The History Of Literature podcast

1:25:00

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) led one of the most colorful and interesting lives of any author. But while many of us are familiar with his unforgettable characters and fantastically successful novels, we often don't know the details of his difficult early life, his success as a reporter, his troubled marriage and suspected relationship with another woman, and his social reform efforts. In this episode, Jacke talks to Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas, whose book The Real Charles Dickens takes the reader on a journey into the heart of Dickens's life, work, and legacy. PLUS Jacke, inspired by a new exhibit at the Charles Dickens Museum, discusses the theatricality of Dickens's work. Note: The conversation in this episode was recorded before the untimely passing of Stephen Browning. He was a wonderful guest, and we at the History of Literature Podcast are very grateful to have had the chance to speak with him. Our deepest sympathies are with his friends, family, and loved ones. May he rest in peace. Special Announcement: The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel . Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com . Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel . 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…

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713 The Odyssey (with Daniel Mendelsohn) | The History of Literature Podcast Tour! 1:34:43

6 днів тому1:34:43

1:34:43

Homer's Odyssey is one of the oldest surviving works of literature - and yet, somehow, it can also feel like one of the newest. The inventive narrative structure, complex hero, and surprisingly modern themes still feel fresh, thousands of years after the poem's genesis. In this episode, Jacke talks to author and translator Daniel Mendelsohn about his passion for the Odyssey and his efforts to breathe new poetic life into the ancient epic through a vivid new translation. PLUS Jacke announces the official launch of the History of Literature Podcast Tour! Join Jacke and a limited group of travelers as they go on their own epic journey, visiting literary locations in England in partnership with John Shors Travel . Links: Visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel . The Odyssey by Homer, translated with an introduction and notes, by Daniel Mendelsohn An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic by Daniel Mendelsohn 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…

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712 Shakespeare's Greatest Love (with David Medina) | New Play About Shakespeare's Collaboration with Marlowe 59:46

9 днів тому59:46

59:46

He might be the greatest writer about love that the world has ever known. But as is so often the case with Shakespeare, the biographical record raises as many questions as it answers. How often did Shakespeare fall in love, and with whom, and what happened? Who was Shakespeare's greatest love? In this episode, Jacke talks to David Medina about his book Shakespeare's Greatest Love , which argues that the answer has long been hiding in plain sight. Check out David's book tour and other events at https://greatestloves.com/events Interested in the History of Literature Podcast Tour of Literary England? Send us an email at jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or leave a message via the Contact page of historyofliterature.com . (More information to follow soon!) 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…

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711 How Does Literature Handle Atrocities? (with Bruce Robbins) | My Last Book with Hemingway Expert Alex Vernon | Who Will Come to Jacke and Emma's Party? 1:13:28

13 днів тому1:13:28

1:13:28

For millennia, literature has represented humanity at its finest. Over the same period of time, human beings have been committing the worst acts of mass violence imaginable. How have authors addressed these atrocities? Have they shown an ability to look at their own nation with the critical eyes of a stranger? And if so, have works of imagination proven themselves to be the right means of doing so? In this episode, Jacke talks to Bruce Robbins about his book Atrocity: A Literary History , which explores literary representations of mass violence to trace the emergence of a cosmopolitan recognition of atrocity. PLUS Hemingway expert Alex Vernon stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. (Will Hemingway make his list?) AND Jacke reflects on marriage, catch phrases, and the sincere hope that someone will come to his party. Interested in the History of Literature Podcast Tour? Send us an email at jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or a message via the Contact page of historyofliterature.com . 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…

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710 Weird and Wonderful Stories from Ancient Greece and Rome (with Paul Chrystal) | A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT | Two Listeners Follow Their Dream (And Create Something Amazing) 1:00:09

16 днів тому1:00:09

1:00:09

It's another action-packed episode! First, Jacke relays the story of a long-time listener who worked some mundane jobs before becoming an artistic bookmaker. Then Jacke talks to author Paul Chrystal about his work diving into lesser-known ancient texts for his book Miracula: Weird and Wonderful Stories of Ancient Greece and Rome . And in between, Jacke announces an exciting new development for the podcast. Enjoy! Learn more about Chaz and Katie's journey by visiting their About Page at Copperhead Press (highly recommended!). Interested in the History of Literature Podcast Tour? Send an email to jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or a message via the Contact page at historyofliterature.com . 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…

