The History of Literature 768 Young James Baldwin (with Nicholas Boggs) | My Last Book with Bruce Robbins
Jan 19, 2026
Nicholas Boggs, a biographer and editor who unearthed Baldwin's lost children's book, dives into James Baldwin's formative years. He shares insights about Baldwin's relationship with his mother, the impact of his teacher Bill Miller, and how his early crushes shaped his literary themes. Boggs explores Baldwin's evolving identity, his connection with New York City, and the friendships that influenced his work. Bruce Robbins also joins to discuss his last book choice, emphasizing the significance of love in Baldwin's life and literature.
57:05
Baldwin's Enduring Clarity
- James Baldwin's power comes from seeing America's reality, not its dreams.
- Nicholas Boggs argues Baldwin's clarity makes his work endure across decades.
Childhood Responsibility Shaped Baldwin
- Baldwin grew up as the oldest of nine and became his mother's right hand early on.
- He worked after school and said at times, "I never had a childhood."
From Shaming To Witnessing
- Baldwin internalized his stepfather's insults about his eyes and associated them with attacks on his mother.
- He later reframed those eyes as tools of witnessing and power in his writing.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Why Baldwin Still Matters
03:18 • 4min
Boggs on His New Baldwin Biography
06:59 • 2min
Family: Baldwin's Mother and Stepfather
08:54 • 3min
Baldwin's Self-Image and Early Genius
11:28 • 3min
Bill Miller: Teacher and Protector
14:30 • 4min
Realizing His Sexuality and Early Crushes
18:40 • 2min
Baldwin and the City: Libraries to Greenwich Village
20:40 • 4min
Ad break
24:34 • 50sec
Religion as Desire and Performance
25:24 • 3min
DeWitt Clinton and Literary Friends
27:54 • 3min
Early Sexual Encounters and Billy
30:30 • 4min
Theater, Film, and Cultural Insight
34:47 • 4min
Friendships Across Communities
38:54 • 7min
Why 'A Love Story' Fits Baldwin
45:57 • 23sec
Ad break
46:19 • 3min
Bruce Robbins: The Last Book Choice
49:23 • 5min
Outro
54:36 • 3min
#644
• Mentioned in 46 episodes
Uncle Tom's cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Published in 1852, 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin' is a seminal work by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicts the harsh realities of slavery in the United States.
The novel follows the story of Uncle Tom, a dignified and religious enslaved man, and Eliza, a fugitive slave, among other characters.
It highlights the cruelty and injustices of the slave system and the emotional toll on enslaved individuals and their families.
The book was a massive success, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year and becoming the second-best-selling book of the 19th century after the Bible.
It played a significant role in fueling the abolitionist cause and is credited with influencing public opinion on slavery.
#301
• Mentioned in 78 episodes
A Tale of Two Cities
Julius Julius Seybt
Francisco Manuel GRANADO CASTRO
Marion Leighton
federico alonso
Aedi Abraham
maxi sanchez
jaime arbe
Fred BARNARD
Laura Santamaria
Juan Ramon Torregrosa
monica alonso
Charles Dickens
Alejo García Moreno
Miguel Muñoz
leonardo pablo federico sanchez alonso
J. J. Bernier
Salustiano Masó Simón
Victor G Ambrus
Jose perez
Hablot K. BROWNE
Published in 1859, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a historical novel that contrasts the lives in London and Paris during the late 18th century.
The story revolves around characters such as Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Lucie Manette, each dealing with love, sacrifice, and the profound societal changes brought about by the French Revolution.
The novel critiques both the conditions leading up to the Revolution and the Revolution itself, highlighting themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the potential for positive change.
Dickens's vivid portrayal of the social disparities and political unrest of the era, along with his iconic opening lines, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' make the novel a compelling exploration of human resilience and societal issues.
#2698
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The fire next time
James Baldwin
The Fire Next Time is a deeply personal and provocative document that consists of two letters.
The first letter is to Baldwin's 14-year-old nephew, warning him about the harsh realities of being Black in America and advising him to affirm his own worth and dignity.
The second letter is a broader critique of American society, particularly targeting the failure of the Christian church to provide moral leadership and the societal tendency to perpetuate racial myths.
Baldwin argues that white Americans maintain these myths to avoid facing their own inadequacies and moral wrongdoings.
