NYT Books

His “Common Sense,” published 250 years ago, ignited the drive for American independence. That was hardly the end of the radical founder’s strange and winding story.

“Some of us feel exhausted, some of us feel energized.” The Book Review looks back on the year’s biggest stories and trends in the publishing industry.

Rare recordings of E.E. Cummings, Mary Oliver and more offer a tour through literary history led by authors in their own words — and voices. Take a listen.

Matt Dinniman introduced his series about an alien reality TV show free on the web. But readers ate up the goofy humor, now to the tune of 6 million books sold.

Fifty years after her death, the German-born political thinker has been enshrined as a prophet for our times. What did she actually say?

For Janeites around the globe, the 250th anniversary of the English author’s birth is cause for elaborate celebrations.

The best-selling author B.K. Borison recommends sweet and sexy reads that capture the cozy magic of the season.

The author’s newly unveiled papers reveal the meticulous planning and devotion to cooking that went into her big holiday meals.

David Lebovitz has built a loyal following online with recipes that offer shortcuts but make no compromises.

He wrote of his suffocating relationship with his mother to create mordant reminiscences and became a standout at poetry slams in New York.