This Month
Could this be the author of the funniest book ever written?
The cult following for J.P Donleavy’s self-help manual from 1975 deserves to be much bigger, especially in dark times like these.
March
Inside the friendship that made The Beatles
A new book uses John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s songs to tell the story of their epoch-making, yet intimate bond.
Inside the homes of Australia’s most connected art collectors
Ever wondered how to showcase artwork to let them shine? A new book peeks into the homes of prominent art collectors around the country.
Zuckerberg ‘lied’ to Senate, Sandberg asked me to bed, says author
A former Facebook executive has written an insider account of a company that she says was run by status-hungry and self-absorbed leaders.
Why we’re stuck in Ancient Rome
There is an entire cottage industry dedicated to the empire’s eternal resonance.
February
The truth about Saudi Arabia’s rulers is worse than you thought
The regime is at once “ruthless and reckless” - but that hasn’t stopped the Scramble for Arabia as business, sports and political figures chase their fortunes in the desert.
January
It may feel like the end of the world, but that’s nothing new
With so much pessimism around, we can take some comfort from a new book that notes apocalyptic visions are as old as civilisation and have never come true.
How we misread ‘The Great Gatsby’
There are many theories about what makes the classic American novel so great, and its ability to keep producing different reasons is part of the answer.
A six-figure salary and five-star hotels. Why I gave it all up to be happy
Growing up, Sahil Bloom was convinced material wealth was the secret to a happy stress-free life. But then he asked himself five key questions.
What our region can learn from Europe’s failure with Putin
While directing his critique at Europe, Keir Giles usefully illuminates the wider malaise afflicting other nations in coming to terms with the new world.
Pope’s new memoir unlikely to quell Catholic dissent
In his new autobiography, Pope Francis outlines a recipe for “infinite possibilities” that will please neither conservatives nor radicals.
Summer special: AFR critics on best viewing, books and music
In the first of a two-part summer series, The Fin podcast talks to critics around the Financial Review newsroom to get their top picks from the past year.
The books Australian economists loved in 2024
The Shortest History of Economics by Andrew Leigh ranked as one of the most popular books among our most prolific readers.
December 2024
Books to treasure or give this holiday season
Elevate your mood and mind with our selection of new coffee table editions, ranging from spectacular photography to quirky knowledge.
Max Allen picks the best wine books to give
One Thousand Vines will change the way the reader thinks about – and enjoys – wine. Plus, three vintages to sip along the way.
Barnesy, Farnesy... blue Wiggle? The best music books of 2024
Some icons of music wrote their story this year – or had it written for them. Here’s our pick of the greatest music book hits for when the Christmas carols are done.
The year’s best books as chosen by the Financial Review newsroom
From highly anticipated novels to memorable memoirs, here are the top picks from our journalists to make your summer reading list sizzle.
Angela Merkel’s autobiography is a ‘stunning disappointment’
The former German chancellor provides only the most superficial explanations for her controversial actions and decisions, particularly those to do with Vladimir Putin.
Oliver Sacks’ letters from a beautiful mind
The great neurologist offered a lesson in treating our fellow humans with care and true attention.
November 2024
Why Jordan Peterson thinks the West is going to hell
The controversial commentator’s new book argues Western civilisation is in mortal danger because people have turned to false gods.