Books

The book that combats disposable culture with tips and tricks for the perfect restoration

Mary Miers applauds an evocative portrait of a group of London Georgian houses cherished back to life.

A.N. Wilson's 'definitive biography' of Prince Albert, balanced, nuanced and challenging

Jason Goodwin: Forget what you were told at school — history is simply a cracking story that happens to be true

The education system did its best to put Jason Goodwin off history, but he came through unscathed — and thank goodness too, otherwise he might not have been able to recommend these summer reads.

The latest update to Pevsner brings the 21st century update 'tantalisingly close to completion'

The work of updating Nikolas Pevsner and Ian Nairn's magnum opus on the buildings of England continues with a volume focusing on West Sussex. John Goodall takes a look.

Bringing Mediterranean planting to Britain with the most wonderful gardening book of the year

Mark Griffiths explains why we value Mediterranean planting styles so highly, why he urges all to purchase Mr Filippi's 'Bringing the Mediterranean into your Garden: how to capture the natural beauty of the garrigue' and why he would never adopt the methods described within himself.

In Focus: The Mansions of Cornwall, as they existed in 1846

A rare survey of over 80 Cornish country houses has been found and reprinted – Adrian Tinniswood takes a look.

Judith Kerr: 'I walk about and look at people, out with their children, and I think do they realise how fragile it all is?'

Children's author Judith Kerr, who passed away this week at the age of 95, spoke to Country Life about her life and career.

The Utterly Inessential Hay Shopping List: All you'll need to thoroughly enjoy 'the Woodstock of the mind'

An economist's blueprint for the countryside that ditches 'flawed romanticism', but still offers hope

Dieter Helm's latest book, Green and Prosperous Land, offers a radical blueprint for rescuing the British countryside. Clive Aslet takes a look.

Jason Goodwin: Crime writers are the friendliest people you'll ever meet – but romantic novelists are a nightmare

Our columnist – and novelist, and historian – recounts the day he met a charming and erudite fan whose kind words inspired him for years. Until they didn't.

Recipe: Jane Hornby's asparagus and bacon frittata

This delicious recipe ideal for an indulgent weekend brunch comes from Jane Hornby's latest cookery book.

Around the World in 80 Trains: The kindness of six-year-olds, Grumpy Russians, a dressing down from Robert De Niro

Travel writer Monisha Rajesh spent months travelling the world by train for her latest book – and after finishing it, Andrew Martin felt almost as if he'd taken the journey with her.

Sporting Life: Botham, Gower and 17 pints on rest days – a look at cricket in the 80s, through the eyes of Derek Pringle

Pushing the Boundaries: Cricket in the Eighties contains the reminiscences of Derek Pringle reflecting on his years in the world of cricket and the delightful characters he met, both on and off the pitch. Richard Hopton reviews.

Simon Hopkinson's top ten cookbooks, from The French Menu to Food from the Far East

Clear some shelf space because Country Life’s resident chef Simon Hopkinson, author of the award-winning Roast Chicken and Other Stories, has picked his all-time favourite cookbooks and their standout recipes.

11 cookbooks to inspire you to try something new in 2019

Publishers and authors, it seems, have got weary of the old cookery-book formula of lots of recipes and pretty pictures. Leslie Geddes-Brown selects some different offerings.

The ten best dogs in literature

Man’s best friend has taken a starring role in stories since we first put pen to paper, playing nanny to the children, helping to solve mysteries and trotting down the Yellow Brick Road. Claire Jackson chooses 10 great canines from literature.

Kenneth Grahame and the true meaning behind The Wind in the Willows

The Edwardian author Kenneth Grahame’s adoration of Nature and landscape made him passionate about conservation and inspired him to create some of Britain's best-loved characters, says his biographer Matthew Dennison.

Our six favourite nannies, in fiction and film

Whether they invoke fond or fearful memories in real life, the nannies of fiction are kind – even magical – creatures, says Annunciata Elwes, who rounds up her favourites.

Curious Questions: Is there any future for Encyclopedia Britannica?

Once the first set of books required in any home library, encyclopedias have long since been superseded by the internet. But rather extraordinarily there is still a market for them, as Octavia Pollock finds out.

The best books to give this Christmas

Emily Rhodes suggests eight books that would make the ideal literary stocking filler.