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1. A Journey Begins

Episode 1 of 5

4 Extra Debut. Inspired by his father, Edward Brooke-Hitching’s curiosity over books made him seek out many oddities. Read by Arty Froushan.

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 in five parts by Polly Coles.

Read by Arty Froushan.

Produced by Clive Brill

A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2021.

14 minutes

Last on

Tue 29 Apr 202503:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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2. Book Bindings

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Broadcasts

  • Mon 12 Jul 202109:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 13 Jul 202100:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 28 Apr 202508:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 28 Apr 202513:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 28 Apr 202519:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 29 Apr 202503:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra