Close Readings
Books & Literature
About
Close Readings is a new multi-series podcast subscription 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 full episodes. Or for other podcast apps, sign up here: https://lrb.me/closereadings RUNNING IN 2026 'Who's afraid of realism?' with James Wood and guests 'Nature in Crisis' with Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith 'Na...
Episodes
- Nature in Crisis: 'Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth' by James Lovelock
This episode of Close Readings discusses James Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis, exploring its origins in the work of Lynn Margulis and Dian Hitchcock. It examines how the hypothesis explains processes like ecological competition and carbon diox…
- Who’s afraid of realism? ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’ by Leo Tolstoy
This episode of Close Readings discusses Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich." It examines Tolstoy's philosophical shift after a personal crisis, his narrative approach to bourgeois life, and the lasting impact of his realistic writing…
- The Man Behind the Curtain: ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley
In this episode of The Man Behind the Curtain, Tom McCarthy and Thomas Jones analyze Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein'. They explore the novel's origins, afterlives, and the systems it draws upon, such as the laws of nature, philosophy,…
- London Revisited: Plague, Rebellion and Guilds
This episode of Close Readings delves into the history of London, examining the city's development under Edward I, the devastating impact of the Black Death, and subsequent social and economic changes, including various rebellions and wars.
- Narrative Poems: ‘The Rape of the Lock’ by Alexander Pope
This episode discusses Alexander Pope's 'The Rape of the Lock,' a mock-epic poem written in 1712. It explores the poem's blend of classical styles with social satire, focusing on its origins in an aristocratic dispute and its humorous yet…
- Nature in Crisis: ‘The Burning Earth’ by Sunil Amrith
This episode of Close Readings discusses Sunil Amrith’s book, ‘The Burning Earth,’ which examines the historical origins of the environmental crisis. Meehan and Peter explore themes such as the "great acceleration," the impact of 18th-cent…
- Who’s afraid of realism? Three stories by Anton Chekhov
This episode of Close Readings features James Wood discussing Anton Chekhov's radical realism. He examines "Gusev," "The Bishop," and "The Lady with the Little Dog" to illustrate Chekhov's approach to character perception and use of signif…
- London Revisited: The Medieval Capital
In this episode, Rosemary and Matthew Davies trace the history of London from Roman ruins to a medieval capital. They discuss the city's development through invasions, projects, and power struggles, highlighting the establishment of Christ…
- Narrative Poems: ‘Paradise Lost’ (Book 9) by John Milton
This episode discusses John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' (Book 9), examining how Milton used various literary techniques to explore themes of temptation and free will. It highlights the poem's depiction of Satan and the lovers' confrontation w…
- Nature in Crisis: ‘Blue Machine’ by Helen Czerski
In this episode, Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith discuss Helen Czerski's book "Blue Machine," which explores the ocean as a planetary engine. They reflect on how the book has changed their understanding of the ocean and its role in su…
- Who’s afraid of realism? ‘Notes from Underground’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky
This episode of Close Readings discusses Dostoevsky's novella 'Notes from Underground.' It examines the psychological truths within the book and Dostoevsky's perspectives on rational egoism, influenced by his life experiences and intellect…
- London Revisited: Mosaics, Archers and a Walled Garden
This episode of Close Readings discusses the history of Roman London, focusing on its development after a fire in 125 AD, its decline following a plague in 165 AD, and its transformation with the construction of the London Wall. Dominic Pe…
- Narrative Poems: 'Venus and Adonis' and 'The Rape of Lucrece' by William Shakespeare
This episode of Close Readings examines William Shakespeare's narrative poems, 'Venus and Adonis' and 'The Rape of Lucrece'. The discussion covers Shakespeare's unique approach to Ovidian myth, his exploration of grief, and a depiction of…
- Nature in Crisis: ‘The Light Eaters’ by Zoë Schlanger
This episode of Close Readings explores Zoë Schlanger’s book "The Light Eaters." The discussion focuses on new research into plant behavior, considering concepts of plant agency and consciousness.
- Who’s afraid of realism? ‘Madame Bovary’ by Gustave Flaubert (part two)
In the second part of his analysis of 'Madame Bovary', James Wood examines the major episodes preceding Emma Bovary's death. He discusses how Flaubert’s use of cliché critiques the second-hand emotions and empty lives of the provincial bou…
- London Revisited: Roman Beginnings
Rosemary Hill and archaeologist Dominic Perring discuss the first century of Roman London, covering its founding around 48 AD, its early growth, and the developments leading up to the second century. The episode explores the city's Roman l…
- Narrative Poems: 'Hero and Leander' by Christopher Marlowe
Seamus and Mark discuss Christopher Marlowe’s 1598 narrative poem 'Hero and Leander' as part of a new series. They explore the poem's retelling of the Ovidian myth and its treatment of desire.
