Never ending story
The tricky thing about writing science books is that the plot keeps on changing. Tim Radford reports on the shortlist for this year's £10,000 Aventis prize
The throne behind the power
Hillary Clinton's understanding of the vicariousness of her life as first lady is at the heart of her memoir, Living History. Elaine Showalter believes it is a valuable feminist document
A flounce too far
The Count D'Orsay may have been the first shopaholic. Kathryn Hughes enjoys Nick Foulkes's glittering, chatty - and long - life of a colourful gentleman, Last of the Dandies
Daddy’s girl
June Purvis cannot help feeling that there is more to Mary Gladstone than Sheila Gooddie's account reveals
‘Chattery, chittery… lean as a rake’
Sarah LeFanu's biography of Rose Macaulay reveals a talent for self-effacement in the prolific novelist that frustrates and intrigues Hermione Lee
Professor Sir Bernard Williams
Arguably the greatest British philosopher of his era, he brought wit and compassion to the moral questions of society.
JM Roberts
Distinguished historian with a positive world view.
All around you is silence
Philip Pullman: Creativity is creeping back into the school curriculum, but to succeed there must be room for mystery.
Turn-up for the books as surprise winner takes Orange fiction prize
The bookies' third favourite surged through quietly at the post last night to become an unexpected winner of the £30,000 Orange prize for fiction.
US ‘is an empire in denial’
Historian accuses Washington of failing to face the facts.
Life, camera, action
Movies taught John Walsh how to cope with the agonies and ecstasies of growing up - especially how to get that first kiss. David Thomson laughs along to Are You Talking to Me?
Pratchett backs academy for gifted teens
Terry Pratchett has lent his support to the government's new Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth by giving his name to a scholarship in creative writing.
Waugh of words for Evelyn’s centenary
Hay festival debates legacy of 'fascist' founder of writing dynasty.