5. Prodigy Books, Insects and Record Breakers

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 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

Concluded by Arty Froushan

Producer: Clive Brill

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