EP 5: What Books Got You Through Your Childhood? feat. John Mitchinson
Jun 2, 2021
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Join John Mitchinson, a celebrated publisher and co-host of the Backlisted podcast, as he shares his profound affinity for books. He discusses the magic of storytelling, the transformative power of literature in personal growth, and his unique publishing journey. Highlighting how books connect us all, John reflects on pivotal literary moments that shaped his life. Delve into the emotional impact of literature, including navigating childhood trauma and finding solace in nature, making this a must-listen for every book lover!
Books serve as vital repositories of knowledge and culture, bridging gaps left by oral traditions and preserving narratives.
The transition from oral storytelling to written literature highlights the cognitive process of language internalization essential for narrative development.
Personal encounters with literature reveal its profound ability to connect individuals, shaping identities and providing refuge during challenging times.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Orality and Literature
Storytelling serves as a means of connecting with the past, particularly with the deceased, suggesting that the act of narrating is central to our understanding of history and culture. Walter Ong’s insights highlight the dual nature of the Hebrew concept of 'debar,' which encapsulates both words and events, emphasizing that a spoken word harbors immediate significance and urgency. Early forms of communication were predominantly oral, requiring memorization for preservation, which demonstrates that the roots of literature stem from a necessity to remember and record. This interplay between orality and written text reveals how narrative forms have evolved, where both preservation and innovation played pivotal roles in the development of literature.
The Role of Bardic Traditions
The traditional bardic schools in regions like Ireland and Wales cultivated a deep dedication to oral poetry and storytelling, framing writing as an extraordinary power that follows the mental wrestling of the bards. Students faced challenging questions under the guidance of their olav, indicating that the struggle of articulation precedes the permanence of writing, which only came after the oral expression was fully realized. This method underscores the importance of internalizing language and thought before committing to written record, which guided the cognitive process in shaping poetry and narratives. The profound sense of loss experienced by bards upon the death of an olav illustrates the interconnectedness of community and storytelling, solidifying the bonds formed through oral tradition.
The Evolution of Written Word
In the medieval period, the influence of monastic scholars transformed literature as they began to write down texts that had to be read aloud due to the lack of spacing between words, merging the spoken and written forms of communication. Figures like Hugh of St. Victor exemplify the shift as education transitioned from oral recitation to textual interpretation, increasing the potency and agency of writing. This evolution reflects a gradual empowerment of written language, transferring control from oral tradition to a more structured literary form. The changes marked a pivotal moment where reading compositions started to replace merely recounting spoken utterances, indicating a complex interplay between oral lore and the burgeoning world of literature.
The Importance of Books as Cultural Repositories
Books have emerged as crucial repositories of knowledge and culture, serving as a lifeline for many when oral traditions fall short. Gary Snyder's metaphor of books as 'grandparents' underlines their role in safeguarding cultural narratives that might otherwise be neglected, emphasizing the need for conversations about the health and preservation of literature. Engaging with individuals like John Mitchinson, a prominent figure in publishing, reveals the layers of intricacies involved in revitalizing forgotten works and celebrating literary heritage. The discussion on how books have shaped personal and cultural identities highlights the need for continuous exploration and engagement with written narratives to maintain cultural continuity.
Personal Stories and Impact of Literature
Personal encounters with literature illustrate the profound impact books can have on individuals, sometimes serving as a source of refuge during tumultuous times. Anecdotes about discovering books unexpectedly echo a shared human experience of connection through stories, signifying how literature resonates on a deeply personal level. Sharing stories about authors and their works, like Alan Garner or Ted Hughes, sheds light on how literature can inspire and shape destinies across generations. Each narrative strengthens the collective understanding of humanity and emphasizes the pivotal role of storytelling in maintaining cultural continuity and identity.
Martin Shaw talks to publisher, author, podcaster and smallholder, John Mitchinson about the most powerful, precious and provocative objects in the world – books. More than simply content, more than print on paper, books are repositories of knowledge and a portal to anyone and anything, anywhere. John and Martin discuss the feeling of finding a kindred spirit in a book and extending the life of a book beyond its pages, passionately articulated and shared in John’s (and Andy Miller’s) podcast, Backlisted. Martin says, ‘There is very little in the world for me that is more magical than books.’ This one’s for the bibliophiles out there.
Get 30% off Martin’s new book Smoke Hole at chelseagreen.co.uk using the code SHS30
Find Martin Shaw on insta @drmartinshaw; facebook @MartinShaw; www.drmartinshaw.com
Find John Mitchinson on insta @johnmitchinson; twitter @johnmitchinson
A huge thanks to Ben Addicott for helping to produce this podcast
