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Book of the Week

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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: The Ecstasy of Influence

Book of the Week: The Ecstasy of Influence: Episode 3: Zelig of Notoriety

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

The Ecstasy of Influence

Episode 3

Episode 3: Zelig of Notoriety

Zelig of Notoriety

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, The Ecstasy of Influence, Zelig of Notoriety

In his third essay, American writer Jonathan Lethem ruminates on famous school friends.

In the third essay from his book The Ecstasy Of Influence, the American writer Jonathan Lethem ruminates on famous schoolfriends.

Jonathan Lethem is one of the most idiosyncratic voices in US literature. Before he became a published writer the New Yorker spent 15 years working in secondhand bookshops. His first published works were science fiction stories; before moving on to novels. His interests are eclectic: ranging from Bob Dylan to Marvel comics; Philip K. Dick to cyber culture.

The Ecstasy Of Influence is a collection of previously published pieces and new essays and is a provocative array of the writer's talent.

"One of the most emotionally engaging and intellectually nimble of contemporary novelists"
The Guardian

Reader: Kerry Shale
Abridger: Pete Nichols


Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Jonathan Letham wrestles with the role of the writer as public intellectual

Jonathan Letham wrestles with what he calls the 'white elephant' role of the writer as public intellectual and the way his own experiences have shaped his identity as a writer

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Book of the Week

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Episode 3: Zelig of Notoriety

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