Close Readings Next Year on Close Readings: Realism, Nature, Narrative Poems and a history of London
Nov 29, 2025
Meehan Crist is a writer exploring the intersection of science, politics, and culture, while Peter Godfrey-Smith is a philosopher focusing on biology and mind. They discuss the urgent themes of their 'Nature in Crisis' series, including landmark environmental texts like 'Silent Spring' and the relevance of ecofascism. Crist and Godfrey-Smith also delve into how literature and philosophy can illuminate contemporary ecological challenges, mapping the landscape of environmental discourse and its profound implications for society.
16:41
Realism Is Craft, Not Mere Likeness
- James Wood will interrogate how realism creates lifelike effects while revealing artifice.
- He frames realism as both verisimilitude and constructed technique across novels and stories.
Read Madame Bovary Beforehand
- Read Flaubert's Madame Bovary ahead of the series and use Geoffrey Wall's Penguin translation if possible.
- Preparing the text will deepen engagement with James Wood's two opening episodes on the novel.
Environmental Books As Literary-Scientific Hybrids
- Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith will treat contemporary environmental books as both argument and literary form.
- They aim to trace an arc from biology to society, mixing science, philosophy, and literary reading.
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Intro
00:00 • 39sec
Who’s Afraid of Realism: series goals
00:39 • 2min
Nature in Crisis: scope and books
02:49 • 52sec
Nature in Crisis: topics and arc
03:41 • 45sec
Key environmental texts discussed
04:26 • 2min
Narrative Poems: definition and plan
06:47 • 2min
Narrative poetry’s dialogues and sources
08:48 • 2min
London Revisited: city through time
11:07 • 1min
Bonus series: The Man Behind the Curtain
12:31 • 27sec
Metaphor of the wizard and novel form
12:58 • 3min
Outro
16:25 • 15sec
#595
• Mentioned in 42 episodes
BRAIDING SWEETGRASS
David Muñoz Mateos
Robin Wall Kimmerer
#788
• Mentioned in 35 episodes
Invisible Man
Ralph Ellison
In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America.
The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility.
He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group.
The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him.
Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self.
#26818
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Rape of the Lock
Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" is a mock-heroic poem that satirizes the social and romantic conventions of 18th-century high society.
The poem tells the story of the theft of a lock of hair from Belinda, a beautiful and vain young woman, and the ensuing chaos.
Pope's masterful use of wit, irony, and elevated language creates a humorous and insightful commentary on human folly and vanity.
The poem's exploration of social dynamics and human nature continues to resonate with readers, making it a classic of English literature.
It is a testament to Pope's skill as a poet and his ability to use satire to illuminate the absurdities of human behavior.
#10520
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Gaia
A New Look at Life on Earth
Paul Couturiau
James Lovelock
Christel Rollinat
In this classic work, James Lovelock explains his idea that life on Earth functions as a single organism.
The book contrasts with conventional beliefs by arguing that the Earth's living matter, including air, oceans, and land surfaces, forms a complex system that maintains conditions necessary for life.
Lovelock's hypothesis has significantly influenced scientific views on evolution and the environment, and many of his predictions have come true since the book's initial publication in 1975.
#202
• Mentioned in 91 episodes
Ulysses
James Joyce
Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day.
The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope.
It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism.
The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles.
It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape.
#4214
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
The rhyme of the ancient mariner
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" is a narrative poem renowned for its haunting atmosphere, supernatural elements, and allegorical depth.
The poem follows an old mariner who shoots an albatross, bringing a curse upon his ship and crew.
Through his arduous journey, he confronts his guilt and learns the importance of respecting all living creatures.
The poem's exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity has resonated with readers for centuries.
Its unique blend of fantasy, symbolism, and psychological insight makes it a cornerstone of Romantic literature.
The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke profound emotions and spark contemplation on the human condition.
#33502
The Rise of Ecofascism
Climate Change and the Far Right
Alex Roberts
Sam Moore
string
#142
• Mentioned in 116 episodes
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden.
The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.
#348
• Mentioned in 62 episodes
Middlemarch
George Eliot
Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England.
The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class.
Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution.
The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives.
Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine.
Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.
#16026
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Venus and Adonis
John Christopher Pepusch
Venus and Adonis is a masque composed by John Christopher Pepusch in 1715.
It is one of his notable works, reflecting his involvement in theatrical music during his time in England.
Pepusch was a prominent figure in English music, known for his compositions and his role in preserving and promoting ancient music.
#40
• Mentioned in 222 episodes
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts.
However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it.
The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events.
The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.
#495
• Mentioned in 49 episodes
Dom Quixote
Xavier, Alberto
Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged gentleman who, influenced by his extensive reading of chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant.
He renames himself Don Quixote and, with his squire Sancho Panza, embarks on a series of adventures.
These adventures often involve Don Quixote's misinterpretation of reality, such as mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles.
The novel explores themes of reality vs.
imagination, the decline of chivalry, and the human condition.
Eventually, Don Quixote returns home, regains his sanity, and renounces his chivalric ambitions before his death.