- Nature in Crisis: ‘Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson
In this episode of Close Readings, Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith discuss Rachel Carson's 1962 book, Silent Spring. They examine Carson's scientific contributions and prose style while exploring the book's lasting impact on environme…
- Who's afraid of realism? 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert (part one)
James Wood examines the emergence and techniques of literary realism through Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary. This episode covers the novel's narrative style and use of detail up to the encounter between Emma Bovary and Rodolphe Boulanger.
- The Man Behind the Curtain: ‘Don Quixote’ by Miguel de Cervantes
In this episode of the Close Readings bonus series, Tom McCarthy and Thomas Jones analyze Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote'. They explore the narrative, theoretical, and economic systems underpinning the novel.
- Novel Approaches: ‘New Grub Street’ by George Gissing
Clare Bucknell and Tom Crewe discuss George Gissing’s 1891 novel 'New Grub Street' in the final episode of the Novel Approaches series. They analyze the book's depiction of the London literary scene, character development, and unique style…
- Novel Approaches: ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens
Colin Burrow and Clare Bucknell join host Tom to discuss Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, examining the dark themes, social critique, and historical context of the text in this episode of the Novel Approaches series.
- Love and Death: Samuel Johnson, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Mick Imlah
Seamus and Mark analyze Samuel Johnson’s 'On the Death of Dr Robert Levet', comparing its style to Milton’s 'Lycidas'. They also discuss 'Felix Randal' by Gerard Manley Hopkins and 'Stephen Boyd, 1957-99' by Mick Imlah.
- Fiction and the Fantastic: A Taxonomy
Marina Warner, Adam Thirlwell, and Edwin Frank discuss the scope and definitions of fantastic literature. This live recording explores various canons, categorical exceptions, and the utility of the fantastic.
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf
Jonathan and James discuss Virginia Woolf’s 'To the Lighthouse', exploring it as both a philosophical novel and a study of creative expression and character dynamics. The episode considers various interpretations of the work, including its…
- Novel Approaches: ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ by Thomas Hardy
Mary Wellesley, Mark Ford, and Clare Bucknell discuss Thomas Hardy's novel The Mayor of Casterbridge. They analyze the work's connection to Shakespearean tragedy, realist fiction, and Hardy's themes of class, geography, and history.
- Next Year on Close Readings: Realism, Nature, Narrative Poems and a history of London
The Close Readings podcast announces four new series for the upcoming year: 'Who’s Afraid of Realism?', 'Nature in Crisis', 'Narrative Poems', and 'London Revisited'. Additionally, a bonus series titled 'The Man Behind the Curtain' will be…
- Love and Death: Thom Gunn and Paul Muldoon
In this episode of Close Readings, Seamus and Mark explore the elegiac poetry of Thom Gunn, particularly in the context of the AIDS epidemic, and compare his approach to the self-reflexive style of Paul Muldoon. The discussion examines spe…
- Fiction and the Fantastic: Two Novels by Ursula K. Le Guin
In this episode of Close Readings, Marina and Chloe discuss Ursula K. Le Guin’s novels 'The Left Hand of Darkness' and 'The Dispossessed' while examining her legacy as a writer of both genre and literary fiction.
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'The Sovereignty of Good' by Iris Murdoch
In this episode of Close Readings, Jonathan and James examine Iris Murdoch’s 1970 work, 'The Sovereignty of Good.' They discuss her exploration of moral labour, concepts of 'unselfing,' and her effort to define a rational unity of morality…
- Novel Approaches: ‘Kidnapped’ by Robert Louis Stevenson
Clare Bucknell, Andrew O’Hagan, and Tom Crewe discuss Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped. They examine the book's narrative technique, pacing, and themes of identity and social division.
- Love and Death: Elegies for Poets by Auden, Arnold and Schuyler
Seamus Perry and Mark Ford examine elegies written by Matthew Arnold, W.H. Auden, and James Schuyler. They discuss how these poets use the genre to explore their own perspectives on poetry rather than focusing solely on grief.
