In this episode, Jacke takes a look at the life of Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick and many other works. Melville experienced ups and downs, from a fancy Manhattan childhood to financial ruin and back again. Once a literary celebrity, heralded for his early novels based on his experiences living on tropical islands with cannibals, he was nearly forgotten at the time of his death, only to be rediscovered a few decades afterward - and to become a household name for more than a hundred years.Additional listening suggestions: 159 Herman Melville (with Mike Palindrome and Cristina Negrón) 296 Nathaniel Hawthorne 273 The Book for Book Lovers - The Call Me Ishmael Phone Book (with Stephanie Kent and Logan Smalley) 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 www.thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President of the Literature Supporters Club, Mike Palindrome, joins for a discussion on the Top 10 Greatest Lines in Shakespeare. They explore the impact and brilliance of famous lines like 'Now is the winter of our discontent' and 'A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse.' Delving into Shakespeare's plays and characters, they highlight the enduring influence of his work on literature and common language.

George Orwell (1903-1950) was one of the twentieth century's great literary figures. An English novelist, who also excelled at essays and journalism, he fought all his life against injustice, snobbery, hypocrisy, deception (including self-deception), and lazy prose. In this episode, Mike Palindrome, president of the Literature Supporters Club, joins Jacke to discuss Orwell's life and works, including 1984, Animal Farm, his lesser-known novels, his journalistic works like Down and Out in Paris and London and Homage to Catalonia, and his most famous essays, including "Politics and the English Language," "Shooting an Elephant," and "A Hanging."Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/shop. (We appreciate it!) Find out more at historyofliterature.com, jackewilson.com, or by following Jacke and Mike on Twitter at @thejackewilson and @literatureSC. Or send an email to jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com.New!!! Looking for an easy to way to buy Jacke a coffee? Now you can at paypal.me/jackewilson. Your generosity is much appreciated!The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at www.thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. ***This show is a part of the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. We encourage you to visit the website and sign up for our newsletter for more information about our shows, launches, and events. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy. Since you're listening to The History of Literature, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows surrounding literature, history, and storytelling like Storybound, Micheaux Mission, and The History of Standup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Palindrome, a literary theme expert, and Fred Waitzkin, novelist of 'Searching for Bobby Fischer,' dive deep into Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and its pivotal influence on Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now.' They explore the dark themes of colonialism and humanity's moral dilemmas as depicted in both works. The duo also reflects on Waitzkin's choice for his last read, highlighting the emotional significance of literary legacies and personal connections to stories, as well as discussing the evolving relationship between classic literature and modern audiences.

Dive into Franz Kafka's 'A Hunger Artist' with insightful discussions on themes of isolation, spectacle, and artistry. Explore the eccentric world of carnivals, inner struggles of the hunger artist, and the decline of his art. Reflect on Kafka's profound impact and literary influences.

Matt Abrahams, an expert in effective speaking, shares insights on harnessing storytelling for success in daily communication. He emphasizes structured storytelling's power to engage and clarify messages. Joining him, Mike Palindrome discusses the timeless relevance of Roland Barthes’ critiques, particularly in understanding culture and media. They challenge listeners to explore language's intricacies and apply literary techniques to improve their own storytelling skills for personal and professional growth.

Mike Palindrome, a superguest, discusses D.H. Lawrence's "Tickets, Please," a modernist story exploring the war of the sexes. The podcast analyzes the story's horror and unexpected ending, while discussing unfair breakups, mob mentality, conflicting desires, and the socioeconomic circumstances of women during World War I.

In this discussion, Mike Palindrome, president of the Literature Supporters Club, lends his insights on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'Winter Dreams.' They explore Dexter Green’s poignant journey through wealth and longing, revealing themes of unrequited love and social class dynamics. The conversation highlights Fitzgerald's reflections on nostalgia and emotional complexity while comparing the protagonist’s ambitions with the harshness of reality. Lev Grossman also shares his ultimate last book choice, enriching the literary discourse with personal insights.

Join Laurie Frankel, acclaimed novelist known for "This Is How It Always Is," and Mike Palindrome, the enthusiastic President of the Literature Supporters Club, as they explore the intriguing concept of literary guilty pleasures. They share humorous anecdotes about their reading habits and the joy of indulging in supposedly 'bad' literature. The conversation also dances between nostalgia for childhood favorites and the allure of neglected genres, prompting a delightful talk on why literature should be savored without guilt. Plus, a special guest gives insights on the ultimate last book choice!

Collin Jennings, a former assistant professor and author, shares insights on how computational methods illuminate 18th-century literature. He highlights the role of print technology in transforming literary engagement and the innovative narrative structures of that era. Mike Palindrome passionately discusses Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast,' exploring its reflections on Parisian life and literary camaraderie. Finally, David L. Cooper considers the legacy of forgery in literature, sharing his choice for his last book, which intertwines personal and national narratives.