Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World

Spanish historian and philologist Vallejo’s (El infinito en un junco [Infinity in a Reed]) work exploring books, stories, and more takes listeners on a rich, 17 ½-hour journey, pleasingly narrated by Sophie Robert. This is a true saga of writing and reading, beginning before the titular papyrus was discovered and continuing to the modern day. Vallejo imparts fascinating bits of information that listeners may be excited to reveal to their friends. Although the subject matter may seem dauntingly academic, this book should appeal to casual listeners and scholars alike. Information is doled out in easily digestible anecdotes and presented as discrete sections rather than as complex layers building toward an esoteric thesis. It is less a dense analysis of writing and more a joyful exploration of reading. Robert captures this feeling perfectly, sounding energized by this stroll across history made possible by books. This audio ends up feeling like a conversation that can be revisited and continued whenever Robert stops by—which makes this an especially great listen to savor during a commute.