On the Road with Penguin Classics
Eliot's Book of Bookish Lists – Christmas Special 2022
Dec 1, 2022
Dive into a whimsical world where literary trivia reigns supreme! Discover the quirky kingdom of Redonda and its eccentric claimants. Explore James Joyce's 'Finnegan's Wake' through its fascinating 'thunder words.' Unravel the absurdities of lists with Borges and meet charming authors with peculiar habits. Laugh at the intertwining tales of Christmas carols and the introduction of starlings by a Shakespearean enthusiast. It's an enchanting mix of humor and literary insight sure to delight any book lover!
21:47
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Quick takeaways
- Eliot's literary lists serve as both a celebration of creativity and a reflection of personal identity, revealing profound insights through seemingly trivial items.
- The whimsical narrative of Redonda illustrates the playful camaraderie among authors, emphasizing how literary lineage fosters connections and humor within the literary community.
Deep dives
The Delight of Literary Lists
The podcast highlights the charm and significance of literary lists through the lens of Roland Barthes' 'J'aime, je n'aime pas.' This list, which categorizes Barthes' personal preferences, illustrates the dual nature of lists as functional tools and deep insights into individual identity. By presenting mundane elements, such as favorite foods or disliked items, Barthes reveals how even trivial lists can express profound aspects of a person’s character. This reflects the inherent creativity in the act of listing, where a simple compilation transforms into a distinct representation of one's personality.
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