The Common Reader

Publicly listed emails

commonreader@substack.com

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James Marriott and the Death of Civilization

October 07, 2026

Obviously, this is mostly about the literacy crisis, whether we understand it properly, whether it is happening in Spain, whether the PISA data supports James’ thesis, and so on. I began by asking James Marriott how things might work out for the best…OLIVER: So the book is about the reading crisis and the risk it poses to liberal democracy. I want you to tell me, what is the most likely optimistic outcome? You might think that the odds of everything going well are very low, but if we do scrap...

Philip Hensher: How Can You Kill a Book Like That?

September 02, 2026

Philip Hensher and I discussed the history of the novel in Britain from Defoe to Hollinghurst. Philip is remarkably well-read and happy to share his real opinions. He can go from Swift to Fitzgerald on the turn of a pin, isn’t shy about holding his ground, and has some very firm views. People who read novels are protected against becoming violent. Ideas are not important in most novels. Walter Scott isn’t very good. Arnold Bennett is a top 20 novelist. Rachel Cusk has the best chance of being...

Zena Hitz: Gulliver's Travels and the Failures of Human Understanding

June 03, 2026

What a lot of fun I had talking to Zena Hitz about Gulliver’s Travels. As well as discussing Swift, slavery, genocide, rationality, Christianity, and science, Zena told me that good philosophy is like a box of cake mix and that a liberal education requires you to be freed of false expertise. I also took Zena on a detour to discuss Iris Murdoch, the Catherine Project, and modern philosophy. TRANSCRIPTHENRY OLIVER: Today I am talking to Zena Hitz. Zena is a tutor at St. John’s College. She is a...

Burn Your Draft · Very low booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

The Gutenberg Podcast · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

Ars Libri · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

The Inside Flap · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

The Fitzcarraldo Editions Archive · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

How do I get in touch with The Common Reader?

The Common Reader is hosted by Henry Oliver. Its publicly listed email is commonreader@substack.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for The Common Reader?

The publicly listed email for The Common Reader: commonreader@substack.com.

How many listeners does The Common Reader have?

Podseeker estimates The Common Reader reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for The Common Reader?

The Common Reader typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Scholars or public-facing literary/cultural writers with expertise in canonical literature (e.g., classic novels, major authors, literary history), often with published books and an established public platform (e.g., Substack/newsletters, academia, or well-known thought leadership on literature). Common among recent guests: Published book(s) on a major literary figure or text; Academic or institutional affiliation (e.g., college tutor/lecturer); Public platform (e.g., Substack or notable public presence). Recent guests include Zena Hitz and Laura Thompson.

How hard is it to get booked on The Common Reader?

Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.

What topics does The Common Reader cover?

Recent episodes cover Literature, Philosophy, Literary Criticism, Classics, and Books. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

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