Dominic Sandbrook's New Podcast Aims to Revive Reading Amid 'Post-Literate Generation' Fears
Following his success in popularising history through The Rest is History podcast, co-host Dominic Sandbrook is now turning his attention to a new cultural challenge: the alarming decline in reading for pleasure across the UK. With his latest project, The Book Club podcast, Sandbrook hopes to reignite public interest in literature and stave off what he describes as a 'post-literate generation'.
Reading Rates in Freefall: A National Concern
Recent surveys paint a stark picture of dwindling engagement with books. In the UK, fewer than one in five children aged eight to 18 read on a daily basis, with teenage boys showing the sharpest decline. Compounding this issue, a separate poll reveals that half of all adults no longer read books for pleasure, often opting for social media instead. This trend towards 'post-literacy' is not confined to Britain; in the United States, the proportion of teenagers who 'hardly ever' read has surged from under 20% in 1985 to nearly 50% today, while daily readers have plummeted from almost 40% to just 10%.
The Broader Cultural Impact of Declining Literacy
The consequences of this shift extend beyond mere statistics. English literature degrees are experiencing rapid decline, and university lecturers frequently report that students struggle to read entire books. Cultural indicators further highlight the issue: once front-page news, Booker Prize winners now often go unrecognised by the public, and few contemporary authors under 50 achieve the stature of past literary giants like Martin Amis or Hilary Mantel.
Even cinematic adaptations, such as Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights, have been criticised as emblematic of the 'modern literacy crisis'. In a scathing review, film critic Clarisse Loughrey argued that such films cater to a culture that denigrates literature, prioritising distraction over intellectual expansion.
Historical Context and the Value of Reading
While some may argue that literacy is not essential—pointing out that many historical populations lived without reading—Sandbrook counters this view passionately. He emphasises that fiction offers unique imaginative escapes, allowing readers to experience diverse worlds and perspectives, from Hogwarts to antebellum America. This intimacy fosters empathy and critical thought, qualities vital for political pluralism and national identity, as noted by critic James Marriott.
The Book Club Podcast: A Rallying Cry for Literature
In response to these challenges, Sandbrook and producer Tabitha Syrett are launching The Book Club, a weekly podcast dedicated to celebrating storytelling. Launching on 17 February, the series will explore a range of works, from classics like The Great Gatsby to modern hits like Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses. Sandbrook aims not only to engage existing readers but also to attract those who have drifted away from books, demonstrating that literature is both enjoyable and enriching.
As Sandbrook warns, without intervention, reading risks becoming a niche hobby. His podcast represents a determined effort to preserve one of humanity's greatest creations, urging listeners not to miss out on the transformative power of books.
