The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 FM

The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching: Episode 5

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching, Episode 5

The proliferation of "Prodigy" books and the first book to detail insects - Micrographia.

The proliferation of "Prodigy" books and the first book to detail insects - Micrographia. The shortest poem in history and the longest, largest and smallest books.

Edward Brooke-Hitching's father was an antiquarian book dealer. So began his fascination, leading to a unique journey through the entire history of literature, delving into its darkest territories to hunt down the very strangest books ever written, and uncover the stories behind their creation.

This is a madman’s library of eccentric and extraordinary volumes from around the world, many of which have been completely forgotten. Books written in blood and books that kill, books of the insane and books that hoaxed the globe, books invisible to the naked eye and books so long they could destroy the Universe, books worn into battle, books of code and cypher whose secrets remain undiscovered… and a few others that are just plain weird.

Abridged by Polly Coles
Reader: Arty Froushan
Produced by Clive Brill.
A Brill 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.

Audiobooks

Factual

Edward Brooke-Hitching's father was an antiquarian book dealer. So began his fascination.

Book of the Week. Edward Brooke-Hitching's father was an antiquarian book dealer. Edward's curiosity over books makes him seek out those oddities seemingly beyond category.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching

Episode 5

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4