Books of the century

Books of the Century is a collection of the best writing about books and authors published in The New York Times Book Review, America's most widely read journal of the literary arts. Arranged chronologically from 1896 through 1997, this chronicle leads the reader through a century of historic literary achievements, while also providing memorable portraits of the most significant writers and thinkers of the era.

Current New York Times Book Review editor Charles McGrath has written an introductory essay that sets the table for this literary feast. With more than 250 selections, Books of the Century will fascinate, enlighten, and entertain anyone who carries on a love affair with the written word.