Q&A with John Carey, author of The Unexpected Professor

How does it feel to reach the longlist for the Samuel Johnson Prize?

Wonderful and a bit intimidating. It's a great honour.

What research did you do for writing your book?

It's a memoir so I did a lifetime's research.

How do you feel about the status/ popularity of non-fiction books in general?

I review non-fiction regularly and I think it's going through a very strong period - stronger than fiction.

What is your favourite non-fiction book and why?

George Orwell's Collected Essays, Letters and Journalism - because he is the greatest non-fiction writer of the 20th century, and an example to follow.

What are you working on next?

Still thinking about it.

John Carey is the author of The Unexpected Professor (Faber and Faber)

Photo: credit Matt Writtle