Classical Et Cetera The Best From 1500–1799
Kyle Janke, a literature and art history teacher specializing in classical education, returns for a whirlwind tour of the greatest works from 1500 to 1799. The conversation ranges from Shakespeare, Don Quixote, and Paradise Lost to Dracula’s Christian imagination, an age of philosophers and revolutions, and why difficult classics reward patient, active reading.
44:44
Candles Turn Family Reading Into Middle-Earth
- Kyle Janke reads The Lord of the Rings aloud with his family after previously reading The Hobbit.
- His wife lights candles and turns off the lights, helping the children become still and enter Middle-earth imaginatively.
Dracula Presents Evil Without Romantic Ambiguity
- Dracula presents vampirism as unmistakable evil rather than attractive or misunderstood romance.
- The cross and daylight function as physical signs of Christian resistance to an incarnate demon.
Why 1500 To 1799 Forms One Literary Era
- The period begins around Gutenberg's press and spans the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, and early revolutions.
- Printing expanded vernacular access, but literature continued carrying ancient, unchanging human concerns.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Family Reading and Current Books
01:27 • 3min
Reading Recommendations and Literary Darkness
04:46 • 4min
Dracula’s Christian Imagination
08:42 • 7min
Framing the 1500–1799 Era
15:31 • 4min
The Era’s Essential Literature
19:45 • 6min
Shakespeare, Milton, and Romantic Poetry
25:40 • 4min
An Age of Philosophers and Revolutions
30:09 • 3min
Why Difficult Classics Reward Patience
33:20 • 3min
Reading Actively for Meaning
36:37 • 4min
Literature’s Personal Moral Questions
40:33 • 3min
Outro
43:43 • 1min
#86
• Mentioned in 266 episodes
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible.
The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.
#4
• Mentioned in 900 episodes
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
#1160
• Mentioned in 46 episodes
King James Bible
The Authorized Version
Various Authors
The King James Bible, also known as the Authorized Version, was commissioned by King James I of England to resolve disputes over different translations of the Bible.
It was translated by 54 scholars over seven years, using the best Hebrew, Greek, and Latin texts available.
The KJV consists of 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
It was first published in 1611 and has since become a cornerstone of English-speaking Christianity, known for its poetic and influential language.
#564
• Mentioned in 78 episodes
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Edward Gibbon
This magisterial history, written by Edward Gibbon, covers the peak of the Roman Empire, the history of early Christianity, the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and the rise and fall of various other empires and civilizations up to the fall of Byzantium in 1453.
Gibbon's work is renowned for its thorough scholarship, diverse sources, and engaging prose.
He argues that the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions partly due to the gradual loss of civic virtue among its citizens and critiques the role of Christianity in the empire's decline.
The work was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1789 and has remained a seminal work in historical literature despite some criticisms from modern scholars.
#530
• Mentioned in 81 episodes
Notes from Underground
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is a novella that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator, a bitter and alienated individual who rails against reason and societal norms.
The work is considered a precursor to existentialist literature, exploring themes of isolation, nihilism, and the human condition.
Dostoevsky's masterful use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the narrator's turbulent thoughts and emotions.
The novella's exploration of free will and the complexities of human psychology continues to resonate with readers today.
Its influence on literature and philosophy is undeniable, shaping the works of later writers and thinkers.
#177
• Mentioned in 167 episodes
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
#1937
• Mentioned in 31 episodes
The rhyme of the ancient mariner
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" is a narrative poem renowned for its haunting atmosphere, supernatural elements, and allegorical depth.
The poem follows an old mariner who shoots an albatross, bringing a curse upon his ship and crew.
Through his arduous journey, he confronts his guilt and learns the importance of respecting all living creatures.
The poem's exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity has resonated with readers for centuries.
Its unique blend of fantasy, symbolism, and psychological insight makes it a cornerstone of Romantic literature.
The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke profound emotions and spark contemplation on the human condition.
#1305
• Mentioned in 42 episodes
Don Quixote
The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Publicado en dos partes en 1605 y 1615, *Don Quijote* es una sátira de las novelas de caballerías y una de las obras fundacionales de la novela moderna.
