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.

Fittingly, for his new WWI movie, director Saul Dibb referenced such horror films as Alien, writes Esther McCarthy.

A 29-year-old debut novelist has been shortlisted for this year's Man Booker Prize for a book she began writing on her mobile phone on her way to work.

Graham Norton may be the BBC’s third-highest earning presenter, but the welcome he received in Bantry for the West Cork Literary Festival proved that locals still consider him their number one.

Longford-born Anne-Marie Tomchak looks at the issue of personal data being put online on Cloud Control at 10.15pm on RTÉ One on Thursday.

Looking to plan your week? Here are five things to check out.

A programme of readings, a feature of the West Cork Literary Festival since it began in the mid-90s, is to be dedicated to the memory of former Irish Examiner columnist Denise Hall.

Talk about putting the WOW! into the WAW, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Karl Ove Knausgard is Europe’s latest literary sensation, due to the success of his relentless memoir series. What, in its mundanity, makes it so compelling, asks Paul Ring.

As the Impac shortlist is announced, Alan O’Riordan rounds up the candidates for the €100,000 prize, the most lucrative in literature

Five things from the worlds of arts and culture to keep you occupied this week.

Debut novelist Eimear McBride has won the £30,000 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction only a week after winning the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award.

Debut Irish novelist Eimear McBride has won the Women’s Prize for Fiction only three months after failing to win another high-profile award.

Best European Fiction 2014

Miranda Richardson has taken a swipe at Britain’s “hideous” approach to success as the actress turned literary judge announced that Hilary Mantel has been shortlisted for another major book prize.

Novelist Hilary Mantel could become the first person to win all three major book prizes after Bring Up The Bodies was nominated for the Women’s Prize For Fiction.

NW

Poet and librarian Thomas McCarthy celebrates a collection that recognises the social power and importance of libraries

What I do: I am a soprano and a traditional Irish musician.

Zadie Smith

Pop star Lily Allen has been forced to pull out of judging a British book award competition, citing "ill health".

British pop singer Lily Allen failed to show up for an important meeting as a book awards judge because she was too "depressed".

The Queen has been named alongside Kate Moss and rocker’s daughter Daisy Lowe as one of the world’s most glamorous women.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has been crowned Britain’s best-dressed woman.

IRISH author John Banville confounded all predictions last night by winning the prestigious Man Booker prize for his novel, The Sea.

John Banville was the surprise winner of the Man Booker Prize tonight with his novel The Sea.

Music and books retailer HMV, which has several branches in Ireland, reported a sharp dip in summer sales today as it warned investors that there were few signs of an upturn on the high street.

IRISH authors John Banville and Sebastian Barry have been shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker prize for fiction, it was announced yesterday.

IRISH authors John Banville and Sebastian Barry have been shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker prize for fiction, it was announced yesterday.

THE Man Booker long list announced yesterday has a strong Irish showing, with authors John Banville, Sebastian Barry and William Wall all in the running for the prestigious £50,000 book award.

Singer Gwen Stefani has knocked Kate Moss off the top of the best dressed list.

American author Valerie Martin beat favourites Donna Tartt and Zadie Smith to win the Orange Prize for Fiction tonight.

The dashing and noble hero Mr Darcy is the dream date for female bookworms, a survey found today.

The shortlist for the Booker Prize was unveiled today – and there was a surprise omission for author Zadie Smith.

Author Howard Jacobson was today picked out as an early favourite to win this year’s Booker Prize.