It would be hard to imagine a more downbeat heroine for an historical novel than Minnie Dean.

The memoir can be a difficult genre to deal with, for author and reader alike.

There are some 500 items in this fascinating selection of Frank Sargeson’s letters — a number that nevertheless represents only about a quarter of the more than 6000 which survive.

UK best-selling author Sophie Hannah welcomes you into the inner sanctum of her world as a book worm.

As debate rages about the decision to demolish the battered Christ Church Cathedral, there is a ready market for souvenirs of the iconic building.

A year in Italy inspires a book, but it's not all praise, notes Nicky Pellegrino.

Not really a travel book, I know, but surely one of the best reasons for visiting Italy is the fantastic food.

At first sight, Lysander Rief, standing on the corner of the Augustiner Strasse in 1913 Vienna, looks like a hero.

Although the incident occurred nearly 50 years ago, "it won't leave my mind," Theroux writes in one of the most chilling stories in this disparate collection from writers well-known and new.

At Connells Bay at the far end of Waiheke Island, John and Jo Gow are transforming bare paddocks into what they hope will be a feast for the senses.

From Beijing to Los Angeles, books from New Zealand are helping children learn English.

Coming-of-age debut novel has strengths that impress Nicky Pellegrino.

The actress from Top Girls welcomes you into the inner sanctum of her world as a book worm.

New Zealander Christopher Bruerton is the new baritone on the block with King's Singers.

Advice on Do It Yourself, Cook It Yourself and Dig It Yourself, written in the styles of over 40 famous or infamous writers.

To judge by online reviews, Californian arthouse film-maker Miranda July's movies are something you either love or hate. And it seems her writing is much the same.

Sales pitch: 'I want to write a book that is a sort of summary of a wilfully ambiguous science fiction movie made by a Russian director more than 30 years ago.'

Recently, while sitting in the airport lounge in Sydney waiting for a flight home, I glanced up from my hardcover book and surveyed the other travellers in my immediate vicinity.

The Office star Mackenzie Crook adds another string to his creative bow with a children's book. He tells Stephen Jewell how the idea came to him.