Season 1 Episode 1: Why Bede’s Podcast?

Northanger Abbey is a coming-of-age story that satirizes the Gothic novels of the late 18th century. The novel follows Catherine Morland, a young and naive girl who loves reading Gothic novels. When she is invited to stay at Northanger Abbey, the home of the Tilney family, her imagination runs wild with expectations of mystery and horror. However, the reality of the abbey is far from her Gothic fantasies. The novel explores Catherine's growth as she learns to distinguish between fiction and reality, and it critiques the societal norms and expectations of her time. Written by Jane Austen, the book was completed in 1803 but published posthumously in 1817 along with Persuasion.

Bede's "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum", or "Church History of the English People", is a comprehensive historical account of England from the Roman occupation to 731 AD. It details the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, providing valuable insights into the religious and political landscape of the time. The work is meticulously researched, drawing on various sources and offering a detailed narrative of key events and figures. Bede's writing style is clear and engaging, making the history accessible to a wide audience. The book remains a significant primary source for understanding early medieval England.