Face Value
A new book considers the fate of our most human aspects—the mystery of the brain, the expressiveness of the face—in our tech-bent future
Max Hastings
On the best work of Sir Michael Howard, the British historian who dealt high intellect and common sense in equal measure
Bad Romance
The author of a new book on the Borgias’ infamous personal lives uncovers the facts behind the Italian family’s long-standing myths
Leslie Jamison
On the books worth obsessing over
Vive Maigret!
The complete adventures of Georges Simenon’s beloved inspector are now available in one stylish set
The North Korean Job
The author of the first English-language book on Kim Jong Un explains the dotard-trolling dictator’s mysterious rise
Marie Kondo
On the titles worth keeping on your magically tidied-up bookshelf
Criminal Minds
The author of a new book on Dorothy L. Sayers reflects on the magic born of the novelist’s collaboration with her fellow Oxford women
Dead Prime Ministers Society
A rare look inside Eton, Britain’s most respected (and reviled) boarding school
Lee Child
On the unlikely books that offer a break from your routine reads
Bonjour Tristesse
Once again, the French novelist Michel Houellebecq is a step ahead of current events. But his themes are timeless
Prince Among Men
The photographer behind My Name Is Prince, the largest-ever collection of images of the star, recalls the extraordinary experience of being in his orbit