With contributions by: William Boyd, Candice Carty-Williams, Imtiaz Dharker, Roddy Doyle, Pico Iyer, Robert Macfarlane, Andy Miller, Jackie Morris, Jan Morris, Sisonke Msimang, Dina Nayeri, Chigozie Obioma, Michael Ondaatje, David Pilling, Max Porter, Philip Pullman, Alice Pung, Jancis Robinson, S.F.Said, Madeleine Thien, Salley Vickers, John Wood and Markus Zusak

‘This story, like so many stories, begins with a gift. The gift, like so many gifts, was a book…’ So begins the essay by Robert Macfarlane that inspired this collection.

In this cornucopia of an anthology, you will find essays by some of the world’s most beloved novelists, nonfiction writers, essayists and poets.

‘You will see books taking flight in flocks, migrating around the world, landing in people’s hearts and changing them for a day or a year or a lifetime.

‘You will see books sparking wonder or anger; throwing open windows into other languages, other cultures, other minds; causing people to fall in love or to fight for what is right.

‘And more than anything, over and over again, you will see books and words being given, received and read – and in turn prompting further generosity.’

Published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of global literacy non-profit, Room to Read, The Gifts of Reading forms inspiring, unforgettable, irresistible proof of the power and necessity of books and reading.

Inspired by Robert Macfarlane

Curated by Jennie Orchard