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709 Black American Humor (with Damon Young) | The Greatest American Joke Ever Told? 1:31:52

23 дні тому1:31:52

1:31:52

DAMON YOUNG ( ⁠ What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays ⁠ ) is a Pittsburgh writer and humorist. In this episode, Jacke talks to Damon about his work editing and writing an introduction for That's How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor , which emphasizes how and why Black American humor is uniquely transfixing. PLUS Jacke nominates a joke as the greatest American joke ever told. Learn more about Damon Young and his work at https://www.damonjyoung.com . Information about tour events for the anthology of Black American humor is available at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2268679/damon-young/#events 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…

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708 Science Fact and Science Fiction (with Keith Cooper) | AI Discovers a Work of Ancient Philosophy and Dreams Up a Reading List 1:11:01

27 днів тому1:11:01

1:11:01

For decades, writers and filmmakers have imagined worlds where characters can do things like watch a double sunset (on Tatooine, of course), or stand among the sand dunes of Arrakis, or gaze at the gas-giant planet Polyphemus from the moon Pandora. But even as works like Star Wars , Dune , and Avatar have enticed us with their fictional renditions of planets beyond our reach, astronomers have slowly begun to compile a set of scientific truths about the actual exoplanets. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Keith Cooper ( Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact ) about the realities beyond imaginary planets. PLUS Jacke takes a look at two AI-related pieces of news: the recovery of writing long thought to be lost on a scroll charred by Vesuvian ash, and a summer reading list that surprised everyone - including the authors who made the list for reasons they were not expecting. Additional listening: 282 Science Fiction 583 Margaret Cavendish (with Francesca Peacock) 693 Understanding the Wonders of Nature (with Alan Lightman) 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…

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707 Emile Zola (with Robert Lethbridge) | Graham Greene's Only Ghost Story | My Last Book with Irina Mashinski 1:00:42

4 weeks тому1:00:42

1:00:42

For years, listeners have been requesting an episode devoted to the French novelist, journalist, playwright, and public intellectual Émile Zola (1840-1902). In this episode, Jacke talks to author Robert Lethbridge, whose new book Émile Zola: A Determined Life presents a comprehensive exploration of the life, work, and times of the celebrated French literary polymath. PLUS Jacke takes a look at some news that a ghost story by Graham Greene - perhaps the only one he ever wrote - has recently emerged from the literary graveyard. AND FINALLY Russian-American poet and co-editor of The Penguin Book of Russian Poetry Irina Mashinski stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. Additional listening: 501 The Naked World (with Irina Mashinski) 420 Honoré de Balzac 390 Victor Hugo 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…

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706 Living with Jane Austen (with Janet Todd) | A Listener Changes His Life | Bored Parents 1:12:23

5 weeks тому1:12:23

1:12:23

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that Jane Austen's novels make us wish she was our friend. She wouldn't be just any old friend: she'd be the sharpest and wisest, the one we turn to in a crisis, the one who understands our flaws and helps us see our blind spots. As we navigate the perils of love and life, she'd be the friend who gently points us in the right direction. Well, that's a funny thing to say about someone who lived more than two hundred years ago, but it's how we feel. And so, we turn to her novels as the next best thing. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Janet Todd ( Living with Jane Austen ) about what it's been like to rely on Jane Austen as an advice-giver for more than fifty years. PLUS Jacke reads an email from a listener who's made a dramatic change in his approach to literature and life. AND a new survey about parenting and reading arouses some of Jacke's deepest passions. Additional listening: 302 Jane in Love - The Love Story of Jane Austen and Thomas Lefroy 303 The Search for Darcy - Jane Austen, Tom Lefroy, and the World of Pride and Prejudice 85 Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 502 Persuasion by Jane Austen 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…

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705 Runaway Poets - How the Brownings Fell in Love (And Why It Matters) 59:34

6 weeks тому59:34

59:34

Elizabeth Barrett (1806-1861) was one of the most prolific and accomplished poets of the Victorian age, an inspiration to Emily Dickinson, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allan Poe, and countless others. And yet, her life was full of cloistered misery, as her father insisted that she should never marry. And then, the clouds lifted, and a letter arrived. It was from the poet Robert Browning (1812-1889), admiring her from afar, declaring his love. How did these two poets find each other? What kind of life did they share afterwards? And what dark secrets had led to her father’s restrictions…and how might that have affected his daughter’s poetry? Host Jacke Wilson takes a look at the story of the Brownings. This episode originally ran as episode 95 on May 29, 2017. It is presented here without commercial interruption. Additional listening: 415 "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti 130 The Poet and the Painter - The Great Love Affair of Anna Akhmatova and Amedeo Modigliani 138 Why Poetry? (with Matthew Zapruder) Music Credits: “ Handel – Entrance to the Queen of Sheba ” by Advent Chamber Orchestra (From the Free Music Archive / CC by SA ). “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” and “Piano Between” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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704 Butterflies Regained 1:26:31

