Gorky Park

First book in the Arkady Renko series, which became an instant bestseller and changed the crime fiction genre. More

Moby-Dick

Often called the greatest American novel of all time. More

Flashman

When this novel was first published, many critics mistakenly accepted it as a genuine historical memoir. More

Bernard Cornwell

Born in London in 1944, Bernard Cornwell grew up in Essex and, after a stint as a teacher, moved on to the BBC, where he took a job as a producer in Northern Ireland. More

Nostromo

A sweeping masterpiece considered by many to be Conrad’s greatest novel. More

Papillon

A bestselling phenomenon and classic memoir of prison breaks and adventure. More

Jack Higgins

Why I write: Some years ago, although enjoying great success, I was accused by certain literary critics of repeating myself too much in my work. More

Anthony Doerr

We are all mapmakers: We embed our memories everywhere, inscribing a private and intensely complicated latticework across the landscape. More

Master and Commander

First book in O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series, widely regarded as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. More