Essential library
We asked eminent writers to choose 10 books from their respective fields to make up a capsule library of indispensable volumes. From art to science via fiction and memoir, these are their selections for the Guardian's Essential Library of 100 vital books
The essential library
These titles cover a full range of topics at varying levels and are widely available through bookshops or via the publisher. Check the resources boxes in the Specialist Archives section for more recommended reading.
Shelf life
From Arthur C Clarke to James Watson, escape the January gloom with Tim Radford's essential science library.
The essential garden library
James Fenton: Who else could occupy this final place in the series but our very own Christopher Lloyd, whose sense of genial rebellion energises all his writing?
The essential garden library
Week five: Is there really more to garden design than plain common sense? An insightful book shows the psychological impact that landscaping can have.
The essential garden library
Plant hunters not only give us new things to grow, they teach us about our plants' origins - helping us to understand and cultivate them better.
The essential garden library
James Fenton: Books about a single, magnificent species are often the story of crazy connoisseurship. And the best - such as The Tulip - come with plenty of lists.
The essential garden library
James Fenton: Few plantsmen could better the sheer expertise of Graham Stuart Thomas, guardian of old rose varieties and author of many gardening classics.
The good companions
Gardening books proliferate, but only a few will stand the test of time. So which are the classics that will accompany you throughout your gardening life?
Books to furnish a room... and enrich a mind
In the second part of our Essential Library promotion, we offer classic poetry, fiction in translation, travel, politics and art & music
A library for all seasons
The first 50 books in the Guardian Essential Library cover fiction, history, memoir, biography and science