Martin Amis, era-defining British novelist, dies aged 73

The celebrated author of Money and London Fields, whose works defined the 80s and 90s literary scene, died of oesophageal cancer on Friday at his home in Florida

Pete Brown, countercultural poet, singer and Cream lyricist, dies aged 82

British poet who wrote lyrics for Sunshine of Your Love, White Room and many more also had acclaimed solo career

Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit story originated in African folktales, expert argues

The unacknowledged debt Potter owed to the Brer Rabbit stories told by enslaved Africans deserves to be recognised, says scholar

Ben Goldsmith: ‘Love of nature carried me after death of my daughter’

Conservative environmentalist tells how he has dedicated his life to the cause since losing Iris, 15

Listen up: how to access audiobooks for less – or even for free

We review 15 services and look at options if you want to avoid the Amazon-owned market leader, Audible

Rishi Sunak ‘ranks racy Jilly Cooper novel among his favourite books’

McDonald’s-loving, sliders-wearing, Bublé-listening PM is also a reader of Riders, according to Spectator

Why are biographies so popular? Because humans are enthralled by the lives of others

We seek inspiration, consolation – and the unvarnished truth. And we know that all the best stories are true, says Caroline Knox, director of the Boswell book festival

Prince Harry’s ghostwriter, JR Moehringer, says pair bonded over media intrusion

Author says paparazzi and reporters began to follow him in his car and snoop around his home

Being a teenage girl is only getting harder. Thank God they still have Judy Blume

Blume’s groundbreaking books shepherded me and millions of others through the trials of adolescence – and they’re still as relevant as ever, says writer Leila Latif

The Seaside by Madeleine Bunting review – sea, sand… and deprivation

The author’s love of English coastal resorts shines through in this sharp and deeply moving study of the places that symbolise this country’s decline

Anthony Seldon on Boris Johnson: ‘At his heart, he is extraordinarily empty’

The distinguished historian and headteacher discusses his latest book about a contemporary prime minister, a devastating – and dispiriting – account of Johnson’s chaotic reign

On my radar: Sheena Patel’s cultural highlights

The writer and director on a blockbuster biography of Jean Rhys, Steve McQueen’s Grenfell film and ​the car crash brilliance of​ ​US comedy Search Party

Tim Minchin says editing Roald Dahl’s books ‘a slippery slope’

Comedian behind Matilda musical says texts would need to be repeatedly updated to keep up with modern sensibilities

Baillie Gifford winner of winners James Shapiro: ‘I draw a very sharp line between fiction and nonfiction’

The 1599 author on the difference between historians and novelists, looking at Shakespeare differently and hitchhiking to the Edinburgh festival to immerse himself in the bard’s work

James Shapiro wins Baillie Gifford anniversary prize with ‘extraordinary’ Shakespeare biography 1599

The English professor’s analysis of a pivotal year in the playwright’s life triumphed over a shortlist that included Craig Brown, Barbara Demick and Wade Davis