International Politics Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet: a brilliantly observed historical novel O’Farrell’s remarkable novel about Shakespeare’s son is both painful and satisfying. By John Mullan
Culture Fiona Sampson’s search for Mary Shelley refuses the typical distance of a biography By John Mullan
The amorous intensity of Iris Murdoch’s letters Living on Paper: Letters from Iris Murdoch (1934-1995) shows the author's sexual mutability and witty warmth. By John Mullan
Why are there so many duels in literature? John Leigh's Touché: the Duel in Literature wears its learning lightly. By John Mullan
Antonia Fraser and David Lodge: A tale of two writers, posh and prole New memoirs from Antonia Fraser and David Lodge show very different British upbringings. By John Mullan
Val McDermid’s Northanger Abbey and the struggle to breathe new life into Jane Austen In the next instalment of the “Austen Project”, the Scottish crime writer gives her modern-day take on the novel… By John Mullan
The Vampyre Family: Passion, Envy and the Curse of Byron by Andrew McConnell Stott: a dark satanic milieu The Vampyre Family: Passion, Envy and the Curse of Byron Andrew McConnell Stott Canongate, 464pp, £25 This book begins… By John Mullan