The History of Literature

Jacke talks to author Mark Hussey (Mrs Dalloway: Biography of a Novel) about Virginia Woolf's beloved novel Mrs Dalloway, which turned 100 earlier this year. PLUS author Graham Watson (The Invention of Charlotte Bronte) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup open through the end of September)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠⁠. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website ⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com⁠⁠⁠. Or visit the ⁠⁠⁠History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠⁠. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠. 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 ⁠⁠⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacke talks to author Tom Lutz about 1925: A Literary Encyclopedia, which provides a fascinating window into a year when literature was arguably at its peak centrality. PLUS a look at J.R.R. Tolkien and his influential Lord of the Rings, #16 on the list of the Greatest Books of All Time. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup open through the end of September)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with ⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website ⁠⁠historyofliterature.com⁠⁠. Or visit the ⁠⁠History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠. 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 ⁠⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haruki Murakami (b. 1949) is one of the rare writers who combines literary admiration with widespread appeal. Host Jacke Wilson is joined by lifelong Murakami fan Mike Palindrome to discuss what makes his novels so compelling, so mysterious, and so popular. Works discussed include The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and many others. Special Bonus Quiz: Can you tell the difference between famous quotes by Murakami and YA novelist John Green? PLUS Jacke takes a look at the #17 Greatest Book of All Time, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Note: The Haruki Murakami episode, which has been unavailable for several years, was originally released on April 1, 2018. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup open through the end of September)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with ⁠John Shors Travel⁠. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website ⁠historyofliterature.com⁠. Or visit the ⁠History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary⁠ at ⁠John Shors Travel⁠. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠gabrielruizbernal.com. 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 ⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacke starts the episode by looking at the different ways that ten writers have viewed the Bible, #18 on the list of the Greatest Books of All Time. Then he's joined by scholar Kate Loveman, one of the few people in the world who's been able to read the diaries of Samuel Pepys in the original shorthand, for a discussion of her book The Strange History of Samuel Pepys's Diary. PLUS: The one quick trick Jacke's been using to stay healthy. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup open through the end of September)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with ⁠John Shors Travel⁠. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website ⁠historyofliterature.com⁠. Or visit the ⁠History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary⁠ at ⁠John Shors Travel⁠. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠gabrielruizbernal.com. 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 ⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A listener's request sparks a deep dive into Dostoevsky's 'The Brothers Karamazov' and its exploration of meaning amid suffering. The host reflects on personal tragedies, parenting, and the emotional labyrinth of grief. They discuss the complex interactions between music and literature while announcing a literary tour across England. Insights into Dostoevsky's life reveal how his struggles shaped his work, illuminating themes of loss, hope, and familial bonds that resonate throughout his writing.

Graham Watson, a writer and editor specializing in the Brontës, joins to discuss his book on Charlotte Brontë's fascinating life as a mysterious celeb and passionate author. He details her complex relationships, especially with Elizabeth Gaskell, who posthumously shaped her legacy. The conversation also dives into the rich imagery of John Keats's 'To Autumn,' weaving in themes of beauty and decay. Additionally, Sara Charles shares her thoughts on the last book she'd ever read, providing a unique glimpse into literary passion.

Orlando Reade, Assistant Professor of English and author of *What in Me Is Dark*, discusses the revolutionary legacy of Milton's *Paradise Lost*. He illuminates how this epic poem has influenced notable figures like Malcolm X and Thomas Jefferson in their battles against tyranny. The conversation dives into the paradox of Milton's advocacy for freedom while confronting his personal contradictions. Additionally, author Jodi Picoult shares her thoughts on the last book she would choose to read, adding a personal touch to the literary discourse.

Dive into the controversial legacy of Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' exploring its status as a great American novel and its critiques of society. Discover the transformative power of literature in shaping morality and identity, while examining Lorraine Hansberry's impactful journey as a playwright amidst racial injustices. The discussion also touches on themes of deferred dreams and personal struggles within the civil rights movement, illuminating the emotional complexities of aspirations in literature.

Jacob Abell, an Assistant Professor of French at Baylor University, dives into the concept of the Earthly Paradise in medieval literature. He unpacks how narratives like Marie de France’s and Guillaume de Lorris’s reveal the spiritual and material boundaries of paradise. The discussion highlights the shift from Latin to vernacular literature and its implications on society. Victorian literature expert Allen MacDuffie also shares insights on his pick for the last book he would ever read, blending literary nostalgia with contemporary reflections.

In this conversation, Mike Palindrome, President of the Literature Supporters Club, sparks a lively debate on the literary rivalry between England and France. They explore how great minds like Shakespeare and Proust have shaped their cultures. The duo humorously contrasts the artistic vibes of Parisian cafes with English pubs, while playfully reflecting on historical tensions and shared narratives. Join them as they dive into iconic works and authors, revealing the rich interplay of ideas that defines this literary battle royale.