The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better

· William Collins · Narrated by Will Storr
2 reviews
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7 hr 4 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

**INCLUDES NEW MATERIAL**

‘If you want to write a novel or a script, read this book’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘The best book on the craft of storytelling I’ve ever read’ MATT HAIG

‘A masterpiece. I am in awe’ ADAM RUTHERFORD

Why stories make us human and how to tell them better.

There have been many attempts to understand what makes a good story – but few have used a scientific approach.

In this incisive, thought-provoking book, award-winning writer Will Storr demonstrates how master storytellers manipulate and compel us.

Applying dazzling psychological research and cutting-edge neuroscience to the foundations of our myths and archetypes, he shows how we can use these tools to tell better stories – and make sense of our chaotic modern world.

‘A hugely compelling reading experience. Storr’s superb exploration of the enduring appeal of the novel offers a smart, fascinating exploration of the science and psychology behind our most sophisticated art form that also works as an effective how-to guide’ OBSERVER

‘It is clear, compelling and tightly shaped around one fascinating and productive idea ... Storr wants to free writers from programmatic, plot-based writing guides, and his approach feels liberating’ SUNDAY TIMES

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER **INCLUDES NEW MATERIAL** ‘If you want to write a novel or a script, read this book’ SUNDAY TIMES ‘The best book on the craft of storytelling I’ve ever read’ MATT HAIG ‘A masterpiece. I am in awe’ ADAM RUTHERFORD Why stories make us human and how to tell them better....

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Ratings and reviews

2 reviews
J Peill
June 13, 2026
Will's insight into the human condition is mind-blowing. He skilfully applies his understanding of our tribal instincts to the art of constructing spellbinding stories. Having just finished reading his book, I'm feeling empowered and excited to redraft my own novel with a far deeper grasp of its characters.
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About the author

Will Storr is an award-winning writer. His work has appeared in the Guardian, Sunday Times, New Yorker and New York Times. He is the author of four critically acclaimed books, most recently Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed. He teaches popular journalism and storytelling classes in London. He is an in-demand ghostwriter whose books have spent months at the top of the Sunday Times bestseller chart, selling more than 300,000 copies in 2018 alone.

Will Storr is an award-winning writer. His work has appeared in the Guardian, Sunday Times, New Yorker and New York Times. He is the author of four critically acclaimed books, most recently Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed. He teaches popular journalism and storytelling classes in London...

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