Books Podcast: The joy of indexes

On this week’s Books Podcast, I’m joined by the scholar Dennis Duncan to talk about a subject that’s very dear to both of our hearts: that neglected few pages at the back of any book — the Index. In the wake of last week’s National Indexing Day, we talk about the ancient history of indexes and indexing, their vital importance to scholars, the surprising role they have had in the intellectual dogfighting of the Enlightenment… and where you might find an entry for “Peterhouse: shocking goings-on there, 85, 87-9, 107-8; four revolting fellows of, 109; main source of perverts, 103″…

It’s a fascinating if obscure part of the book-world, and one well worth your attention. You can listen to our conversation here:

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