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 | Twice weekly | Episodes | 188 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsEducation | |||
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Latest Episodes
SLOB is in Edinburgh for the International Book Festival. Join us on a walking tour of literary Edinburgh. From Mary Queen of Scots and James VI of Scotland, obsessed with witch hunts and an early anti-tobacco campaigner, to Muriel Spark and slum tou... more
This week SLOB went full steam ahead from London to Edinburgh, to appear live at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. We love classic books, and we love trains, so what better way to while away the 6 hour slow-train to Edinburgh than to record ... more
We’re aware that Chaucer’s epic poem Troilus and Criseyde written in the 1380s might be a tough sell to even the most devoted SLoB listener, but bear with us. Troilus and Criseyde is not a novel, but it bears a lot of features that we associate with ... more
Charlotte Higgins talks to Jonty about her new book, Ukrainian Lessons, which recounts her experiences the last four years reporting on the cultural life of a nation at war. Culture is never far from the front-line in time of conflict, but rarely mor... more
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- 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!
Now going thru every episode & the banter between these 2 is joyous! So wish that I had teachers like this when I was at school. Cannot recommend this podcast enough!
Apple Podcasts5JoanMCT
Australia24 days ago - Horrible voices
Interesting subject matter but I just can’t listen to these people’s voices. The woman’s is particularly awful!
Apple Podcasts2treskellAustraliaa month ago - I love SLOB!
A treat not to be missed, l love the erudition, and the enthusiasm that Sophie and Jonty bring to these always riveting episodes.
Apple Podcasts5Edgeworthier
United Kingdom2 months ago - One of my favorite podcasts
Thought-provoking, entertaining, the best
Apple Podcasts5Lover of books and podcasts
United States2 months ago - Love love love!!
I love SLOB. So grateful for Sophie and Jonty’s thoughtful discussions, deep knowledge, and conversational presentation. I feel like a world of literature has opened up to me thanks to their help.
Apple Podcasts5caseylee1111United States3 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #60 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #181 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #26 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #57 |  Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #72 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #154 | Canada/Arts |
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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 hosts explore classic and contemporary literature with deep contextual analysis, blending scholarly insight with playful banter. Each episode peels back the layers of a single book or author, tracing historical influences, production backstories, and the cultural impact of the work. Guests range from translators and critics to public leaders, enriching conversations with varied perspectives while maintaining a warm, accessible chemistry that helps both seasoned readers and newcomers discover new angles on familiar texts. A standout aspect is the show's ability to connect literary history to modern concerns—education, libraries, and the role of reading in public life—without losing sight of entertaining, thought-provoking discussion.
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How many listeners does Secret Life of Books get?
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What are the audience demographics for Secret Life of Books?
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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. Sydney Writers' Festival
How many episodes of Secret Life of Books are there?
Secret Life of Books launched 2 years ago and published 188 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. Charlotte Higgins
2. Emily Wilson
3. Pasquale Toscano
4. Julia Gillard
5. Mary Beard
6. Bret Walker
7. Janice Hadlow
8. Namwali Serpell
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