other writing
reviews
NB by J.C. by James Campbell
The TLS’s anonymous diarist poked fun at the literary world for 23 years. A new book collects his funniest and sharpest columns.
Papyrus by Irene Vallejo
A mindboggling history of the earliest books.
television
I am a QI elf, researching material and writing scripts for the cult BBC panel show. I have worked on series T (2022-23) and series U (2023-24).
I was a literary consultant on series 2 of Harry Wild (2023) starring Jane Seymour.
I was a development researcher for Shine TV (2011-12), devising factual entertainment shows for major broadcasting channels.
quizzes
I wrote a weekly books quiz for the Telegraph between March 2020 and November 2021. I still contribute seasonal quizzes to the paper, especially at Christmas. More
I have devised immersive treasure hunts for Bloomberg L.P., the National Trust and several private clients.
features
Jack Kerouac
How Jack Kerouac’s dreams of being the American Proust were ruined by liquor.
Christmases in literature
Check your giblets, bark the carols but don’t speak to Santa! Your Christmas literary survival guide.
The Telegraph, 4 December 2021
What makes a classic?
Why today’s classic books may not be tomorrow’s.
The Spectator, 27 November 2021
Literary locations
The hottest literary travel locations (to visit when lockdown ends).
Long classics
How to read the longest classic books.
Literary pilgrimages
Six literary pilgrimages in the UK to plan for.
The art of getting lost on vacation
Why it’s a good idea to have no idea where you’re going.
Lesser-known classics
Tales of the unexpected: 10 literary classics you may not have read.
The Guardian, 26 November 2018
Blue plaques
Don’t attack plaques – they are vital signs of our collective imagination.
William Hazlitt
A country diarist walks the Vale of Llangollen.
The Guardian, 24 September 2018
Things to do in Soho
A whistle-stop tour of Soho’s best hangouts.
Condé Nast Traveller, 8 June 2018
Penguin Modern Classics
Designing Penguin Modern Classics (in three parts).
A local’s guide to Oxford
Discover the best of Oxford culture from those who know it best, including Philip Pullman, Colin Dexter and Richard Dawkins.