- Fiction and the Fantastic: J.G. Ballard and Angela Carter
Marina and Chloe explore the literary contributions of J.G. Ballard and Angela Carter, focusing on their challenge to traditional novel forms and their influence on science fiction. The discussion examines specific works by both authors an…
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'The Fall' by Albert Camus
This episode of Close Readings discusses Albert Camus’s novel 'The Fall'. Jonathan and James analyze the narrative of the judge-penitent, the nuances of the writing style, and Camus's relationship with existentialist contemporaries like Je…
- Novel Approaches: ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ by Henry James
Deborah Friedell and Colm Toíbín join host Tom to discuss Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady. The conversation explores James's literary influences, the development of the character Isabel Archer, the 1905-6 revisions, and the novel's th…
- Love and Death: 'Surge' by Jay Bernard and 'In Nearby Bushes' by Kei Miller
Mark and Seamus discuss Jay Bernard's 'Surge' and Kei Miller's 'In Nearby Bushes', exploring how both poets address collective violence through archival research and lyrical reflection. The episode examines how these works engage with them…
- Fiction and the Fantastic: ‘The Hearing Trumpet’ by Leonora Carrington
Marina and Chloe discuss Leonora Carrington’s 1974 novel, The Hearing Trumpet. They reflect on their personal knowledge of the artist and examine the book’s surrealist themes, humor, and visionary qualities.
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'The Ethics of Ambiguity' by Simone de Beauvoir
Jonathan and James discuss Simone de Beauvoir’s 'The Ethics of Ambiguity', exploring its themes of existential ambiguity, freedom, and personal responsibility. They also examine how these ideas connect to her other works, including 'The Se…
- Novel Approaches: ‘The Last Chronicle of Barset’ by Anthony Trollope
In this episode of Close Readings, Tom Crewe and Dinah Birch join Thomas Jones to discuss Anthony Trollope’s novel 'The Last Chronicle of Barset'. They examine the book's themes of social commentary, comedy, and pathos surrounding the myst…
- Love and Death: ‘Poems of 1912-13’ by Thomas Hardy
Mark Ford and Seamus Perry examine Thomas Hardy's 'Poems of 1912-13', written following the death of his first wife, Emma Gifford. The discussion explores how the collection functions as a reconfiguration of Emma while highlighting Hardy's…
- Fiction and the Fantastic: Stories by Jorge Luis Borges
Marina and Chloe explore the fiction of Jorge Luis Borges, focusing on his stories 'The Circular Ruins' and 'The Aleph'. They discuss the themes of dreams, mirrors, recursion, and labyrinths present in his work, as well as his influence on…
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'Sketch for a Theory of the Emotions' by Jean-Paul Sartre
Jonathan and James discuss Jean-Paul Sartre’s 'Sketch for a Theory of the Emotions' (1939), exploring his phenomenological approach to emotion and consciousness. The conversation also touches on Sartre’s broader works and his engagement wi…
- Novel Approaches: 'Our Mutual Friend' by Charles Dickens
Tom is joined by Rosemary Hill and Tom Crewe to discuss Charles Dickens's final completed novel, 'Our Mutual Friend'. They explore the book's social commentary, its stylistic flexibility, and its influence on late-Victorian literature.
- Love and Death: Family Elegies by Wordsworth, Lowell, Riley and Carson
Seamus and Mark examine family elegies by William Wordsworth, Robert Lowell, Denise Riley, and Anne Carson. They explore how each poet deviates from traditional mourning by challenging conventional elegiac forms and the concept of a cohere…
- Fiction and the Fantastic: ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley
Adam Thirlwell and Marina Warner discuss Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, exploring themes of science, monstrosity, death, and birth. They examine the novel's philosophical undercurrents and its lasting cultural legacy.
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'The Thing' by Martin Heidegger
In this episode of Close Readings, Jonathan and James analyze Martin Heidegger's 1950 lecture 'The Thing' ('Das Ding'). They discuss Heidegger's shift away from viewing the world as objective items and explore his perspectives on the natur…
- Novel Approaches: ‘The Mill on the Floss’ by George Eliot
Ruth Yeazell and Deborah Friedell join Tom to examine George Eliot’s 'The Mill on the Floss', discussing its autobiographical nature, the character of Maggie Tulliver, and the novel's exploration of gender and social duty.
- Love and Death: War Elegies by Whitman, Owen, Douglas and more
Mark and Seamus discuss war elegies spanning 160 years, examining how poems by authors like Walt Whitman, Wilfred Owen, and Michael Longley serve to memorialise the dead. This episode explores the shared legacy and artistic responses to co…
- Fiction and the Fantastic: Mikhail Bulgakov and James Hogg
Marina and Adam discuss James Hogg’s 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' and Mikhail Bulgakov’s 'The Master and Margarita'. They explore how both authors utilize the fantastical to examine fanaticism, including Calv…
- Conversations in Philosophy: 'The Will to Believe' by William James
Jonathan Rée and James Wood discuss William James's essay 'The Will to Believe,' exploring James's views on faith, his critiques of 19th-century atheism, his upbringing, and his essay 'Is life worth living?' The hosts also consider the par…