Secret Life of Books
Sophie Gee and Jonty ClaypoleEvery book has two stories: the one it tells, and the one it hides.The Secret Life of Books is a fascinating, addictive, often shocking, occasionally hilarious weekly podcast starring Sophie Gee, an English professor at Princeton University, and Jonty Claypole, formerly director of arts at the BBC. Every week these virtuoso critics and close friends take an iconic book and reveal the hidden story ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 162 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksEducationArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
In April 1819, the poet John Keats, aged 23, told his brother George that he was done with poetry. A few days later, he smashed out the first poem in what is arguably the greatest streak in literary history, with "La Belle Dame Sans Merci." This was ... more
In 1751, a little-known Cambridge academic called Thomas Gray published “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” and became a household name. His poem was a funeral elegy about the sun going down over the graves of long-forgotten people whom Gray didn... more
A special collaboration between Sophie and the celebrated writer and podcaster Gretchen Rubin, of Happier with Gretchen Rubin, recorded live from New York City. Join Sophie and Gretchen on a literary pilgrimage to the Upper East Side of New York, whe... more
Talent shows like The X Factor, Got Talent and their many spin offs began in the 1380s, not the 1980s! They were invented by Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote his masterpiece The Canterbury Tales at the end of a successful and glamorous diplomatic career i... more
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Reviews
- Sophie
One of the best podcasts on books I have found. Exploring context, history and themes in an interesting and fascinating way. Well done Sophie and Jonty!
Apple Podcasts5Janette SP
Australia25 days ago - Amazing podcast
I’m completely addicted and live in fear of the day I finish the entire back catalogue.
Apple Podcasts5Egg91Australiaa month ago - Love Books
Thsi is a great podcast. Both Gee & Jonty are brilliant! I have just listened to the Bronte & Woolf series & I have already read the books & biographies of the writers but still learned so much. This podcast is such a joy & the presenters are such a blast! Love it! Love it!
Apple Podcasts5JoanMCTAustraliaa month ago - Superb
Thanks to both of you for such a brilliant series of podcast episodes. I really enjoy the ways in which you exchange your views and appreciate the amount of preparatory work you must do. The episodes on school life have been superb. I look forward to the college / uni novels.
Apple Podcasts5PineGroveCharlie
United Kingdoma month ago - Wonderful
I spent 30 years as a high school literature teacher and I am learning so much from this podcast. The hosts delve deeply into each work they focus on. Intelligent and vibrant discussions ensue. I look forward to each episode.
Apple Podcasts5myodharm
United Statesa month ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #98 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #17 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #26 |  Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #50 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #83 | Canada/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #2 | Australia/Arts/Books |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Secret Life of Books
What is Secret Life of Books about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Two close friends and critics take iconic books and pull back the curtain on their backstories: the people, motives, scandals, and hidden meanings that shape what we think we know. Each week they pair close-reading analysis with personal recollections, bringing literature to life through lively dialogue, playful framing devices, and context-rich discussion of authors, publishing history, and cultural moment. A distinctive element is the blend of rigorous analysis with warm rapport and accessible storytelling, plus recurring formats like theme-focused episodes and author-context deep-dives—often punctuated by affection for the craft of reading and teaching. The show's approachable, intellectually curious angle makes it a standout for listene... more
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Which podcasts are similar to Secret Life of Books?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Secret Life of Books:
1. Chat 10 Looks 3
2. The Book Show
3. The Bookshelf
4. A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard
5. Backlisted
How many episodes of Secret Life of Books are there?
Secret Life of Books launched 2 years ago and published 162 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on Secret Life of Books?
Recent guests on Secret Life of Books include:
1. Janice Hadlow
2. Namwali Serpell
3. Autumn Womack
4. Devoney Looser
5. James Runcie
6. Colm Tóibín
7. Rowan Tomlinson
8. Hermione Lee
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