This is an introductory episode of Biblio in a slightly different format. Conceived as extracts from a reader’s journal this avatar of biblio will feature extracts from books and other literary material I have read or been reading. The first of these is from a book titled ‘Courting India’. Enjoy

This episode remembers Clifton Fadiman, author, broadcaster, public intellectual and the man who made it his life’s mission to make Americans read.

This episode is a tribute to my late teacher and the internationally known scholar of Russian History, Prof Hari Vasudevan. Prof Vasudevan was afflicted by covid and passed away on the 10th of May 2020.

In this episode I talk about the brilliant author, polymath and bibliophile Alberto Manguel and his absolutely splendid achievement- the Library at Night published in 2005. Its a book that's radically changed the way I've experienced libraries, read books and told stories.

In this episode I tell you the story of Pak Chong the remarkable proprietor of Malaysia's premier publishing house and book store- the Gerakbudaya. Pak Chong has been nominated this year as contender for the international publishing world's most prestigious award, the Prix Voltaire.

In this episode of Biblio I take you through a quick survey of literary and book podcasts listed by Penguin as their best this year. I want to draw your attention to the dominant format that drives these podcasts and ask if there's a space or more importantly a need for an alternative take on book podcasts and if Biblio could offer something different?

So today's episode is a tribute to a seller of antique books immortalized in a beloved classic titled ' 84 Charing Cross Road'. Published in 1970 this book is a collection of a series of correspondence between the author Helen Hanff and the proprietor of Marks and Co, Frank Doel.

So what is about the book that makes it so special?

This is a short introduction to my bi-weekly podcast Biblio. I hope to tell stories about people and institutions, ideas and practices that have helped us forge our intimate bonds with books.