Where to start with...

Not many debut authors have their work adapted by Hitchcock. Patricia Highsmith was a master of the psychological thriller: in the year of her centenary, we select the perfect guide to her novels.

The iconic American author, essayist, poet and playwright turned his life’s struggles into brilliant literary works, as relevant today as when they were written. Here’s a guide to his best books to start with, by the author of Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Today.

His death this week marked the end of a career which produced internationally acclaimed novels in every decade from the 1960s onwards. Le Carré’s work was enjoyed by readers and critics alike and adapted multiple times for film and television, making him one of the most celebrated and influential authors of modern times. But where to start if you’re new to this work? Here is our starter for ten.

From crime to historical fiction, stories of espionage to time-travel, there is a book for everyone from one of our most unique and versatile writers, whose career turns 25 this year. Here's where to start.

His thrillers, including new novel V2, are set during some of history's most famous moments. Here's where to begin reading the work of Robert Harris.

You may have watched a dozen TV and film adaptations but have you read the books? We asked Austen super-fan, Anna James to share her guide to which novel to start with first.

Are you afraid of Virginia Woolf? There's no need: there's something to make everyone thing in the Modernist writer's back catalogue.

Dystopia, poetry, essays – where do you start with the Booker winner's work? Our handy list will guide you.

Some thought Shirley Jackson was a witch, others dismissed her as an alcoholic… but more still call her the greatest horror writer of the 20th Century.

A year after the author's death, we suggest one route into the work of an incredible writing career.

From novels to essay collections, here's our guide to reading the award-winning author's work.

You might know she's written an alternate history of Hillary Rodham Clinton's life, but which of Curtis Sittenfeld's books do you read next? Follow our guide.

Loved Girl, Woman, Other and now want to read some more of the Booker Prize-winner's work? Here's our guide on where to begin.

Anne Tyler is the favourite writer of everyone from Liane Moriarty to Hanya Yanagihara, and was nominated by Roddy Doyle and Nick Hornby as ‘the greatest novelist writing in English’. Here’s our guide to getting started.

March 26 is the 40th anniversary of the death of French essayist, writer, philosopher, social and literary critic Roland Barthes. We’ve put together a reading guide to help you pick which books to read first – or next!

The Grown Ups author is mostly found at the top of the fiction bestseller list. But did you know she's also published collections of her journalism, and a cookbook? Here's our guide to getting started with the writer of the moment.

Tessa Hadley writes about relationships between lovers, friends, parents and children, with the sharpest of eyes so that you see things you'd never noticed before not just in writing, but in your own life too. Here, the VINTAGE team pick their favourite of her novels and short stories.

The Giver of Stars author has attracted fans all over the world with her warmth and wit. If you're yet to be converted, here's our guide to her best books

Graham Greene worked in espionage for MI6, travelled the world and somehow found time to become one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. With 24 novels, short stories, poetry and two autobiographies under his belt, here's our list of his best books to start with.

Once the enfant terrible of British literature, Martin Amis celebrated his 70th birthday this month. With 14 novels, a memoir, two collections of stories and six collections of non-fiction under his belt, we’ve put together our favourites to help you pick which Amis book to read first – or next.

Funny, subversive, fearless and fiercely intelligent, Iris Murdoch was one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. To celebrate the centenary of her birth, here's our guide to help you pick which Murdoch book to read first – or last!

Vita Sackville-West was many things; a glamorous aristocrat; reckless romantic; devoted wife; mother of two talented sons; passionate paramour of Virginia Woolf; muse of Orlando, and a prolific, bestselling writer. We’ve picked a few of our favourite books to help you choose which book to read next – or first.

Most of us have heard of The Catcher in the Rye, but did you know J. D. Salinger only had four books published in his lifetime? For those who loved Catcher and want more, or for those who haven't yet picked up one of his books, find your essential Salinger read below in celebration of his 100th anniversary.