Irish writer, Kevin Barry, who was the only Irish author on the longlist for his novel Night Boat to Tangier, did not make the shortlist.

Marian Keyes, Eimear McBride, and Edna O’Brien join JK Rowling and Harper Lee on a list of the 100 essential books by female writers from the past 100 years, according to a new poll.

Stephen Fry is leading the search to find the most beautiful tweet ever.

Bill Clinton is to boost the efforts to persuade Americans that Britain remains a safe tourist destination despite foot and mouth by attending a major literary festival.