The TLS Podcast

Edith Hall, a Professor of Classics at Durham University and expert on Greek tragedy, is captivated by Sophocles' works and offers critiques of modern adaptations of 'Oedipus.' Barnaby Phillips, a writer specializing in colonial history, discusses the absurdities of King Leopold's 19th-century expedition to the Congo, which aimed to exploit trained elephants. Their conversation dives into the complexities of interpreting ancient texts and the dark legacy of colonial ambitions, exposing the moral implications of such historical narratives.

This week, we're joined by Eimear McBride as she publishes a compelling new novel; and Anne Fuchs celebrates WG Sebald's illuminating and idiosyncratic essays.'The City Changes Its Face', by Eimear McBride'Silent Catastrophes: Essays in Austrian Literature', by WG Sebald, translated by Jo CatlingProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Kevin Brazil on the revealing tour d'horizontal of a great writer; and Keith Miller goes down a rabbit-hole in search of Richard Ayoade.'The Loves of My Life: A Sex Memoir', by Edmund White'The Unfinished Harauld Hughes', 'Plays, Prose, Pieces, Poetry', 'The Models Trilogy', 'Four Films', by Harauld Hughes/Richard AyoadeProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Toby Lichtig assesses the latest recreation of Bob Dylan, man and myth; and David Gallagher on an academic and spy who inspired the work of Javier Marias.'A Complete Unknown', a film by James Mangold'Scholar-Spy: The Worlds of Professor Sir Peter Russell', by Bruce TaylorProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Boris Dralyuk on a compelling portrait of the Black Sea port of Odesa, past and present; and Russell Williams is put in mind of the rumpled TV detective Columbo by a pacy French novel.'Undefeatable: Odesa in Love and War', by Julian Evans'Bristol', by Jean EchenozProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Vanessa Curtis is entranced by the candour of the Bloomsbury set's photograph albums; and Emma Greensmith on the mythical creatures that fascinated the ancient world.'The Bloomsbury Photographs", by Maggie Humm'Centaurs and Snake-Kings: Hybrids and the Greek Imagination', by Jeremy McInerneyProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, JS Barnes trembles in his boots before the latest incarnation of a classic vampire tale; and Mary C Flannery on the practical magic of the medieval kitchen.'Nosferatu', various cinemas'Recipes and Book Culture in England, 1350-1600', Carrie Griffin and Hannah Ryley, editorsProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alex Clark and Lucy Dallas look forward to 2025's most tempting reading, plan a Jane Austen road trip and resolve to sit up straight.Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Simone Gubler ponders the contents of a dog's mind; and Tristram Fane Saunders praises the poet Wendy Cope's strengths and subtleties.'The Happiness of Dogs: Why the Unexamined Life is Most Worth Living', by Mark Rowlands'Collared: How We Made the Modern Dog', by Chris Pearson'Collected Poems', by Wendy Cope Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Catriona Seth goes in search of the mysterious last queen of France; and Maria Margaronis is entranced by the stage adaptation of a children's classic.'Marie-Antoinette', by Charles-Éloi Vial'Ballet Shoes', adapted by Kendall Feaver from Noel Streatfeild's novel, National Theatre, London, until February 22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.