Sorry, but we’re about to make your reading pile for 2024 very big. From candid memoirs to provocative essays, little-told histories to behind-the-scenes accounts of sensational trials, the new year is full of must-reads to suit every taste. Here’s our guide to the unmissable non-fiction books of the year.
Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story by Robert Hardman
Boris Johnson gave a copy of Robert Hardman’s last book, Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II, to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as a gift – so you know this probably won’t be an Omid Scobie-style takedown. Instead, with impressive access to the royal family, Robert Hardman offers an insider account of the first year of King Charles III’s reign, including the royal’s plans for reform and his relationships with his sons. 18 Jan, Macmillan
Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner
Crystal Hefner married Playboy tycoon Hugh when he was 86 and she was 26. In her memoir, she lifts the lid on life inside the Playboy mansion, which – in a surprise to no one – was apparently rife with misogyny and objectification. Hefner’s story has the potential to be as provocative as Ariel Levy’s cult feminist classic, Female Chauvinist Pigs. 25 Jan, Ebury
Empireworld by Sathnam Sanghera
With Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera wrote the British history book that should be on every school reading list, laying bare how imperialism formed modern Britain. In Empireworld he takes it further, looking at the legacy of the British empire around the globe. 25 Jan, Viking
Hardy Women by Paula Byrne
Women in Thomas Hardy’s novels tend to have an absolutely terrible time – but what about the women he knew in his own life? Paula Byrne, who has written biographies of Jane Austen and Barbara Pym, turns her eye to the female figures that formed him, shedding light not just on his mother, sisters, girlfriends and wives, but creating a refined portrait of the author himself. 1 Feb, William Collins
Keir Starmer by Tom Baldwin
He’s described by many as the PM-in-waiting, but he’s also regularly accused of being dry and boring. So who is Keir Starmer, really? This new biography of the Labour leader attempts to shed light on the man who may lead our next government. 15 Feb, William Collins
A Bookshop of One’s Own by Jane Cholmeley
In the 1980s, feminist bookshop Silver Moon opened its doors on Charing Cross Road and became home to a generation of creative women. Jane Cholmeley, one of the owners, is putting it back in the history books with her new memoir of that time. The perfect read for anyone who dreams of running away and opening a bookshop with all their friends (I know it isn’t just me). 29 Feb, Harper NonFiction
The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
Drag Race addicts get ready: RuPaul has written the story of his life. The drag superstar describes his journey from growing up Black, queer and poor in a broken home to becoming a celebrated and successful champion of self-acceptance. 5 March, Fourth Estate
The drag superstar describes his journey from growing up Black, queer and poor in a broken home to becoming a celebrated and successful champion of self-acceptance
The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain by Kazuo Ishiguro
Fans of the Never Let Me Go author know that Kazuo Ishiguro originally dreamed of becoming a songwriter, inspired by Bob Dylan. And he did fulfil that dream, in fact – this publication collects the lyrics he wrote for American singer Stacey Kent, with illustrations by Italian artist Bianca Bagnarelli. 7 March, Faber
The Chain by Chimene Suleyman
Chimene Suleyman’s memoir begins with her trip to an abortion clinic in 2017. She’s accompanied by her boyfriend, but she soon finds out he isn’t who she thinks he is. Soon a community of women, all affected by him, begins to form, exposing a pattern of harm and manipulation. 28 March, W&N
Biographer Paula Byrne turns her eye to the female figures that formed Thomas Hardy
Lauren Oyler’s first essay collection should be fun to read; she doesn’t care about winding people up
