Books & Literary Life

Literary criticism, author interviews, and book culture from within and beyond Harvard.

Three climbers seated on a snowy summit, surrounded by clouds, appearing contemplative.

These Harvard Mountaineers Braved Denali’s Wall of Ice

John Graham’s Denali Diary documents a dangerous and historic climb.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Image of Winslow Homer’s painting Fresh Eggs, 1874

Off the Shelf

Recent books with Harvard connections

Wide view of blue pools and lawns of the Blue Garden

The Blue Garden

Newport's restored landscape 

by Craig Lambert

A Mughal baby jacket, masterful textile work

Off the Shelf

Recent books with Harvard connections

Disagreeing Well

Harvard debater Bo Seo writes about productive differences of opinion.

Illustration of students and challenges in college today

Aiming for Excellence

New books by Harvard experts on college preparation, rankings, student experiences, and institutional strategies

by John S. Rosenberg

Wendy Lesser standing happily among her books

Wendy Lesser's "Threepenny Review:

The revered literary magazine editor discusses the writing (and reading) life.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Book cover for Chasing Me to My Grave: An Artist’s Memoir of the Jim Crow South

The 2022 Pulitzer Prizes

Erin Kelly and Salamishah Tillet honored for “searing” and “stylish” writing in biography and criticism

by Lydialyle Gibson

The seven 2022 Harvard Horzions scholars

Harvard Horizons Spotlights Seven Scholars

Ph.D. students discuss subjects from aliens to infrastructural aesthetics.

by Jacob Sweet

Photograph of pioneering Wexner Center for the Arts

Architectural Upheaval

A comprehensive examination of avant-garde architecture

Off the Shelf

Recent books with Harvard connections