Books & Literary Life
Literary criticism, author interviews, and book culture from within and beyond Harvard.
How Adam Ehrlich Sachs Writes Absurd and Beautiful Fiction
The Gretel and the Great War author on how the Lampoon derailed his science career—and set him on a literary path.
by Eric Olson
These Harvard Mountaineers Braved Denali’s Wall of Ice
John Graham’s Denali Diary documents a dangerous and historic climb.
New Books from Harvard Authors
The American West, the tech frontier, reality TV homes, and other mythic places
How Stories Help Us Cope with Climate Change
The growing genre of climate fiction offers a way to process reality—and our anxieties.
Open Book: A New Nuclear Age
Harvard historian Serhii Plokhy’s latest book looks at the rising danger of a new arms race.
Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism
The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.
by Eric Olson
New Books by Harvard Authors
Lincoln’s “boss” energy, Bernie’s political revolution, frogs, vampires, ice cream, and more
For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice
A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.
The Artist Edward Gorey—and Pets—at Harvard
Winter exhibits at Houghton Library
Books with Harvard Authors Winter 2025
From aphorisms to art heists to democracy’s necessary conditions
Parks and Rec Comedy Writer Aisha Muharrar Gets Serious about Grief
With Loved One, the Harvard grad and Lampoon veteran makes her debut as a novelist.