The Hatchards Podcast

In this special Advent Calendar mini-episode, we were joined by Clare Jackson, author of Devil Land, an epic chronicle of England during its bloody 17th century, perhaps the most turbulent time in its history. Jackson spoke to us gleefully about the negative perceptions of England held throughout the world during this period, and whether parallels could be drawn between this country in the 17th century and our current state of affairs today. Devil Land can be purchased in an exclusive signed edition on our website. We hope you enjoy another wine-infused conversation from our bustling Christmas Evening at Hatchards. Happy Christmas!

Hosted by Ryan Edgington and Matt Hennessey.

In this special Advent Calendar mini-episode, we were joined by the art historian Philip Hook, who has spent much of his career as an impressionist and modern art expert at Sotheby's. Hook has sold many of the major paintings from that period including Edvard Munch's The Scream. His new book, ART OF THE EXTREME, takes place in the years running up to the First World War, where all of the major "-isms" (i.e. Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism) began to take shape. He examines these movements against the popular art of the day, making a powerful case for the importance of ignoring conventional thought and forging new paths forward. We hope you enjoy another wine-infused conversation from our bustling Christmas Evening at Hatchards. Happy Christmas!

Hosted by Ryan Edgington and Matt Hennessey.

In this episode, we were visited by one of Britain's greatest living novelists, William Boyd. Boyd's latest book "Trio" follows three characters on the set of a swinging sixties film set in Brighton in 1968. This zany film and its wafer-thin premise are rendered instantly obsolete by the spirit of the times. Boyd spoke to us about his retrospective feelings regarding the 60s, his career as a screenwriter, his thoughts on chasing the zeitgeist, and a little bit about James Bond! We hope you enjoy this spirited chat with a remarkable literary talent.

Hosted by Ryan Edgington and Matt Hennessey.

We were delighted to welcome icon of British comedy, John Cleese, as our guest on the inaugural Hatchards Podcast.

He discussed his recent book Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide – a brisk, insightful challenge to the idea that creativity is an inherent trait that cannot be learned or finessed.

Drawing on personal experience from his long and illustrious career, and peppered with anecdotes about his own (and others) creative process, the book is an unpretentious, accessible, breezily companionable primer for anybody who has ever wondered about the mysterious nature of inspiration, or how ideas are formed, shaped and turned into art of any kind. His practical, unfussy advice should give solace to anyone who has ever struggled over a blank piece of paper or wondered just how their heroes do it.

Hosted by Ryan Edgington and Matt Hennessey.