The Literary Life Podcast

This week on The Literary Life Podcast, our hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks are back with a new “Literary Life of…” interview, this time with their teaching colleague at House of Humane Letters, Dr. Anne Phillips. In addition to her classes at HHL, you can also find Dr. Phillips writing on Substack. Angelina starts off the conversation asking Anne about her reading life growing up and her homeschool experience. She talks about how she came to love the Greek myths and started pursuing Latin. The three of them discuss how having a diet of truly good literature cultivates discernment in reading less valuable books. They also share thoughts on writing as imitation and the great importance of having good ideas over knowing particular forms. Anne also talks about her college and graduate school experiences and the challenges of being in academia in our current culture. They wrap up the conversation with a little look into what Dr. Phillips reading life looks like now as a working, homeschooling mother and wife. To register for Dr. Phillips and Jenn Rogers’ upcoming mini-class, “The Great Divide”, please visit HouseofHumaneLetters.com. To view the full show notes for this episode, along with all the books mentioned, please visit our website at https://theliterary.life/274. 

This week on The Literary Life podcast, Angelina, Cindy and Thomas continue their discussion of The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, on chapters 12-22. Angelina and Thomas begin the conversation sharing some thoughts on modern literature and why we don’t hear of modern authors like Elizabeth von Arnim among “the academy.” Cindy tells us what stood out to her most in the second half of the book and the surprising turns von Arnim takes in the storyline. Angelina and Thomas also talk about the types of books they enjoy, and Cindy brings up the longings and fears of the various characters. The metaphors and fairy tale concepts found in this book are, of course, major topics of the conversation. Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Literary Life Online Conference coming April 23-26, 2025! Register today for “Living Language: Why Words Matter” at HouseofHumaneLetters.com for full live or later access. To view the full show notes for this episode, please visit https://theliterary.life/273.  

Delve into the enchanting world of Elizabeth von Arnim's novel as the hosts explore themes of identity and beauty. They discuss the character dynamics of Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot, revealing their struggles and self-discovery. Humor and humanity shine through with witty remarks and reflections on societal pressures. Learn about von Arnim’s life, her quirky relationships, and the novel's impact on Italian tourism. The conversation emphasizes the richness of literary beauty and personal transformation in the idyllic Italian setting.

Peter Hitchens, an accomplished author and journalist, shares his literary journey and childhood memories of reading. He discusses the often-overlooked works of George Orwell and reflects on the Spanish Civil War's complexities. The conversation dives into forgotten 20th-century authors and the significance of ghost stories. Hitchens emphasizes the loss of literary tradition, while highlighting the cultural impact of classic literature, including Arthur Conan Doyle's contributions. It's an engaging exploration of literature's enduring legacy and its role in shaping society.

Delve into Tolstoy's haunting tale, exploring the tension between ambition and contentment. The discussion reveals how materialism can corrupt, contrasting the richness of true vocation with the perils of unchecked desire. Dive into Tolstoy’s transformative journey and the moral nuances that shape his storytelling. Also touched upon are the significance of education and introspection amidst societal pressures. The conversation is enriched with literary insights and prepares for upcoming community events that foster deeper literary engagement.

Dive into a captivating exploration of C.S. Lewis's 'An Experiment in Criticism,' where hosts dissect the art of 'receiving' versus 'using' literature. They unravel the complexities of literary experiences and address common misconceptions about Lewis's work. Expect reflections on the evolution of literary criticism, engaging anecdotes, and an upcoming conference that underscores the importance of language. Plus, discover how to cultivate a deeper connection to literature without breaking the bank, all while navigating the intersection of ethics, politics, and personal engagement in reading.

The discussion kicks off with insights on poetry, emphasizing the sound and experience of the written word. Angelina and Thomas share their favorite literary resources, underlining the importance of staying true to the text. They explore the nuances of marginalia and its impact on reading. The conversation delves into the purpose of literature: to enrich our souls and broaden our perspectives. A thought-provoking question emerges: will we approach reading with hubris or humility? This exploration of literary criticism invites listeners to deepen their understanding of texts.

Dive into the captivating world of literature as the hosts discuss the distinction between loving a book and evaluating it. They explore C. S. Lewis' perspective that art does not teach us direct truths and emphasize the importance of experiencing literature with humility. The dangers of rushing judgments on readings are highlighted, alongside the contrast between treating literature as an academic tool versus an art form. Each insight invites listeners to appreciate literature's transformative potential beyond mere moral lessons.

The discussion delves into C. S. Lewis' concepts of myth and the importance of an enriching reading experience. The hosts explore the allure of literary fantasy while cautioning against morbid fantasies and escapism. They emphasize the need for diverse narratives that connect us to different cultures and experiences. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of literature, particularly the rise of graphic novels, and the psychological impacts of reading fiction versus nonfiction. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate a deeper engagement with literature.

Dive deep into C.S. Lewis's thoughts on literature as a reflection of readers, not just books. The hosts emphasize the transformative power of rereading and the emotional connections that literature fosters. They critique the pressures in academia that can stifle passion for teaching. The discussion celebrates the joy of reading over superficial literary trends and advocates for authentic engagement with texts. Personal reflections and vibrant anecdotes make for a lively exploration of how literature can profoundly shape our lives.