Our literary editors share what has delighted them this year, from art-themed novels to edifying histories

There is something for every art lover among our pick of the publications—from a forgotten 17th-century painter to a lively history of dyes

From dystopian biography and intelligent plants to “monstrous mothers” and the underwater world, avid readers share their top tips

Struggling for Christmas gifts? Take a look at the publications we enjoyed over the past year—from an exploration of art and motherhood to an interrogation of the culture wars

From artist biographies and essay collections to a dystopian novel, surf culture and a rock’n’roll autobiography

Leading directors, curators and artists reveal their favourite books of the past year

As we enter the final weeks of the season, check out these riveting reads, from “the best novel about painting” to a book with no words at all

Whether you are lying on a beach or next to a paddling pool, sit back and let your mind soak up these inspiring reads

From the catalogue for a controversial Guston show to a four-volume tome on Leonardo Da Vinci—and some lighter reads too

The directors of the Met, Tate Modern, British Museum, Centre Pompidou and more, as well as artists such as Tracey Emin, tell us all about their favourite book—just in time for Christmas shopping

The curator's interests have ranged from artist interviews and books on race, to crime fiction and a biography revealing what Walter Gropius really thought of the English

The museum director has been delving into artist biographies, swotting up on black British history and is hoping to finally begin a well-known novel trilogy

The curator has been delving into the complex lives of plants and has found “the perfect companion through these strange days”

The art historian has been engrossed by a spy biography featuring art world personalities, and is taking his first steps with a book on ancient walking routes

The London-based curator has been perusing publications on science fiction, avant-garde cabarets and all things witchy

Curators, directors and art historians tell us about the books they have been reading and revisiting

The artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries has been inspired by his daily walks and ‘animal interviews’ to revisit one of his favourite books about trees

The Turin-based art patron enjoys learning about artist rivalries and delving into the Francis Bacon catalogue raisonné, among other things

The Whitney Museum of American Art curator delights in learning about the global culture of the Middle Ages and finds lessons for the future in a Cauleen Smith monograph

Curators and directors tell us about their new favourite books as The Art Newspaper launches its Book Club