The Stubborn Myth of the Literary Genius
What two new books on the English Renaissance reveal about the appeal of speculative history
Books
Introducing The Atlantic’s expanded books coverage: essays, criticism, fiction, poetry, and recommendations from our writers and editors
All Our Brilliant Friends
The explosion of novels about intense female friendships, in the Elena Ferrante mold, is changing the genre—and making it more fun.
Patti Smith’s Family Secrets
Nearing 80, the punk poet reflects on the twists in her story that have surprised even her.
Gertrude Stein Wanted It All
A new biography deconstructs some myths around the enigmatic modernist’s legacy.
A Writer Who Did What Hillbilly Elegy Wouldn’t
In her new book, Beth Macy returns to her Trump-voting hometown to find out how America got so divided.
Seven Books That Will Change How You Watch Sports
Digging into the transformative trends behind the games is a valuable pastime of its own.
65 Essential Children’s Books
Illustrated titles that teach kids to love literature
Eight Romance Novels for Romance Skeptics
The genre is so diverse that with a little open-mindedness, everyone really can find their perfect match.
Seven Books About What Corruption Actually Looks Like
Dishonest governance is rarely a single act or brazen deal; more often, it appears as a set of habits that spread through a society.
Newsletter
The Books Briefing
Our culture editors’ weekly guide to the best in books.
Subject to The Atlantic's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
Diseducators
A short story
June
A short story
Lamentations
A short story
Fools for Love
A short story
The Stubborn Myth of the Literary Genius
What two new books on the English Renaissance reveal about the appeal of speculative history
Coyote
A poem
The Powerful, Unpredictable Nature of Fear
Halloween is the perfect time to think more deeply about the role it plays in our lives.
All Our Brilliant Friends
The explosion of novels about intense female friendships, in the Elena Ferrante mold, is changing the genre—and making it more fun.
Patti Smith’s Family Secrets
Nearing 80, the punk poet reflects on the twists in her story that have surprised even her.
Gertrude Stein Wanted It All
A new biography deconstructs some myths around the enigmatic modernist’s legacy.
The Movies That Capture Women’s Deepest Fears
To understand how American horror connects with a cultural moment, look to the 1970s.
Thomas McGuane Is the Last of His Kind
What will we lose when we lose the “literary outdoorsman”?
A Writer Who Did What Hillbilly Elegy Wouldn’t
In her new book, Beth Macy returns to her Trump-voting hometown to find out how America got so divided.
The Mysterious, Enchanting Qualities of Chocolate
Its flavor can transport you, maybe not always to faraway places but certainly out of reality.