Books in the Canons series

Virginia Woolf's seductive, provocative masterpiece is a whirlwind adventure through time, gender and identity. Introduced by Tilda Swinton

The phenomenal, Man Booker Prize-winning, international bestseller

'A gentle, wise and riddling book. Its prose, like the river it describes, flows intricately, unpredictably and often beautifully, carrying the fascinated reader onwards' Robert Macfarlane

Barack Obama's memoir, written long before his political career began, is a remarkable story of one man's search for his identity.

WINNER OF THE GREATEST WELSH NOVEL

An unprecedented international publishing event: the first and only diary written by a still-imprisoned Guantanamo detainee.

Introduced by Margaret Atwood

'The one authentic masterpiece of rock 'n' roll writing' Peter Guralnick

The best writing from the Pulitzer Prize-winning nature writer, with a foreword by Geoff Dyer.

A vivid historical novel set in the fifteenth century, by the winner of the Man Booker International Prize

A rediscovered classic about frustrated masculinity in America's Great Depression. Introduced by Dan Fante

A daring retelling of the story of Samson, from the author of the Man Booker International Prize-winning A Horse Walks Into a Bar

Alan Spence's debut collection of short stories is a timeless portrait of Glasgow, and an acknowledged piece of classic Scottish writing. Introduced by Janice Galloway

A bold and joyous retelling from Ovid's Metamorphoses by the award-winning, bestselling author of How to be Both

A rediscovered classic: Eve Babitz's wry, tender coming-of-age tale of 1970s LA

For Penelope, wife of Odysseus, maintaining a kingdom while her husband was off fighting the Trojan war was not a simple business. Already aggrieved that he had been lured away due to the shocking behaviour of her beautiful cousin Helen, Penelope must bring up her wayward son, face down scandalous rumours and keep over a hundred lustful, greedy and bloodthirsty suitors at bay...And then, when Odysseus finally returns and slaughters the murderous suitors, he brutally hangs Penelope's twelve beloved maids. What were his motives? And what was Penelope really up to? Critically acclaimed when it was first published as part of Canongate's Myth series, and following a very successful adaptation by the RSC, this new edition of The Penelopiad sees Margaret Atwood give Penelope a modern and witty voice to tell her side of the story, and set the record straight for good.

Introduced by Seamus Heaney, The People of the Sea brings to life the legend of the mythical selchies, in beautiful, poetic prose

A magical adventure through Eastern Oregon, The Hawkline Monster confirms Richard Brautigan's place as one of the twentieth century's most exciting writers

A true crime cult classic that lifts the lid on the dazzle and menace of the cocaine trade

Nan Shepherd's greatest novel; a masterpiece of Scottish modernism. 'A blazingly brilliant writer' - Robert Macfarlane

'The best Scottish novelist since Sir Walter Scott' ANTHONY BURGESS. The cornerstone epic, introduced by William Boyd

I'm Not Scared is a riveting novel penned by the renowned author, Niccolò Ammaniti. Published by Canongate Books in 2016, the book has made waves in the literary world. This engrossing tale belongs to a genre that seamlessly blends suspense and drama, ensuring an unforgettable reading experience. The story is a testament to Ammaniti's narrative prowess and his unique ability to create a world that captivates the reader's imagination. The book's publication by Canongate Books, a publisher known for its selection of thought-provoking literature, further adds to its appeal. I'm Not Scared is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating story that leaves a lasting impression.

Kate Chopin's classic, an American Anna Karenina, introduced by Barbara Kingsolver

The Nobel Prize-winning author Knut Hamsun's Hunger, an influential work of twentieth-century modern literature, is now a Canon

The definitive edition of the all-time Scottish novel - an 'enduring masterpeice' - introduced by Ian Rankin

The definitive collections of poetry by Robert Burns, arranged and introduced by award-winning writer Andrew O'Hagan. 'Save this collection a place at your Burns table' Guardian

Read by the author and with a soundtrack by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis