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Overdue

Ep 641 - CliffsNotes, by Clifton Hillegass

Apr 1, 2024
Exploring the themes of war and peace in 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. Honest confessions about not reading the book. Discussion on study aids like CliffsNotes and SparkNotes. Evolution of study guide companies and their impact on literary analysis. SparkNotes vs CliffsNotes debate. Benefits and drawbacks of using study aids. Subscription services for book guides like SparkNotes. History and acquisitions of CliffsNotes.
01:12:04

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Study guides like CliffsNotes and SparkNotes assist students in understanding complex literary works and academic subjects, aiming to help navigate challenging texts.
  • Distinction between CliffsNotes and SparkNotes lies in authorship, impacting availability with the shift towards online study guides for modern students.

Deep dives

Evolution of Study Guides

Study guides like CliffsNotes and SparkNotes have evolved over time to assist students in understanding complex literary works and academical subjects. Originating from Coles Notes in Canada in the 1950s, CliffsNotes were introduced in America by Clifton Hillegas in the late 1950s. With a focus on Shakespeare and gradually expanding to classic and modern literature, these study aids aimed to help students navigate challenging texts and excel in their academic pursuits.

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