Sigue a Alonso Quijano, quien adopta la identidad de Don Quijote de la Mancha y sale al mundo acompañado por Sancho Panza en busca de aventuras.
#23394
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Vicar of Wakefield
Oliver Goldsmith
Le "Vicar of Wakefield" d'Oliver Goldsmith est un roman sentimental et comique qui raconte l'histoire d'un pasteur et de sa famille.
L'œuvre explore des thèmes tels que la famille, la religion, la pauvreté et la richesse.
Le style d'écriture est simple et accessible, et l'histoire est pleine d'humour et de situations cocasses.
Le roman est une satire sociale qui critique les conventions sociales et les préjugés de l'époque.
Il est considéré comme un classique de la littérature anglaise et continue d'être apprécié pour son charme et son humour.
#10133
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Lyrical ballads
William Wordsworth
Lyrical Ballads, published in 1798, is a landmark collection of poetry by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, marking a pivotal moment in the development of English Romanticism.
The collection showcases a departure from the formal conventions of 18th-century poetry, embracing simpler language and themes drawn from everyday life.
Wordsworth's contributions focus on the beauty of nature and the power of human emotion, while Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" introduces supernatural elements and allegorical depth.
The collection's preface, written by Wordsworth, articulates the poets' aims and principles, sparking significant debate and influencing the course of English poetry.
Its impact on subsequent generations of poets is undeniable, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Romantic literature.
#597
• Mentioned in 75 episodes
Candide
François-Marie Arouet
Voltaire
Candide, written by Voltaire, is a satirical novel that critiques metaphysical optimism, particularly the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
The story revolves around Candide, a naive and optimistic young man who is expelled from his home after an illicit affair with the baron's daughter, Cunégonde.
Candide and his companions, including his tutor Pangloss, experience a series of horrific events such as wars, earthquakes, slavery, and other atrocities.
Despite these hardships, Pangloss persists in his belief that 'all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.
' The novel ultimately concludes with Candide and his friends settling on a farm in Turkey, where they find happiness by focusing on practical, everyday tasks rather than philosophical speculations.
Voltaire uses satire to lampoon various aspects of 18th-century society, including science, philosophy, religion, and government.
#17408
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Between Shades of Grey
Ruta Sepetys
'Between Shades of Gray' tells the harrowing story of Lina Vilkas, a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl who is deported to Siberia with her family during Stalin's reign of terror.
The novel follows their struggle for survival in the harsh conditions of the labor camps.
Lina uses her art as a means of documenting their experiences and maintaining hope.
Sepetys explores themes of resilience, identity, and the power of the human spirit.
The novel sheds light on a forgotten chapter of history, giving voice to the victims of Soviet oppression.
The novel is a testament to the strength and courage of those who endured unimaginable suffering.
#27
• Mentioned in 439 episodes
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts.
However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it.
The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events.
The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.
#145
• Mentioned in 187 episodes
Hamlet
William Shakespeare
The play revolves around Prince Hamlet's journey to avenge his father's murder, which was committed by his uncle Claudius.
Hamlet's father's ghost appears and reveals that he was poisoned by Claudius, who then married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude.
Hamlet feigns madness while he investigates and plots his revenge.
The play explores themes of betrayal, mortality, and the human condition, culminating in a tragic finale where nearly all main characters die, including Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and several others.
#241
• Mentioned in 142 episodes
The Federalist Papers
A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym 'Publius.
' These essays, published between October 1787 and May 1788, aimed to convince the public and political leaders to ratify the newly drafted US Constitution.
The papers provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed federal system, arguing for a stronger central government and the adoption of the Constitution over the existing Articles of Confederation.
They discuss various aspects of republican government, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberties.
Despite their primary goal of influencing New York's ratification vote, The Federalist Papers have become a seminal work in American political philosophy and a key resource for understanding the original intent of the Constitution's framers.
#11060
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Feast
Margaret Kennedy
Margaret Kennedy's 'The Feast' is a novel that examines interpersonal relationships and societal attitudes through a satirical lens, focusing on characters navigating changing social conventions.
Kennedy, known for her keen observations of manners and marriage, uses wit and drama to interrogate personal ambitions and moral choices.
The novel showcases mid-20th-century social dynamics and the tensions between appearances and inner life.
