The Arvon Book of Literary Non-Fiction is an essential guide to writing in a wide range of genres, from travel writing to feminist polemic and writing on nature, history, death, friendship and sexuality.
Part 1 explores the full range of genres and asks the question: what is literary non-fiction?
Part 2 includes tips by such bestselling literary non-fiction writers as: Lisa Appignanesi, Rosemary Bailey, Gillian Beer, Bidisha, Lizzie Collingham, William Dalrymple, Stevie Davies, Colin Grant, Rahila Gupta, Philip Hoare, Siri Hustvedt, Alice Kessler-Harris, Barry Lopez, Richard Mabey, Robert Macfarlane, Sara Maitland, Neil McKenna, Caroline Moorehead, Susie Orbach, Jennifer Potter, Susan Sellers, Dava Sobel, Diana Souhami, Dale Spender, Francis Spufford, Daniel Swift, Colin Thubron, Natasha Walter, Sara Wheeler and Simon Winchester.
Part 3 offers practical advice - from planning and researching to writing a proposal and finding an agent or a publisher when your work is complete.
Foreword by David Kynaston
Preface to series by Sally Cline and Carole Angier
Part 1: Literary Non-Fiction
Introduction and Structure of book by Sally Cline
What is Literary Non-Fiction? by Sally Cline
Challenges of Literary Non-Fiction by Midge Gillies
Reflections on Travel Writing by Midge Gillies
Reflections on Food writing by Sally Cline
Reflections on Nature and Landscape by Midge Gillies.
Reflections on Writing about Feminism by Sally Cline
Reflections on Social and Cultural History by Midge Gillies
Reflections on Sexuality, Death and Friendship by Sally Cline
Reflections on the Mysteries of Mind and Body by Sally Cline
Tips and tales - guest contributions
Lisa Appignanesi
Rosemary Bailey
Gillian Beer
Bidisha
Lizzie Collingham
William Dalrymple
Stevie Davies
Colin Grant
Rahila Gupta
Philip Hoare
Siri Hustvedt
Alice Kessler-Harris
Barry Lopez
Richard Mabey
Robert Macfarlane
Sara Maitland
Neil McKenna
Caroline Moorehead
Susie Orbach
Jennifer Potter
Susan Sellers
Dava Sobel
Diana Souhami
Dale Spender
Francis Spufford
Daniel Swift
Colin Thubron
Natasha Walter
Sara Wheeler
Simon Winchester
Part 3: Write on
A. Planning
Important general points for all writers of literary non-fiction.
Planning your writing - general by Sally Cline
Planning social or cultural history by Midge Gillies
Planning travel and nature writing by Midge Gillies
Planning an autobiography or biography by Sally Cline
Planning a memoir by Sally Cline
Planning a literary documentary by Sally Cline
Structure by Midge Gillies
Writing a proposal by Midge Gillies
Mentoring and other matters by Sally Cline
Finding an agent and publisher by Midge Gillies
B. Research
Where to go
National archives
Births deaths marriages
Wills
Local archives
Libraries and museums
On-line sources
Other research activities
C. Writing - top tips and exercises
Short pieces as starting points by Sally Cline
Description by Midge Gillies
Interviewing by Sally Cline
Using quotes and dialogue by Midge Gillies
Truth versus facts by Midge Gillies
Acknowledgements
Permissions
Bibliography
The Arvon Foundation
Index
