As the International Press Institute (IPI) celebrates its 75th anniversary, our team has compiled a list of 75 must-read books related to press freedom and independent journalism. All published in the last century, our list includes memoirs, non-fiction, and fiction titles, many of which have been authored by or about IPI members and past IPI World Press Freedom Hero Award winners. Others come recommended by IPI’s board, members, staff, and partner organizations.
We understand that no list is comprehensive, and ours is eclectic by design. You’ll find foundational books of journalism, mixed with novels, memoirs, and nonfiction from all corners of the world. A lot of the books — and their authors — are living examples of the dangers and perils of being a journalist, chronicling imprisonment, attacks, or featuring the work of those who could not survive to tell their stories.
As we prepare to host our 2025 IPI World Congress under the theme of “Defending the Future of Free Media”, this is our homage to those who kept fighting no matter what.