This document provides summaries of two books that discuss running in literature: 1) "The Runner's Literary Companion" is an anthology of short stories, poems and novel excerpts that celebrate different aspects of running. It is arranged thematically to appeal to different types of runners. 2) "Running in Literature" gives an overview of how running is portrayed in classical and modern literature from a witty professor's perspective. It illuminates works like the Iliad and references by Shakespeare, Hemingway and more. The book provides runners a painless introduction to classics.