Episodes 62
Avg. Duration 28m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.0 (7)
Since Nov 2024
Latest Episode May 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
72%
Hosting
podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Presenter James Crawford looks at an author's latest work and delves further into their creative process by learning about the three other texts that have shaped their writing.

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Recent Episodes

Imani Thompson

May 31, 2026 28m

Imani Thompson speaks to Take Four Books about her debut novel Honey. Together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other literary works. In Honey, PhD student Yrsa…

Deborah Levy

May 24, 2026 28m

The award-winning writer Deborah Levy speaks to Take Four Books about her latest novel, My Year In Paris With Gertrude Stein, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its three key…

Katie Kitamura

May 17, 2026 30m

The American writer Katie Kitamura speaks about her Booker-shortlisted novel, Audition, and together with presenter James Crawford they explore its connections to three other literary works.Audition…

Amitav Ghosh

May 10, 2026 28m

Presenter James Crawford speaks to award-winning novelist Amitav Ghosh about his new book, Ghost Eye, and its three key literary influences.Ghost Eye is told through the memories and recollections of…

Gwendoline Riley

Apr 26, 2026 28m

The award-winning English writer Gwendoline Riley speaks to Take Four Books, about her new novel The Palm House, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its three influences.The…

Solvej Balle

Apr 19, 2026 28m

Presented by James Crawford Take Four Books speaks to the writer Solvej Balle from her home on an island off the coast of Denmark about her latest instalment of the 'On the Calculation of Volume'…

Jenni Fagan

Apr 12, 2026 28m

Scottish novelist and poet Jenni Fagan tells presenter James Crawford about her new novel, The Delusions, in which she takes readers to the afterlife - or, at least, to its entry portal. It is a…

Yann Martel

Mar 29, 2026 34m

The much-loved Canadian writer and former Booker Prize winner, Yann Martel, speaks to Take Four Books this week about his new novel, and first for a decade - Son Of Nobody - and together with…

Jan Carson

Mar 22, 2026 28m

Northern Irish writer and multi‑award‑winning novelist Jan Carson talks to James Crawford about her new book and the three key influences that shaped it.Her latest novel, Few and Far Between,…

Susan Choi

Mar 15, 2026 34m

The writer Susan Choi speaks to Take Four Books about her novel Flashlight, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other literary works.The novel, which…

Colm Tóibín

Mar 08, 2026 38m

The Irish writer Colm Tóibín speaks to Take Four Books about his new short story collection, The News From Dublin, and together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three…

John Lanchester

Feb 22, 2026 34m

Bestselling author John Lanchester speaks to Take Four Books about his latest novel Look What You Made Me Do. Together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other…

Jennifer Niven

Feb 15, 2026 28m

American author Jennifer Niven joins Take Four Books to discuss 'Meet the Newmans', her brand new novel that follows the lives of America’s favourite television family in 1964. On screen, they…

Bryan Washington

Feb 08, 2026 28m

The American writer Bryan Washington speaks to Take Four Books about his new novel, Palaver, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other literary works. …

Ali Smith

Jan 25, 2026 28m

Acclaimed author Ali Smith speaks to Take Four Books about her latest book, Glyph. Together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other literary works. Glyph tells a…

Rob Doyle

Jan 18, 2026 34m

The Irish writer Rob Doyle speaks to Take Four Books about his new novel Cameo, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other literary works. Cameo is the…

Makenna Goodman

Jan 11, 2026 28m

In this episode the American writer Makenna Goodman speaks to Take Four Books about her new novel, Helen Of Nowhere, and together with presenter James Crawford they explore its connections to three…

Andrew Michael Hurley

Dec 28, 2025 34m

Author Andrew Michael Hurley discusses his latest novel, Saltwash, a haunting tale of two terminally ill men whose paths cross in a run-down seaside town. Drawn into an unexpected reunion, they are…

Salman Rushdie

Dec 14, 2025 34m

Sir Salman Rushdie speaks to Take Four Books about his new collection of short fiction and together with presenter James Crawford they explore its connections to three other literary works. Arguably…

Jo Nesbø

Dec 07, 2025 28m

Presenter James Crawford speaks to bestselling crime writer and Norwegian novelist Jo Nesbø about his book, Wolf Hour - a standalone thriller set in Minneapolis, where a dysfunctional detective, Bob…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Take Four Books have?

Take Four Books has published 62 episodes since November 2024, covering topics in Arts, Books.

Is Take Four Books still active?

Take Four Books is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 28m.

How do I contact Take Four Books for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Take Four Books, including email and social media links.

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