The TLS Podcast Vagabond Hearts
May 22, 2025
In this discussion, Eimear McBride, a celebrated novelist, delves into Richard Ellmann's biography of James Joyce, shedding light on Joyce's complex work and its accessibility to readers. Mark Naylor, a keen writer, explores the intriguing themes of Adam Weymouth's 'Lone Wolf,' examining human-wolf interactions and conservation tensions. Their conversation weaves between literature and nature, sparking thought on legacy, societal prejudices, and the delicate dance between wildlife and humanity.
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McBride's First Encounter with Ellman
- Eimear McBride first encountered Elman's Joyce biography without knowing much about Joyce himself.
- It served as a perfect introduction linking Joyce's life and work for general readers before easy internet access.
Ellman's Accessible Biography Style
- Ellman's biography of Joyce was groundbreaking for being accessible to general readers while scholarly.
- It set a new expectation for literary biographies blending academic rigor with broad readability.
Ellman's Lifelong Anti-Semitism
- Ellman faced persistent anti-Semitism throughout his life and career, including at prestigious institutions.
- This bias profoundly shaped his experiences despite his success as a scholar.