6 weeks тому1:26:31

1:26:31

Poetry, butterflies, and original music oh my! With some help from poets Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, William Wordsworth, and John Keats, along with original music by composer Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal, Jacke tackles the topic of butterflies. Yes, yes, we all know that butterflies are symbols of beauty and transformation - but can great poets get beyond the clichés? Why did Keats imagine himself as a butterfly in his love letters? Did Robert Frost mansplain poetry to Emily Dickinson (and do we agree)? In this episode, we flit and float and fleetly flee and fly through literature, life, music, and poetry - like a butterfly, maybe? (Maybe so!) Additional listening: John Keats More John Keats 700 Butterflies at Rest The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com . "Two Butterflies" performed by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal and Allison Hughes. 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…

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703 D.H. Lawrence (with David Ellis) | My Last Book with Dorian Lynskey 1:09:35

7 weeks тому1:09:35

1:09:35

D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) is one of the most famous novelists of his era - and one of the most difficult to pin down. Was he a tasteless, avant-garde pornographer? Or the greatest imaginative novelist of his generation (as E.M. Forster once said)? What should we know about his hard-luck childhood and turbulent adult life? In this episode, Jacke talks to biographer David Ellis ( D.H. Lawrence: A Critical Life ) about the struggle to capture and convey the essence of Lawrence's life and works. PLUS Dorian Lynskey ( Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World ), an expert in literature about cataclysmic events, stops by to discuss the last book he - and others - might turn to at the very end. Additional listening: 508 Lord Byron (with David Ellis) 694 Apocalyptic Literature (with Dorian Lynskey) 87 Man in Love: The Passions of D.H. Lawrence 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…

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702 Writing in the World of Jane Austen (with D.G. Rampton) | Disaster at the Book Festival! 52:01

8 weeks тому52:01

52:01

Jacke talks to D.G. Rampton , Australia's Queen of the Regency Romance, about her love for the novels of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer - and what it's like for a twenty-first-century novelist to set her novels in the early-nineteenth-century world of intelligent heroines, dashing men, and sparkling banter. Find PLUS Jacke dives into the story of a book festival gone horribly wrong, searching for signs of hope amid the literary wreckage. Additional listening: 280 Romance Novels 303 The Search for Darcy: Jane Austen, Tom Lefroy, and the World of Pride and Prejudice 535 The Australian Novelist Who Writes History Through Women's Eyes (with Pip Williams) 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…

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701 Emerson's Struggle with Slavery (with Kenneth Sacks) | My Last Book with Victoria Namkung | We Had Sex Inside Moby-Dick! 1:11:31

8 weeks тому1:11:31

1:11:31

For several decades, Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was perhaps the most prominent writer and intellectual in America. As an advocate of personal freedom living in Massachusetts, surrounded by passionate abolitionists, one might expect that his positions regarding slavery would be obvious and uncomplicated. And yet, Emerson struggled with the issue - not whether it was wrong (he was opposed to it), but the extent to which it obliged him or others to take action, and if so, how best to act in a way consistent with his philosophical principles. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Kenneth Sacks ( Emerson's Civil Wars: Spirit in Society in the Age of Abolition ) about what Emerson's wavering between self-reliance and collective action can tell us about who he was as a thinker and person - and whether his journey has lessons for the rest of us. PLUS Victoria Namkung ( An Immortal Book: Selected Writings by Sui Sin Far ) stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. AND ALSO Jacke jumps into the belly of the clickbait whale, following the headline "We Had Sex Inside Moby-Dick!" to learn about Japan's love hotels and their connection(?) to the Herman Melville classic. Additional listening: 667 Sui Sin Far with Victoria Namkung 603 Rethinking Ralph Waldo Emerson (with James Marcus) 111 The Americanest American - Ralph Waldo Emerson 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…

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700 - Butterflies at Rest 28:08

9 weeks тому28:08