The History of Literature

The History of Literature

It is a truth universally acknowledged that tragedy is one of the world's highest art forms, and that Shakespeare was one of the form's greatest practitioners. But how did he do it? What models did he have to draw upon, and where did he innovate? In this episode, Jacke talks to Shakespeare scholar Rhodri Lewis about his new book Shakespeare's Tragic Art, a new account of Shakespearean tragedy as a response to life in an uncertain world. PLUS Joel Warner (The Curse of the Marquis de Sade: A Notorious Scoundrel, a Mythical Manuscript, and the Biggest Scandal in Literary History) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Additional listening: 518 The Curse of the Marquis de Sade (with Joel Warner) 548 Shakespeare in a Divided America (with James Shapiro) Shakespeare's Best | Sonnet 116 ("Let me not to the marriage of true minds") The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 20, 2025

The History of Literature

In this podcast episode, Jacke explores the origin, features, and significance of parables, particularly those used by Jesus in religious narratives. He dissects their impact on listeners long ago and discusses their relevance today.

January 16, 2025

The History of Literature

Jacke interviews poet Jennifer Habel and novelist Chris Bachelder about their book 'Dayswork: A Novel', inspired by their mutual interest in Herman Melville during the pandemic, its impact on their personal lives, and its exploration of literature, marriage, and ambition. Alexander Boots also discusses his final book pick: The Strangers' House: Writing Northern Ireland.

January 13, 2025

The History of Literature

Discusses the role of librarians and scholars in World War II as unexpected spies, outlined in Elyse Graham's book 'Book and Dagger.' Also, a look at festivities scheduled for Jane Austen's 250th birthday.

January 09, 2025

The History of Literature

This podcast episode discusses Edith Maude Eaton (Sui Sin Far), a Chinese-American journalist and author from the early 20th century. The episode features novelist and scholar Victoria Namkung discussing An Immortal Book: Selected Writings by Sui Sin Far, which she wrote the forward for. Additionally, Samantha Rose Hill shares her choice of book to read before she dies.

January 06, 2025

The History of Literature

In this episode, hosts Jacke and Mike discuss 'Winter Dreams', a short story from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'Gatsby cluster'. This work serves as a window into the evolution of characters, themes, and prose style for his later famous novel 'The Great Gatsby (1925)'. Dexter Green's tale unfolds as a Midwestern golf caddy pursuing a rich young heiress, reflecting some of Fitzgerald's personal nostalgia and regret. Guest Lev Grossman shares thoughts on his last book choice.

January 02, 2025

The History of Literature

American scholar Anahid Nersessian wrote a new book, 'Keats's Odes: A Lover's Discourse', exploring John Keats' famous odes through a personal lens; 200 years after Keats' focused poetic period where he composed masterpieces like 'To Autumn', 'Ode to a Nightingale', and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn'.

December 30, 2024

The History of Literature

In this holiday episode from 2017, Jacke revisits the second half of James Joyce's short story 'The Dead', first released on December 22.

December 24, 2024

The History of Literature

In this holiday-themed episode, Jacke revisits Part 1 of James Joyce's classic story 'The Dead' without commercial interruption.

December 23, 2024

The History of Literature

The podcast episode discusses Eve Dunbar's book 'Monstrous Work and Radical Satisfaction: Black Women Writing Under Segregation', exploring the perspectives of Black women writers on segregation in the 1930s-1950s and their views towards racial integration during this time. Additionally, Deni Kasa stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read.

December 19, 2024

The History of Literature

Acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín discusses his inspiration by James Baldwin's 'Go Tell It on the Mountain', admiration for Baldwin's illumination and insight, Baldwin's spiritual relationship with Henry James, and his new book 'On James Baldwin'. The Sunday Independent calls the book 'lucid, concise, unpretentious, emotionally engaging, and in some instances, deeply personal.'

December 16, 2024

The History of Literature

Before his marriage, before meeting Herman Melville, and before the publication of The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne was living in near seclusion, writing the stories that formed his first collection Twice-Told Tales. Edgar Allan Poe was impressed: "His tone is singularly effective," he wrote, "wild, plaintive, thoughtful, and in full accordance with his themes...We look upon him as one of the few men of indisputable genius to whom our country has as yet given birth." In this episode, Jacke takes a look at one of these Twice-Told Tales, the short story "Wakefield," in which a Londoner abandons his wife, takes up residence one street away, then rejoins his family after twenty years as if he'd never left. The story is read in full by Emma Wilson, HOL producer. PLUS Amelia Possanza (Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives) stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. Additional listening: 296 Nathaniel Hawthorne 461 The Peabody Sisters (with Megan Marshall) 297 The Scarlet Letter The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 12, 2024

The History of Literature

A legendary king, knights of the round table, magic and myths and valiant quests - the stories of King Arthur (also known as the "Matter of Britain") have captivated readers since the Middle Ages. It's potentially rich material for a contemporary novelist, but as Lev Grossman found, some of the Arthurian world's lesser-known characters can be just as compelling. In this episode, the bestselling author of the Magicians Trilogy tells Jacke about his new take on an old legend in his novel The Bright Sword. Additional listening: 286 JRR Tolkien 354 Treasure Island Remixed (with C.B. Lee) 175 Virgin Whore - The Virgin Mary in Medieval Literature and Culture (with Professor Emma Maggie Solberg) The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 09, 2024

The History of Literature

Jacke discusses Claude McKay's wintry poem while speaking with editor John McMurtrie about his new book Literary Journeys Mapping Fictional Travels Across World Literature.

December 05, 2024

The History of Literature

This podcast episode discusses W.H. Auden's complex relationship with England, as explored in his collection 'On This Island'. Jacke interviews Nicholas Jenkins about Auden's perspectives on war, love, and identity within the context of his native land. Additionally, Italian scholar Gabriele Pedulla shares his choice for his final book to be read.

December 02, 2024

The History of Literature

Chigozie Obioma, hailed as Achebe's heir, talks about his life and writing journey, including his love for The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, on the History of Literature Podcast.

November 29, 2024

The History of Literature

For a special Thanksgiving episode, Jacke invites Laurie Frankel (This Is How It Always Is, Family Family) and Mike Palindrome from Literature Supporters Club to discuss if reading could be considered a guilty pleasure. Also included are Jacke's top ten guilty pleasures and Mary Flannery discussing her last book choice.

November 27, 2024

The History of Literature

This podcast discusses Emily Van Duyne's book 'Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation', which explores Sylvia Plath's life and work, positioning her as a misunderstood genius of the 20th century.

November 25, 2024

The History of Literature

This episode explores Jerome David Salinger's life story beyond The Catcher in the Rye, covering his childhood, youthful romance, war experiences, writing success, and self-imposed seclusion. An excerpt from a lesser-known story featuring Holden Caulfield's first-person voice is also included.

November 21, 2024

The History of Literature

Discussion between award-winning writer Charles Baxter about his new book, Blood Test: A Comedy, and its portrait of troubled America. Also, Bill Eville shares his choice for last book he will ever read.

November 18, 2024