NYT Books

The author “isn’t shy about his opinions,” as one director put it. But he gives filmmakers a wide berth and they have to decide what to put onscreen.

After 26 years in character as the 19th-century transcendentalist writer, Richard Smith is hanging up his straw hat.

In this excerpt from a forthcoming biography, the playwright faces a swell of criticism over “Hamilton” and his efforts to help his beloved Puerto Rico.

The musical “Operation Mincemeat” tells the story of an absurd feat of deception dreamed up by this spy-turned-novelist. His real acts of espionage were even wilder.

In 2018, the cast of a web series joked about an imaginary (and very saucy) book. Now, it’s a real best seller. Just embrace the tusks.

After Dan Pelzer died this month at 92, his children uploaded the handwritten reading list to what-dan-read.com, hoping to inspire readers everywhere.

Childhood trauma led Chris Whitaker to write the novel. Meeting readers over the last year spurred him to realize he should have dealt with it sooner.

He began his career as a pastor. But he was forced out of his congregation in 1965, which led to a new life pondering the value of nature.

Virginie Despentes is pivoting to theater. Playgoers “really show up, even for demanding or radical works,” she says.

In a new book, Benoît Gallot explains what it takes to run Père-Lachaise, where he lives with his wife, children and, he insists, no ghosts.