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Poetry sales surpassed £8m in the first 30 weeks of 2026 and are expected to reach a record high this year thanks to blockbuster adaptation of Homer’s 2,700-year-old poem

Celebrated writer, poet and novelist for young adults drew upon his sexuality and life on US southern border

Agents withdraw Jerry Falade’s hotly anticipated debut after saying they can no longer authenticate ‘how the manuscript evolved’

Author of books behind forthcoming film starring Viola Davis and Idris Elba appears to have had disagreement with cast member Amandla Stenberg

With his popularity at a record low, Friedrich Merz packs the papal guide Magnifica humanitas

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The novelist suggested Wilson should have been ‘a wee bit more thoughtful and respectful’ towards a film-maker who may have helped boost her book sales

• Mary Beard on The Odyssey and how empires fall – Stateside with Kai and Carter

The book, Antiquities of Athens, was handed back to Kiama library by a man who found it bricked into a wall

Jury finds Hadi Matar, who is already serving a 25-year New York state prison sentence, guilty of all charges against him

The pop star is curating the 2026 festival, which also features Patti Smith, Mustafa and Ta-Nehisi Coates, as part of the Southbank Centre’s anniversary year