Her work often combines humor with incisive social commentary, making 'The Feast' representative of her style.
The book has been selected by the podcast as their next read, indicating continued interest in classic literature.
#85
• Mentioned in 272 episodes
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden.
The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.
#48537
Whale Fall
Elizabeth O'Connor
#1447
• Mentioned in 39 episodes
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic and influential work that covers various periods of Franklin's life.
It is divided into four parts, written at different times, and includes his childhood, apprenticeship to his brother James, his early methodical plans for 'arriving at moral perfection,' his experiments with electricity, and his political career.
The autobiography provides an intimate and honest account of Franklin's life, reflecting his determination, work ethic, and practical wisdom.
Despite its tortuous publication history, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies ever written.
#368
• Mentioned in 106 episodes
Common Sense
Thomas Paine
#746
• Mentioned in 64 episodes
King Lear
William Shakespeare
King Lear, written by William Shakespeare around 1604-1606, is a tragedy that follows the story of King Lear, who decides to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.
The division is based on the eloquence of their declarations of love for him.
However, Lear's youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him and is disinherited.
The play unfolds with Lear's descent into madness, the betrayal by his elder daughters, and the subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his sons.
Ultimately, the play ends in tragedy with the deaths of Lear, Cordelia, and several other main characters, highlighting themes of deception, power, and the consequences of poor judgment.
#1478
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
The tempest
William Shakespeare
The Tempest, written around 1610-1611, is one of Shakespeare's last solo works.
The play revolves around Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, who was usurped by his brother Antonio and left to die at sea with his infant daughter Miranda.
They survive and find refuge on a remote island, where Prospero masters magic and enslaves the native Caliban and the spirit Ariel.
When a ship carrying his enemies passes by, Prospero conjures a tempest to bring them ashore.
The play explores themes of magic, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness as Prospero manipulates the shipwrecked characters to rectify past wrongs and ultimately forgives them.
The story also includes the romance between Ferdinand, the King of Naples' son, and Miranda, and ends with Prospero's decision to return to Milan and reclaim his dukedom.
#668
• Mentioned in 69 episodes
Gulliver's travels
Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical masterpiece that uses fantastical journeys to critique human nature and societal flaws.
Gulliver's encounters with Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians, and other fantastical creatures serve as allegories for political and social issues of Swift's time.
The novel's sharp wit and biting satire continue to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless commentary on human folly and the complexities of power.
Gulliver's experiences highlight the absurdity of human conflict and the importance of reason and moderation.
The book's enduring popularity stems from its ability to entertain while simultaneously provoking thought and challenging readers' assumptions.
#894
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
Pilgrim's Progress
The Pilgrim’s Progress
John Bunyan
First published in 1678, 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is a religious allegory that follows Christian's spiritual journey through temptation, hardship, and faith toward salvation.
Written largely while John Bunyan was imprisoned, it became one of the most widely read and influential books in the English language and remains a foundational work of Christian literature.
#140
• Mentioned in 190 episodes
Dracula
Bram Stoker
The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires.
The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula.
Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life.
Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy.
A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula.
The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs.
tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.
#818
• Mentioned in 59 episodes
The Kingdom of Cain
Finding God in the Literature of Darkness
Andrew Klavan
In 'The Kingdom of Cain', Andrew Klavan delves into the dark side of human nature to discover how one can find joy and beauty in a world filled with evil and suffering.
The book looks at three murders in history, including Cain's killing of Abel, and analyzes the art created from these horrific events by artists such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Alfred Hitchcock.
Klavan argues that it is possible to be clear-eyed about the evil in the world while remaining hope-filled about God's ability to redeem it all.
He emphasizes that making beauty out of a world shot through with evil and injustice is a task not just for artists but for every life rightly lived.
#4066
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
The faerie queene
Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" is an epic poem that allegorically explores the virtues and vices of human nature.
Through its intricate narrative and rich symbolism, the poem celebrates the ideals of chivalry, piety, and justice.
The poem's characters and events are often interpreted as representing abstract concepts and moral lessons.
Its complex structure and allegorical depth have made it a subject of ongoing scholarly debate.
Its enduring influence on English literature is undeniable, shaping the development of epic poetry and allegorical writing.
