View the books
Our list of chosen books features notable works from 1926-1935, including Winnie the Pooh, To the Lighthouse, and All Quiet on the Western Front. Together, they offer a brief look at some of the key writing of the time.
Look at our chosen titles from 1936-1945, including the much loved Ballet Shoes, the imaginative adventure of The Hobbit, and Orwell's sharp political tale Animal Farm.
View our pick of books from 1946-1955, including the moving Diary of a Young Girl, the classic Charlotte's Web, and the influential novel The Catcher in the Rye. These books are some of the best known stories published in the decade after the war.
See our list that features books from 1956-1965, including the imaginative sci fi epic Dune, the much admired novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and the atmospheric classic The Haunting of Hill House.
Explore the list of chosen books from 1966-1975, which spans everything from the cultural phenomenon Valley of the Dolls to the coming of age story The Outsiders and the powerful memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
View our list of books from 1976-1985, a decade filled with memorable characters and bold storytelling. From the dark allure of Interview with the Vampire to the sharp humour of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole and the high stakes tension of The Hunt for Red October.
Journey through the books we have chosen from 1986-1995 - highlights include the enchanting Howl's Moving Castle, the real world survival story Touching the Void, and the compelling mystery at the heart of The Secret History.
Explore our chosen books from 1996-2005, a decade filled with hugely popular stories and unforgettable characters. From the humour of Bridget Jones's Diary to the worldwide phenomenon of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the moving drama of Atonement.
From 2006-2015, our chosen books capture a wide span of styles, voices, and unforgettable stories. The decade opens with the atmospheric The House at Riverton and moves through powerful novels like A Thousand Splendid Suns, gripping thrillers such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and reflective works like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Covering 2016-2025, our list highlights standout reads such as The Underground Railroad, the Booker winning Girl, Woman, Other, and the recent fantasy hit Fourth Wing. Take a moment to look through the full list to explore more books from this period.