Writers revealed

‘Writers Revealed’ tells the stories of the best-loved writers in English literature, investigating their enduring appeal from the sixteenth century to today through the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the British Library. Intimate handwritten manuscripts, letters and notebooks as well as rare first editions of books from the British Library are paired with the National Portrait Gallery’s collection of author portraits. From William Shakespeare to Zadie Smith, ‘Writers Revealed’ features over 70 poets, novelists and academics. Each short profile – which provides insight into the writers’ inspirations, struggles, and working practices – is illustrated with a portrait and manuscript.