He emphasizes the need for love and acceptance to overcome these barriers and warns of a violent reckoning if racial inequality is not addressed.
#14055
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Devil Finds Work
James Baldwin
In this book, James Baldwin reflects on his experiences watching movies and critiques the racial politics depicted in American films.
He discusses various movies, including 'The Birth of a Nation,' 'In the Heat of the Night,' 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' and 'The Exorcist,' among others.
Baldwin's analysis reveals the underlying assumptions and biases in these films, reflecting on America's self-delusions, deceptions, and the impact of these films on societal consciousness and racial identity.
#33307
Baldwin
A Love Story
Nicholas Boggs
#
Atrocity, a Literary History
A Literary History
Bruce Robbins
Bruce Robbins's "Atrocity: A Literary History" explores the historical development of the concept of atrocity.
The book examines how the understanding and recognition of atrocities have evolved over time, influenced by various factors such as the rise of the modern state and changing moral norms.
Robbins analyzes literary works to illustrate how writers have grappled with representing atrocities and the complexities of moral judgment.
The book challenges simplistic narratives of moral progress and explores the ambiguities inherent in defining and responding to atrocities.
It prompts critical reflection on the limitations and potential of the concept of atrocity in understanding and addressing mass violence.
#
Nothing Personal
Nancy Jo Sales
In 'Nothing Personal', Nancy Jo Sales shares her personal experiences with dating apps, offering a candid look at her addiction to these platforms and the broader societal implications.
The book combines memoir and investigative journalism, exploring how Big Dating exploits users' desires and the challenges to love and intimacy in the digital age.
#3305
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Giovanni's Room
James Baldwin
Published in 1956, 'Giovanni's Room' is a groundbreaking novel by James Baldwin that delves into the life of David, a young American expatriate in Paris.
David is caught between his desire for Giovanni, an Italian bartender, and his engagement to Hella, an American woman.
The novel explores themes of love, shame, guilt, and the internal conflicts that arise from societal expectations and personal identity.
As David navigates his relationships and grapples with his sexuality, the story unfolds into a tragic confrontation with the consequences of his choices and the unspoken complexities of the human heart.
#204
• Mentioned in 101 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.
#18251
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Notes of a native son
James Baldwin
Published in 1955, 'Notes of a Native Son' is a collection of ten essays by James Baldwin that delve into issues of race, identity, and social justice in America and Europe.
The essays, many of which were initially published in magazines such as 'Harper's Magazine' and 'Partisan Review,' offer a personal and introspective look at Baldwin's experiences growing up in Harlem, his encounters with racism, and his reflections on the civil rights movement.
The book is renowned for its candid and prophetic insights into the African American experience and has been praised for its blend of outrage and empathy, making it a classic of the autobiographical genre and a significant work in American nonfiction.
#5706
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Go Tell It on the Mountain
James Baldwin
James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of faith, family, and race in Harlem during the 1930s.
The novel follows the life of John Grimes, a young man grappling with his religious beliefs and his relationship with his family.
Baldwin's powerful prose captures the emotional intensity of John's experiences, revealing the profound impact of racism and religious hypocrisy on his life.
The novel's exploration of themes of faith, sexuality, and racial identity continues to resonate with readers today.
It is considered a masterpiece of American literature, showcasing Baldwin's unique ability to blend personal narrative with social commentary.
#
Little Man, Little Man
A Story of Childhood
James Baldwin
Yoran Cazac
James Baldwin's "Little Man, Little Man" is a poignant children's book that offers a glimpse into the life of a young boy named TJ in Harlem.
Through vivid illustrations and simple yet profound text, Baldwin captures the everyday experiences of a child navigating his surroundings.
The book showcases both the joys and challenges of life in Harlem, presenting a nuanced and complex portrayal of the community.
It challenges stereotypical representations of Harlem and celebrates the resilience and spirit of its inhabitants.
The book's enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with readers of all ages, prompting reflection on themes of community, identity, and the power of observation.
The American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin (1924-1987) spent the second half of his life as a fixture in American intellectual life. But what formed him? In this episode, Jacke talks to Nicholas Boggs, author of Baldwin: A Love Story, the first major biography of James Baldwin in three decades, about Baldwin's childhood and teen years, when his education and experience propelled a talented child toward literary superstardom.
PLUS author Bruce Robbins (Atrocity: A Literary History) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read.
Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Act soon - there are limited spots available!
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.
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