Close Readings
London Review of BooksClose Readings is a multi-series podcast from the London Review of Books. Two contributors explore areas of literature through a selection of key works, providing an introductory grounding like no other. Listen to some episodes for free here, and extracts from our ongoing subscriber-only series. How To Subscribe In Apple Podcasts, click 'subscribe' at the top of this podcast feed to unlock the ful... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 224 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsCoursesEducation | |||
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Latest Episodes
The coffee served in London in the 1690s was notoriously unappetising, likened at the time to ‘burnt shoes and charcoal’. Nonetheless it was extremely popular, not least for the energy and locations it provided for two great booms in London life: fin... more
‘Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came’ has baffled readers and critics ever since it was published in Men and Women in 1855. It baffled its author, too. It ‘came upon me as a kind of dream’, Browning recalled. ‘I had to write it then and there, and I... more
Over the past twelve years, the walls and shop shutters of Upper Manhattan have been gradually filled by giant paintings of climate-threatened birds, inspired by the species depicted by the artist John James Audubon, who lived in the area. Emily Rabo... more
If Saul Bellow’s Seize the Day (1956) belongs firmly to postwar American realism, then Pnin (1957) certainly doesn’t. With its self-conscious fictionality and unreliable narrator, Nabokov’s novel is a model of postmodernism. Yet for all its playfulne... more
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- An intellectual lifeline
This podcast gives me life, as they say, but more specifically hope for the continuance of true inquiry and discovery through exchange. The intellectual conversations and range of topics are unsurpassed by any other podcast I’ve found. Moreover, the tone—conversations are relaxed but considered, reflective and articulate. There is none of the frenzy, impatience, interruption or competition one finds seemingly everywhere else. I’m finishing my dissertation in literature in a period isolation, and... more
Apple Podcasts5oli.jb
Germanya month ago - great show
I love listening to James Wood. I’ve never felt inspired to review a podcast before. Thanks for making this, LRB
Apple Podcasts5xtine, a long-time listener
United States3 months ago - Just fabulous, never stop
These are some of the best discussions on literature I’ve ever encountered, including at uni. The conversation between two thoughtful people is one of the best formats anyway. These dialogues aren’t quite Socratic, but they’re almost as good. With Seamus & Mark, the original two, the result is quite wonderful if you love literature & like to think about it. The fact that Mark is a functioning poet as well makes his insights a little different. The Jonathan Rae/James Wood series was also really g... more
Apple Podcasts5Barbary Duck
United Kingdom5 months ago - Superb podcast!
At college I majored in a hard science … but loved the humanities and always tried to keep up with literature. And now Close Readings helps me relive those texts, while introducing me to others. I so enjoy listening to these - very engaging and pitched at a level that’s easily accessible. Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5Ca from LA in PaUnited States5 months ago - Stop repeating words
London series would be great if it were not for the speaker constantly repeating words. Had to bail out, I’ll afraid, too annoying.
Apple Podcasts3doublledd
Australia6 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #65 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #177 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #2 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #10 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #56 |  Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #158 | Canada/Arts |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Close Readings
What is Close Readings about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Two-consultant style conversations explore literature through close readings of key works, often pairing scholars or critics to unpack texts with a mix of historical context, theory, and rich textual analysis. Episodes span poetry, novels, and essays, linking form, history, and culture while highlighting how readings illuminate larger ideas about society, art, and human experience. A distinctive feature is the scholarly yet accessible approach, with recurring guests from literary criticism and philosophy, plus themed multi-episode series and subscriber-exclusive strands that deepen the discussion. This setup is especially useful for listeners who want rigorous, idea-forward conversations that still feel human and exploratory, and for sponso... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Close Readings?
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How many listeners does Close Readings get?
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What are the audience demographics for Close Readings?
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How many subscribers and views does Close Readings have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Close Readings has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Close Readings?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Close Readings:
1. The LRB Podcast
2. London Review Bookshop Podcast
3. The TLS Podcast
4. Backlisted
5. Past Present Future
How many episodes of Close Readings are there?
Close Readings launched 4 years ago and published 224 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Close Readings?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Close Readings?
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What guests have appeared on Close Readings?
Recent guests on Close Readings include:
1. Markman Ellis
2. Patricia Lockwood
3. Tom McCarthy
4. Miranda Seymour
5. Vanessa Harding
6. Andy O'Hagan
7. Elif Batuman
8. Matthew Davies
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.