The Secret Life

***The Secret Life of Books*** is a documentary television series that explores some of the most influential books in literature.

Each episode of _The Secret Life of Books_ focuses on a single work of literature. It examines the origins of the work, the life of its author, and how the book's themes and ideas continue to resonate today.

Originally aired in 2015, the show addresses the story behind great works of literature, and books' importance in culture and history.

## Concept

The series attempts to uncover the untold stories of famous books, looking at their influence on culture, politics, and personal lives.

The show often features interviews with authors, historians, and literary critics, providing a deep dive into both the physical and emotional aspects of these books.

The program is broadcast on BBC Four, with some episodes available on platforms like iPlayer and other streaming services. The series has also expanded into podcast format, providing an accessible way for listeners to engage with literary discussions.

## Episodes and topics

Episodes have covered a wide range of literary works, from classic novels to contemporary hits.

For example, an episode titled _The Secret Life of Jane Eyre_ explored Charlotte Brontë's classic novel and its impact on feminist literature. In another episode called _The Secret Life of The Great Gatsby_, the show analyzed F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic tale of excess and tragedy during the Jazz Age.

Another episode, _The Secret Life of The Bible,_ discusses the cultural and historical significance of the Bible across different eras and societies.

In addition to individual book explorations, the series has also addressed broader themes such as the history of publishing and the role of literature in shaping collective memory.

## Reception

_The Secret Life of Books_ has received praise for its content. Some readers have commended the show for its educational value and its ability to present complex literary ideas in a digestible format. However, some critics have noted that the show occasionally sacrifices depth for accessibility, particularly in episodes covering well-known works.

## Related Media

Alongside the TV series, *The Secret Life of Books* has expanded into other media formats:

- A podcast, available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, provides listeners with discussions and analyses of various literary works.

- Several books have been published related to the series, including *The Secret Life of Books* by Tom Mole (Waterstones) which offers an in-depth look at the history and importance of books in the modern world.

## References

- BBC - The Secret Life of Books

- Goodreads - The Secret Life of Books

- The Royal Society - The Secret Life of Books

- MIT Press - The Secret Life of Literature

- Amazon UK - The Secret Life of Books

- The Secret Life of Books Podcast

## Other websites

- Official Website

- Podcast on Apple Podcasts

- BBC Four Series Page

## Infobox (television)

- **italic title**: yes
- **show name**: The Secret Life of Books
- **image size**: 250px
- **image upright**: yes
- **image alt**: Title card for The Secret Life of Books
- **caption**: Title card
- **genre**: Documentary, Educational
- **developer**: BBC Four
- **writer**: Various
- **director**: Various
- **presenter**: Various (depending on the episode)
- **narrated**: Various
- **country**: United Kingdom
- **language**: English
- **producer**: BBC Four
- **location**: United Kingdom
- **cinematography**: Various
- **camera**: Single-camera
- **runtime**: ~30 minutes per episode
- **company**: BBC Productions
- **network**: BBC Four
- **released**: 2015
- **first aired**: 2015
- **last aired**: present