The Idler Academy
of Philosophy, Husbandry and Merriment
A Drink with the Idler | Simon Garfield on the History of the Pen
Join "A Drink with the Idler" as we interview author Simon Garfield about the intriguing history of the pen.
A Drink with the Idler | Carlo Rovelli on the Equality of All Things
Join "A Drink with the Idler" as we interview writer and theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli about the strangeness of reality through the lens of modern physics.
A Drink with the Idler | Joad Raymond Wren on The Uses of Utopia
Join "A Drink with the Idler" as we interview writer and historian Joad Raymond Wren about the utopias that have been dreamt up throughout history – and how we can apply them now.
A Drink with the Idler | Sarah Clegg on Perilous Enchantment
Join "A Drink with the Idler" as we interview author Sarah Clegg about the curious and real history of the creatures that have beguiled, tricked, terrified, seduced and enchanted us for millennia.
A Drink with the Idler | Thomas W. Laqueur on The Dog’s Gaze
Join "A Drink with the Idler" as we interview cultural historian Thomas W. Laqueur about the role dogs play in some of the greatest works of art.
A Drink with the Idler | Michael Pollan on Consciousness
Join "A Drink with the Idler" as we chat to Michael Pollan on the mysteries of thoughts, feelings, and our sense of self.
Showing all 11 results
An Introduction to Borges with Henry Eliot
Literature
Join Henry Eliot for this introductory guide to the life and work of Jorge Luis Borges.
An Introduction to Italian Literature with Henry Eliot
Literature
Pull up a chair, raise a negroni and join author and editor Henry Eliot on a sun-drenched tour of the very best of Italian literature.
An Introduction to Medieval English Literature with Henry Eliot
Literature
An engaging guide to the best English literature of the Middle Ages, from Beowulf to the Canterbury Tales
Dante’s Divine Comedy in 100 Images with Mark Vernon
Literature
Join Mark Vernon on a richly illustrated journey through hell, purgatory and paradise to mark the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death
The Idler Guide to Paradise Lost with Anna Beer
Literature
The Idler Guide to Paradise Lost with Anna Beer
Of all the major English poets,The Life and Work of Tolstoy with A.N. Wilson
Literature
Learn about the life and work of Tolstoy in this six-part course with historian and biographer A.N. Wilson
The Life and Works of Charles Dickens, Series One: Young Celebrity
Online course
Henry Eliot describes the early career of Charles Dickens, his first literary adventures and his meteoric rise to celebrity
The Life and Works of Charles Dickens, Series Three: Dark Genius
Online course
Henry Eliot explores the great late masterpieces of Charles Dickens, describing how his personal relationships affected them
The Life and Works of Charles Dickens, Series Two: Social Critic
Online course
Henry Eliot presents the second act in the prodigious career of Charles Dickens: his novels, travels and attacks on Victorian society
What Matters in Jane Austen with Professor John Mullan
Online course
Professor John Mullan shows us what matters in Jane Austen.
William Blake in 42 Images with Mark Vernon
Literature
William Blake in 42 Images: The Life and Lessons of an English Visionary, with
