Australian author takes out the world's richest literary prize for young writers for her short story collection, The High Places.

An original May Gibbs painting will find a new home at the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature in Canberra

This Pulitzer prize-winning writer says he was scrupulous about the historical detail in his novel about slaves escaping the southern states.

If Gay Talese's journalism is like fiction, it is vast, multi-character, reader-seducing 19th-century fiction that it most resembles.

If Bill Haye's Insomniac City were just a book about a love affair between two literary men - himself and Oliver Sacks - 30 years apart in age it would be riches enough, but it is so much more.

This is not a dramatic story, but it is a rounded portrait of someone who made a dramatic difference to many people.

Craig Wilcox traces the evolution of national icons such as the slouch hat and, in cricket, the baggy green.

The truth about Sydney's original inhabitants.

Ernest Hemingway was political but went his own way rather than simply following the ideologies of the day.

How Kate DiCamillo became a bestseller after 473 rejection letters.

When Richard Ford was 16, his father died in his arms. It was a tragedy that would define his life - and set him free.

Literary news and events.

Roxane Gay caused a stir when she pulled her latest book, How to Be Heard, from Simon & Schuster, saying she could not in good conscience share a publisher with white nationalist provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.

The comedic mind behind television political satires Veep and The Thick Of It has ruled ou new seasons, saying he is reluctant to return to parody the inner workings of government when politicians have so convincingly stolen his best lines.

Strong showing by three independent publishers in Australia's premier literary award longlist.

Award-winning playwright and former Labor speechwriter's passing prompts widespread tributes.

Ruth Quibell's book is a quiet work of art that offers intimate observations about those ordinary "things" of life that matter so much.

Molly Haskell's book is a biography with a difference – she attempts to excavate his psyche from the films he's been involved with as a writer, director or producer.

There are about 7000 languages on the planet but hundreds of them are in jeopardy. The number is set to taper to three figures by 2100.

I loved John Irving's characters, his frankness, and the way he wove short stories and chapters of books "written" by Garp into his narrative.

Melbourne crime writer Adrian McKinty has won a major gong in the US crime-writing awards, the Edgars.

Julie Buntin's coming-of-age debut novel is a thoughtful treatment of various themes – friendship, motherhood and the failed urge of the American Dream.

Michele Roberts uses two narratives 160 years apart to create a beautifully structured ghost story and tale of women's lives.

Anita Shreve's account of bush fires is terrifying, and her portrait of a bad marriage almost equally so.