LITERATURE

7 Fascinating Facts About Jhumpa Lahiri

Nilanjana Sudeshna Lahiri, otherwise known as Jhumpa Lahiri, first came to prominence with her award-winning 1999 debut, the short story collection 'Interpreter of Maladies.' Here's what you need to know about 'The Namesake' author.

Edited previously published works is nothing new. There's even a name for it: bowdlerization.

Bowdlerized: 8 Famous Authors Whose Works Have Been Rewritten by Their Publishers

Everyone from Richard Scarry to Ian Fleming to Agatha Christie has had changes made to their books by their publishers long after they were released.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with these gripping reads.

25 Amazing Books by Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors You Need to Read

For AAPI Heritage Month, check out these incredible books by Celeste Ng, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Helen Hoang, and others.

The 13 Most Challenged Library Books of 2022 Point to an Alarming Trend in Censorship

The American Library Association logged a record number of complaints in 2022.

These book dedications are anything but nice.

7 Book Dedications that Basically Say “Screw You”

Not all authors’ dedications are nice. Some—like these—are just plain mean.

English Romantic poet Lord Byron being visited by his muse.

15 Things You Might Not Know About Your Favorite Poets

The lives, hobbies, and eccentricities of some of the world’s greatest poets made them much more than titans of the turn of phrase.

The inventor of Scrabble was inspired by 'The Raven' author.

How Edgar Allan Poe Inspired ‘Scrabble’

The game wouldn't exist if not for a minor plot point in a nearly two-century-old story.

For Sale: The Hampshire Estate Where Jane Austen Wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and Other Books

The house where Jane Austen grew up is now ritzy enough to suit her wealthier characters.

8 Facts About Marcel Proust’s ‘In Search of Lost Time’

Marcel Proust’s madeleine was originally a different baked good.

Agatha Christie's work is under fresh scrutiny.

Agatha, Edited: Mystery Author Agatha Christie’s Work Is Being Reworked to Remove Objectionable Content

Some passages from Agatha Christie’s library are being eliminated in an effort to address concerns over alleged xenophobia and racist descriptions.

These award-winning books are worth adding to your reading list.

13 Must-Read Books by Women’s Prize for Fiction Winners

Here are some of the most unforgettable books to earn the Women’s Prize for Fiction from celebrated authors like Zadie Smith, Téa Obreht, and others.

8 Things You Might Not Know About 'Catch-22' Author Joseph Heller

Heller's irreverent outlook on life was shaped by his experiences as a bombardier pilot in World War II—and lots of dinners with Mel Brooks.

14 Fascinating Facts About Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was the American colonies’ first Black poet and second woman to publish a book of poems. Here are more facts about her.

When Joyce Carol Oates Tried—and Failed—to Fool the World As 'Rosamond Smith'

The celebrated author decided she wanted to adopt a new writing identity for a mystery novel. It didn't turn out well.

Hughes was often called "The People's Poet."

8 Fascinating Facts About Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a poet, novelist, playwright, and reporter who helped define the Harlem Renaissance. Find out more about his life and work.

Zora Neale Hurston in a portrait by Carl Van Vechten.

10 Fascinating Facts About Zora Neale Hurston

Writer and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston’s literary legacy is a class apart. Here are some facts you might not have known about the author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

It's no surprise Stephen King is one of the world's richest authors.

The 10 Richest Authors of All Time

From J. K. Rowling to Stephen King, these are the richest authors the literary world has ever produced.

Maya Angelou celebrating her 82nd birthday

10 Facts About Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou’s verses are at the very heart of the American experience—yet she didn’t start out as a poet.

‘Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom’ Features Hundreds of the Author’s Most Iconic Quotes

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen book lovers will appreciate this collection of quotes.

Kazuo Ishiguro at the Hay Festival 2010.

11 Things You Should Know About Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro was 27 years old when he published his first novel, 1982’s ‘A Pale View of Hills.’ Since then, he has left an indelible mark on literature through works that the Nobel Prize committee described as “novels of great emotional force.”

11 Things You Should Know About Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye’

It took Toni Morrison years to write her debut novel—which was initially a flop. Here are some other things you might not know about 'The Bluest Eye.'

Jean Seberg holds a copy of J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye.'

10 Fascinating Facts About J.D. Salinger

Acclaimed novelist J.D. Salinger once gave an interview for a high school newspaper, and also drank his own pee, but probably not at the same time.

14 Fascinating Facts About Albert Camus's 'The Stranger'

Albert Camus’s 1942 masterpiece 'The Stranger' has sold more than 6 million copies, but caused trouble for translators.

6 Novels That Controversially Fictionalized Real Events

In literary history, there is an undeniable thread of novels that make substantial use of real people and situations, often through a veil of changed names.

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