#737
• Mentioned in 36 episodes
Madame Bovary
Gustave Flaubert
Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor.
Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon.
Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise.
The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life.
#299
• Mentioned in 69 episodes
Silent Spring
Rachel Carson
Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science.
The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health.
Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems.
The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate.
It led to a reversal in U.S.
pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency in 1970.
Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.
#642
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
Notes from Underground
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is a novella that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator, a bitter and alienated individual who rails against reason and societal norms.
The work is considered a precursor to existentialist literature, exploring themes of isolation, nihilism, and the human condition.
Dostoevsky's masterful use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the narrator's turbulent thoughts and emotions.
The novella's exploration of free will and the complexities of human psychology continues to resonate with readers today.
Its influence on literature and philosophy is undeniable, shaping the works of later writers and thinkers.
#37994
Hero and Leander
Christopher Marlowe
"Hero and Leander" is an unfinished poem that tells the story of Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, and Leander, a young man who falls in love with her.
Leander swims across the Hellespont every night to be with Hero, guided by a torch she holds aloft.
One stormy night, the torch is extinguished, and Leander drowns.
Hero, upon discovering his body, throws herself into the sea to join him.
The poem explores themes of love, beauty, and the power of fate.
#2349
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Light Eaters
How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth
Zoë Schlanger
In 'The Light Eaters,' Zoë Schlanger delves into the world of plant intelligence, challenging our understanding of agency, consciousness, and intelligence.
The book takes readers on a global journey, highlighting the remarkable abilities of plants, such as their adaptive techniques, communicative abilities, and social behaviors.
Schlanger works closely with scientists to uncover the latest epiphanies in botanical research, revealing how plants have formed a parallel system of intelligence that is distinct from human and animal intelligence.
The book is a blend of science journalism, travelogue, and introspective journey, offering a fresh and transformative understanding of plants and their essential role in the ecosystem.
#14499
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Extraction
Thea Riofrancos
#3645
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Is a River Alive?
Robert Macfarlane
We’re pleased to announce our four new Close Readings series starting in January next year:
‘Who’s Afraid of Realism?’ with James Wood and guests
‘Nature in Crisis’ with Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith
‘Narrative Poems’ with Seamus Perry and Mark Ford
‘London Revisited’ with Rosemary Hill and guests
Bonus Series: 'The Man Behind the Curtain’ with Tom McCarthy and Thomas Jones
Episodes will appear on Monday every week, with a new episode from each series appearing every four weeks. Episodes from our bonus series, ‘The Man Behind the Curtain’, will come out every couple of months, either as extra episodes or live events: look out for announcements!
If you're not already subscribed to Close Readings, sign up for just £4.99/month or £49.99/year to listen to these series plus all our past series in full:
Apple Podcasts: https://lrb.me/crintro2026apple
Spotify and other podcast apps: https://lrb.me/crintro2026sc
Here are the works covered in each series:
‘Who’s Afraid of Realism?’ with James Wood and guests
Flaubert, ‘Madame Bovary’
Dostoevsky, ‘Notes from Underground’
Stories by Anton Chekhov
Tolstoy, ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’
Kafka, ‘Metamorphosis’
Woolf, ‘Mrs Dalloway’
Rhys, ‘Voyage in the Dark’
Bellow, ‘Seize The Day’
Nabokov, ‘Pnin’
Spark, ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’
Sharma, ‘Family Life’
Stories by Lydia Davis
Riley, ‘My Phantoms’
‘Nature in Crisis’ with Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith
Carson, ‘Silent Spring’
Schlanger, ‘The Light Eaters’
Czerski, ‘The Blue Machine’
Lovelock, ‘Gaia’
MacFarlane, ‘Is a River Alive?’
Kimmerer, ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’
Raboteau, ‘Lessons for Survival’
Moore and Roberts, ‘The Rise of Ecofascism’
Riofrancos, ‘Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism’
And more TBD
‘Narrative Poems’ with Seamus Perry and Mark Ford
Marlowe, ‘Hero and Leander’
Shakespeare, ‘Venus and Adonis’ and ‘The Rape of Lucrece’
Milton, Book 9 of ‘Paradise Lost’
Pope, ‘The Rape of the Lock’
Coleridge ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’
Wordsworth, ‘The Ruined Cottage’ and ‘Michael’
Keats, ‘The Eve of St Agnes’
Byron, ‘Childe Roland’
Clough, ‘Amours de Voyage’
Tennyson, ‘Enoch Arden’
H.D., ‘Helen in Egypt’
Set, ‘The Golden Gate’
Carson, ‘Autobiography of Red and ‘Red Doc>’
‘London Revisited’ with Rosemary Hill
Each episode will cover a period of London’s history and begin with a piece of writing. The first episode, on Roman London, will start with an extract from Dio Cassius’s account of the Roman conquest from his Roman History.
‘The Man Behind the Curtain’ with Tom McCarthy and Thomas Jones
Cervantes, ‘Don Quixote’
Shelley, ‘Frankenstein’
Eliot, ‘Middlemarch’
Wells, ‘The Invisible Man’
Joyce, ‘Ulysses’
Pynchon, Gravity’s Rainbow’