A podcast for people who believe books are beautiful, as objects, and as 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, and collectors. The backlist offers hours of listening full of lessons from best practitioners who live and work all along the ‘communications circuit’ — from writer to reader.
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Scott McIntyre and the Brutal Reality that is Canadian Publishing
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 (and listening) full-time about what truly matters to me: books, travel, collecting, and photographing used bookstores before they all disappear.
I wanted to learn as much as I could about “the book” and decided that a good 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 a podcast) to document the book at the turn of the 21st century. Two decades and more than 650 interviews later, and the archive now provides a panoramic overview of the English speaking world’s book culture. It features in-depth discussion about everything from the writers’ inspiration to the printer’s presses, publishers’ ideals to designer sensibilities, booksellers’ strategies to reader responses.
LISTENERS REVIEWS
What those who know books are saying
"The Biblio File is an extraordinary, eclectic audio archive of writers, publishers, booksellers, librarians, the whole international book trade. Nigel Beale has achieved this through doggedness, professionalism, decency and an ambition to capture the essence of the world’s literary community. It is a huge achievement and will only grow in significance and value as years pass. It completely overshadows all other such enterprises."
— Richard Charkin, former Chief Executive of Macmillan Publishers Limited and Executive Director of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck. 2015-17 President of the International Publishers Association
"I very much enjoyed our conversation. Your knowledge of the story of publishing, the current questions facing publishers, and specifically the long and recent history of Faber & Faber, bears testament to your expertise, vocation and deep interest in the story of reading and writing seen particularly through an industry lens. If it's valuable now, which it is, in the future it will be an essential archive of our febrile times, and of publishing in the second half of the twentieth century. Keep doing it!"
— Stephen Page, Chair of Faber & Faber, one of world's leading independent publishers, after having been Chief Executive for 20 years.
"Nigel Beale is one of the sharpest readers and reviewers of our age. His profound knowledge of every aspect of the literary business is carried with grace and charm in podcasts that will delight all who read."
— Author and political analyst David Frum
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.