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The Common Reader

Henry Oliver
Shakespeare
Capitalism
Iris Murdoch
Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand
The Sea, the Sea
George Eliot
Jane Austen
Love
Masculinity
Narcissism
Literature
Libertarianism
Collectivism
Individualism
Leo Tolstoy
Thomas De Quincey
Muriel Spark
Middlemarch
Economics

Literary discussion www.commonreader.co.uk

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes30Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsSociety & CultureBooks

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Artwork for The Common Reader

Latest Episodes

I was delighted to talk to Rhodri Lewis, author of Shakespeare’s Tragic Art. We discussed Shakespeare’s most under appreciated plays, the best films, how to teach Shakespeare, humanism, personae, Frank Kermode, the future of the humanities, being sup... more

My thanks to Catherine Lacey for a great discussion!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.commonreader.co.uk/subscribe

Frances Wilson has written biographies of Dorothy Wordsworth, Thomas De Quincey, D.H. Lawrence, and, most recently, Muriel Spark. I thought Electric Spark was excellent. In my review, I wrote: “Wilson has done far more than string the facts together.... more

Victoria Moul has been reading and memorising poetry since she was nine. She recites it at the dentist (‘Aubade’, rather alarmingly) and she recited poems all through her labours when she gave birth. We talked about all sorts of poetry, from ancient ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Catherine Lacey
Famous novelist and substack writer
Episode: Video of my discussion with Catherine Lacey about Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The Sea
Clare Carlisle
Philosopher at King's College London and biographer.
King's College London
Episode: Clare Carlisle: George Eliot's Double Life.
Natasha Joukovsky
Novelist and Substack writer who consults at Accenture.
Accenture
Episode: Natasha Joukovsky: literature, capitalism, and Jane Austen.

Host

Henry
Host focusing on literary discussions with authors and scholars, often providing insights into various themes across literature.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 22 ratings
  • Incredibly refreshing

    Podcasts are almost entirely hosted by gawping clowns desperately trying to flog their lame jokes and feeble opinions. This is so totally unlike anything else I have heard on a podcast platform - the closest thing I can liken it to is The Rest is History. But minus the slightly tedious joshing. And it’s serious - unashamedly concerned with literature and the aesthetic. Quite unsuited to the times, and one of the reasons I like it so much.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dfg 325
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Great literary podcast, with a techy twist

    Love the lack of faff, the great questions (second best after Tyler imho), and fantastic guests who I’ve not usually heard of. Keep going Henry!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Flaahton2003
    United Kingdom9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the depth and seriousness of literary discussions, distinguishing this show from more casual or comedic podcasts. Feedback highlights a great selection of guests and thought-provoking questions, adding to the quality of engagement.
The tone is recognized for its refreshing lack of superficiality, making it appealing to those seeking substantial conversations in literature.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#221
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#225
Canada/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Lamorna Ash. Don't Forget We're Here Forever
Q: Did you read any religious texts for your book? What were the big surprises for you?
I was surprised by the depth of the Psalms which contain so much uncertainty and anguish and the narratives allow for personal interpretation.
Lamorna Ash. Don't Forget We're Here Forever
Q: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the future of writing and literature and books?
I'm worried about my concentration span and the reading rates of the generation below me, yet I still feel excited by the contemporary literary landscape.
Lamorna Ash. Don't Forget We're Here Forever
Q: What was it like when you worked at the Times Literary Supplement?
It was an amazing introduction to mostly contemporary fiction, but also so many other forms of writing I didn't know about.
Clare Carlisle: George Eliot's Double Life.
Q: How sympathetic should we be to Mr. Casaubon?
Clare expresses sympathy for Mr. Casaubon, seeing his vulnerabilities and how he is portrayed through Dorothea's perspective.
Clare Carlisle: George Eliot's Double Life.
Q: What did George Eliot learn from Spinoza?
Eliot learned a lot from Spinoza, particularly his idea of interconnectedness, which influenced her views on individuality and relationships.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Common Reader

What is The Common Reader about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging deeply with literary works, this podcast showcases extensive conversations with authors and literary scholars, exploring themes in classic and contemporary literature. Episodes often cover significant topics such as the intricacies of Shakespearean plays, the influence of historical contexts on literary figures, and the connection between literature and modern societal issues. Unique discussions highlight the intersection of literature and philosophy, providing listeners with profound insights into the human experience through the lens of various texts. The thoughtful examination of a wide array of literary figures invites both avid readers and casual listeners to contemplate the relevance of literature in today's world.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Common Reader?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Common Reader:

1. Conversations with Tyler
2. The Marginal Revolution Podcast
3. Dwarkesh Podcast
4. The LRB Podcast
5. Past Present Future

How many episodes of The Common Reader are there?

The Common Reader launched 3 years ago and published 30 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 The Common Reader?

Recent guests on The Common Reader include:

1. Catherine Lacey
2. Clare Carlisle
3. Natasha Joukovsky

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