The Secret Life of Books

The Secret Life of Books (2014-2016)

EndedDocumentary show

Classic books are considered with a fresh eye. Returning to the authors' original manuscripts and letters, expert writers and performers bring their personal insights to these great works.

In the new series of The Secret Life of Books, we explore another eclectic selection of literary masterpieces: a memoir of drug addiction, an epic Elizabethan poem, a collection of nonsense verse, a Victorian classic, a children's adventure tale, and a nostalgic hymn to rural life.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday at 20:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

The Water-Babies
Season 3Episode 230 min

The Water-Babies

Written in 1862 by the Reverend Charles Kingsley, The Water-Babies tells the story of a young chimney sweep called Tom who finds redemption amongst the pulsing life of the open ocean when he is transformed into an aquatic creature. Church of England vicar and former pop star Reverend Richard Coles dives beneath the surface of this children's classic to reveal the revolutionary science behind the story, the influence it had on social reform in Victorian England, and how the author's racist viewpoints impacted its reputation.

Charles Kingsley was a man of endless contradictions - as changeable as the tide. He was a passionate outdoorsman who had to lock himself away during bouts of depression; an inspirational public speaker who suffered from a lifelong stammer; a social reformer who distrusted democracy; and a sensitive scholar with the instincts of a street-fighter. And his most famous book, The Water-Babies, is every bit as eccentric and utterly compelling as he was.

Richard finds out how the book was born out of a sense of outrage at the suffering of young sweeps, and how its popular success led to a change in the law. He grapples with the dark side of The Water-Babies, exploring how the book's 'muscular Christianity' was tainted by racial prejudice. And he discovers how, at the same time, Kingsley's classic contained a sense of feminine spirituality seemingly at odds with whiskery Victorian stereotypes.

Richard meets author and geneticist Prof Steve Jones to discuss the close friendship between Charles Kingsley and Charles Darwin, whose On the Origin of Species Kingsley had been one of the first to praise. He also talks to fellow Church of England priest Reverend Marie-Elsa Bragg about the book's mystical, mysterious side, and visits the Hampshire rectory where Kingsley wrote the first chapter of the work in half an hour under the insistence of his young son.

Jul 11, 2016

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S03E02The Water-BabiesJul 11, 2016
S03E01Five Children and ItJul 4, 2016
S02E06Swallows and AmazonsNov 17, 2015
S02E05Cider with RosieNov 10, 2015
S02E04Confessions of an English Opium EaterNov 3, 2015
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the premiere episode of The Secret Life of Books air?

The first episode of The Secret Life of Books aired on September 16, 2014.

What is the concept of The Secret Life of Books?

The Secret Life of Books is a documentary series that explores the history, influence, and hidden stories behind famous works of literature.

Who are the target audiences of The Secret Life of Books?

The Secret Life of Books is suitable for audiences interested in literature, history, and documentary series.

How many episodes were produced for The Secret Life of Books?

There were six episodes produced for The Secret Life of Books.

Who are the hosts of The Secret Life of Books?

The Secret Life of Books does not have a host.

What literary works are covered in The Secret Life of Books series?

The Secret Life of Books covers a range of literary works, including Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dracula, Brave New World, and A Christmas Carol.

Who narrates The Secret Life of Books?

The Secret Life of Books does not have a narrator.

Who produced The Secret Life of Books?

The Secret Life of Books was produced by Oxford Film and Television.

How long is each episode of The Secret Life of Books?

Each episode of The Secret Life of Books is approximately one hour long.

What is the production quality of The Secret Life of Books?

The production quality of The Secret Life of Books is high, with well-researched information and visually stunning shots.

What is the format used in The Secret Life of Books?

The Secret Life of Books uses a combination of on-location interviews, dramatizations, and historical re-enactments to bring the stories of the literature to life.

How popular is The Secret Life of Books?

The popularity of The Secret Life of Books is not mentioned on the epguides.tv website.

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