Belle De Jour's History Of Anon

In this first programme, Brooke begins her exploration of anonymity. The word itself is derived from the Greek anonymia, without a name. Writers in antiquity often sought anonymity not as protection, but as a nod to the importance of their subject beyond its author's identity. From The Torah and Old Testament, texts have been composed, refined, and accepted over a period of centuries, the word more important than who said it (beyond the ultimate author, of course). Yet alongside the collectively written, and fabled authors, there were always anonymous texts, and as Brooke discovers, the reasons for that anonymity are complex and varied.

Brooke Magnanti, herself once an unnamed writer, explores anonymity through the ages.

Brooke Magnanti, author of the Belle de Jour blog, explores anonymity through the ages

A history of anonymity and why writers have sought it, as told by Brooke Magnanti, the real voice behind one of the 21st century's most famous anonymous texts, Belle de Jour's Diary of a London Call Girl. Brooke explores motivations for remaining masked and the lengths the anonymous have gone to in order to remain unnamed. She draws on her own experiences to reveal how the concept of anonymity has changed - and how both writers and readers have dealt with it. From life or death to trivial and bitchy, juggling open disclosure with the withholding of vital information, Brooke shows us that whilst we may not know their names, the anonymous have long shaped our worldview.

Today, Brooke reveals the varied, complex and often mischievous reasons for which authors have hidden their names. Reflecting on today's hunger for details of writers' interior lives, and readers' demands for authentic voices, she asks what impact audiences have had on unnamed writers, and wonders whether we are less accepting of anonymity than our book-loving forebears.

Brooke Magnanti reveals the mixed and mischievous reasons authors have hidden their names.

Brooke Magnanti, author of the Belle de Jour blog, explores anonymity through the ages

A history of anonymity and why writers have sought it, as told by Brooke Magnanti, the real voice behind one of the 21st century's most famous anonymous texts, Belle de Jour's Diary of a London Call Girl. Brooke explores motivations for remaining masked and the lengths the anonymous have gone to in order to remain unnamed. She draws on her own experiences to reveal how the concept of anonymity has changed - and how both writers and readers have dealt with it. From life or death to trivial and bitchy, juggling open disclosure with the withholding of vital information, Brooke shows us that whilst we may not know their names, the anonymous have long shaped our worldview.

Some of the most celebrated female authors of all time were first published under a pseudonym. But was it modesty, convention, or to pique curiosity that led the likes of Jane Austen, the Brontes and George Eliot to assume alternative identities? Brooke takes a look at the writings and reputations of anonymous women, from canonical greats to sexual memoirs. And she draws on the reaction to her own experiences to explore the reader's fascination with unnamed women, considering the conflicts of being open and revealing, whilst keeping the ultimate secret.

Brooke Magnanti explores the reasons that women have written under assumed names.

Brooke Magnanti, author of the Belle de Jour blog, explores anonymity through the ages

A history of anonymity and why writers have sought it, as told by Brooke Magnanti, the real voice behind one of the 21st century's most famous anonymous texts, Belle de Jour's Diary of a London Call Girl. Brooke explores motivations for remaining masked and the lengths the anonymous have gone to in order to remain unnamed. She draws on her own experiences to reveal how the concept of anonymity has changed - and how both writers and readers have dealt with it. From life or death to trivial and bitchy, juggling open disclosure with the withholding of vital information, Brooke shows us that whilst we may not know their names, the anonymous have long shaped our worldview.

Anonymity can be valuable - a means of challenging an accepted view, of speaking out without reprisal. But it is a double-edged sword - anonymous commentary can also be brutal and malicious. Brooke explores the complicated relationships between anonymity, accountability and reputation.

Brooke Magnanti explores the anonymous voice in criticism and commentary.

Brooke Magnanti, author of the Belle de Jour blog, explores anonymity through the ages

A history of anonymity and why writers have sought it, as told by Brooke Magnanti, the real voice behind one of the 21st century's most famous anonymous texts, Belle de Jour's Diary of a London Call Girl. Brooke explores motivations for remaining masked and the lengths the anonymous have gone to in order to remain unnamed. She draws on her own experiences to reveal how the concept of anonymity has changed - and how both writers and readers have dealt with it. From life or death to trivial and bitchy, juggling open disclosure with the withholding of vital information, Brooke shows us that whilst we may not know their names, the anonymous have long shaped our worldview.

Here, Brooke ponders the impact of anonymity on the anonymous themselves. She speaks to other people who have used anonymity about their experiences and the different ways in which they have played with the concept - and finds out what happened when they were unmasked.

Brooke Magnanti considers modern pseudonyms and managing personas.

Brooke Magnanti, author of the Belle de Jour blog, explores anonymity through the ages