on a true story.

Do you know where your copy is these days?

When American Girl’s ‘The Care & Keeping of You’ Taught a Generation How to Grow Up

‘The Care & Keeping of You’ paved the way for countless puberty books to come.

The Library of Congress’s Thomas Jefferson Building

How Big Is the Library of Congress?

The ”world’s largest public library,” the Library of Congress holds more than 160 million items.

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