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The Secret Life of Books
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Series 1

The Secret Life of Books

Six classic British 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.

On iPlayer

Not available

Supporting Content

  • Learn More with The Open University

    • Delve deeper into the stories behind the celebrated authors from Series 1
    • Visit the OU’s home of free learning site, OpenLearn and discover a wealth of further information
  • Marvels of the Manuscript

  • Learn more with The Open University

  • Alexandra Harris visits Monk’s House, Virginia Woolf’s home in Sussex — Mrs Dalloway

    Duration: 1:28
  • Alexandra Harris on Virginia Woolf and her creation of a new kind of novel after the First World War — Mrs Dalloway

    Duration: 1:27
  • Prof Alice Roberts recounts Mary Shelley’s conception of Frankenstein at the Villa Diodati, Geneva — Frankenstein

    Duration: 2:51
  • Professor Alice Roberts explores Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein — Frankenstein

    Duration: 2:26
    See all clips

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