Henry Oliver

Henry Oliver, a literary Substack writer and author focused on late blooming, joins Becca Rothfeld, a renowned nonfiction critic and editor, along with Nik Sharma, a molecular biologist turned acclaimed cookbook author. They delve into the elusive concept of 'good taste,' examining its ties to class and culture. The trio discusses how critics shape literary appreciation and the evolution of taste across generations. Additionally, they explore culinary diversity and the science behind flavors, encouraging listeners to embrace both excess and moderation in their taste journeys.

In this engaging conversation, Henry Oliver, a writer and literary critic known for The Common Reader blog, passionately discusses the intricacies of literature. They tackle the politics of culture wars and how these shape literary debates. A playful segment explores a whimsical literary canon for visiting aliens, highlighting classics from 'The King James Bible' to 'The Lord of the Rings.' The discussion also delves into romanticism's impact on narratives, the legacy of authors like Jonathan Swift, and the ongoing evolution of the literary canon.