501 Must-Read Books is like the wisest, cleverest best-read and most trusted friend you have ever had. The recommendations for inclusion in this comprehensive book were made by a bibliophile and writer with a peerless reputation. The reviews themselves were compiled by lecturers, writers and book lovers, sharing their pleasure, surprise or even indignation with the rest of us. Reading is of course subjective, but the reviewers have set aside their personal preferences to share their thoughts and impressions with book lovers everywhere.

This comprehensive guide will inspire you to read more widely than you could have imagined and to explore previously untrodden aisles in your bookstore or library. In these pages you will find travel rubbing shoulders with memoir, modern and classic fiction nestling together, sci-fi and thrillers, children's books and history all gathered and reviewed in sometimes surprising, but always stimulating essays.