A podcast for people who believe books are beautiful as objects and ideas — to be discussed.
Hosted by writer and biblio-tourist Nigel Beale The Biblio File explores the world of print culture through long-form conversations with authors, editors, publishers, designers, critics, collectors…
The archive offers hours of listening pleasure, packed with wisdom from best practitioners — from writer to reader — who live and work in the world of books
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Episode
Bloomsbury's Nigel Newton on Gold-Digging, Fast Cars, Friendship, and Finding Harry Potter
THE BIBLIO FILE PODCAST
About the Podcast
& How It Started
In 2006, after years working successfully in the feature news creation and distribution business, I decided to stop, and start thinking, writing and talking (listening too) full-time about what truly matters to me: books, travel, collecting, connecting with like-minded human beings, photographing used bookstores before they all disappear.
I wanted to learn as much as I could about “the book,” and my fascination with it, and decided that the best way to do this would be to interview ‘best practitioners’ along Robert Darnton’s ‘communications circuit.’
That’s how The Biblio File began — as a one-man project (first as a radio show, then as a podcast) to document the book at the turn of the 21st century. Two decades and more than 650 interviews later, and I now have an archive which provides a panoramic overview of the English-speaking world’s book culture. It features in-depth discussion about everything imagine to do with books — from writers’ inspirations to printer’s impressions, publishers’ ideals to designers’ sensibilities, booksellers’ strategies to readers’ responses.
LISTENERS REVIEWS
What those who know books are saying
Listen to the latest
Lend me your ears.
Think of this as one small part of the grand conversation - discussions you can listen to about books, ideas they generate, and the people who create them. Here you’ll find the latest episodes. They feature the voices of writers, editors, publishers, critics, and collectors from around the world. Whether you’re here for guidance or entertainment, insight or intellectual stimulation, — pour yourself something smooth and settle in. These voices are worth listening to.
Listen to the lot
Conversations that examine "the book" and inquire into the wider world of print culture: inspiration, expression, impression.
Each episode is an invitation to slow down and think deeply about how culture is created and communicated, to listen to the people who create and craft sentences and ideas, produce and reproduce art and design. Whether you’re a reader, writer, designer or curious observer, The Biblio File offers thoughtful insight, unfiltered opinion, good gossip, valuable assessments and fruitful exchanges. It’s equal parts salon and study hall — where ideas are explored, not summarized. Opinions are grappled with, not espoused.
Featured Episodes
A Few Conversations Worth Bookmarking
With more than 650 episodes in the archive, there’s plenty to explore. Here are a few highlights that capture the range and spirit of The Biblio File:
Margaret Atwood – On the Non-Role of Writers
Daniel Mendelsohn – On the Role of the Critic
Pamela Paul – On her Role as Books Editor at The New York Times
Martin Amis – on his new novel Inside Story
Don’t Miss an Episode
Stay Curious.
Stay Connected.
New episodes of The Biblio File drop regularly — subscribe wherever you listen, or join the newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes notes, and reading recommendations. Whether you’re tuning in from a train, a café, your study, or a quiet corner of the local bookshop, consider this your invitation to think a little deeper about books.