#374
• Mentioned in 104 episodes
Robinson Crusoe
Daniel Defoe
The novel follows Robinson Crusoe, a young and impulsive Englishman, who ignores his parents' advice and sets out to sea.
After a series of misadventures, including being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, he is eventually shipwrecked on a deserted island near the coast of Venezuela.
There, he spends 28 years surviving against incredible odds, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers.
The story is influenced by real-life castaways such as Alexander Selkirk and blends elements of Puritan spiritual autobiography, travel literature, and adventure stories.
It is considered one of the first modern novels in the English language and explores themes of ambition, self-reliance, civilization, and power.
#720
• Mentioned in 65 episodes
East of Eden
John Steinbeck
East of Eden, first published in 1952, is John Steinbeck's most ambitious work and a modern retelling of the Book of Genesis.
The novel spans from the American Civil War to the end of World War I, detailing the generational saga of two families: the gentle Adam Trask and his violent brother Charles, followed by Adam's sons, the virtuous Aron and the rebellious Caleb (Cal).
Driven by the presence of the manipulative and evil Cathy Ames, the story explores timeless themes of good and evil, the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the consequences of love's absence.
Steinbeck originally dedicated the book to his young sons, aiming to create a mythic narrative with primordial power.
#2227
• Mentioned in 28 episodes
The last of the Mohicans
James Fenimore Cooper
James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans" is a historical novel set during the French and Indian War. It follows the adventures of Hawkeye, a white frontiersman raised by Native Americans, and his companions as they navigate the treacherous wilderness.
The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the clash between European and Native American cultures.
Cooper's vivid descriptions of nature and his portrayal of complex characters contribute to the enduring appeal of the story.
The novel's depiction of the conflict between different cultures and its exploration of the changing landscape of North America remain relevant today.
#6310
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
The Trumpet of the Swan
E. B. White
Born without a voice in a Canadian pond, young trumpeter swan Louis cannot trumpet like his family.
With help from boy Sam Beaver, who teaches him to read and write, and a stolen trumpet from his father, Louis works jobs as a camp bugler, Boston Public Garden performer, and Philadelphia Zoo attraction to repay the debt and win the affection of Serena.
After adventures, repayment, and family life, Louis thrives while staying true to his wild nature.
#16514
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Moll Flanders
Daniel Defoe
Moll Flanders is a novel by Daniel Defoe, published in 1722, that follows the life of its protagonist as she navigates through various marriages, criminal activities, and societal challenges in 17th-century England.
The story explores themes of gender roles, morality, and survival in a society with limited options for women.
Moll's life is marked by her resilience and adaptability as she faces numerous hardships and transformations.
#4689
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Tom Jones
Henry Fielding
Classical Et Cetera continues our best-books-by-century series, this time spanning 1500 to 1799 — from Gutenberg's press to the eve of the Romantics. Returning guest Kyle Janke joins Jessica, Paul, and Tanya to build a reading list from Don Quixote, Shakespeare, Paradise Lost, and more. Along the way: is Dracula secretly a Christian classic, why this era gave us more thinkers than storytellers, and how to read difficult old books without giving up.
Don Quixote – Cervantes
Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
Moll Flanders – Daniel Defoe
The Vicar of Wakefield – Oliver Goldsmith
Tom Jones – Henry Fielding
Paradise Lost – John Milton
Pilgrim's Progress – John Bunyan
Gulliver's Travels – Jonathan Swift
Candide – Voltaire
The Faerie Queene – Edmund Spenser
Lyrical Ballads – Wordsworth & Coleridge
Shakespeare
John Donne
George Herbert
Samuel Johnson
The King James Bible
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire – Edward Gibbon
Descartes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Adam Smith, Machiavelli, Thomas More
Newton, Galileo, Copernicus
Common Sense – Thomas Paine
The U.S. Constitution
The Federalist Papers
Benjamin Franklin's autobiography
Jonathan Edwards, Cotton Mather
*Best Books by Era*
Greece: https://youtu.be/dijEqf0kcAM?si=9kVIpElDUhPlexqW
Rome: https://youtu.be/gMcuWkz6XQ4?si=HzXnHEfm6wQBlzhz
Middle Ages: https://youtu.be/rDB05FAPP0U?si=YuKH062Kr6uBrRak