
The History of Literature
Amateur enthusiast Jacke Wilson journeys through the history of literature, from ancient epics to contemporary classics. Episodes are not in chronological order and you don't need to start at the beginning - feel free to jump in wherever you like! Find out more at historyofliterature.com and facebook.com/historyofliterature. Support the show by visiting patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. Contact the show at historyofliteraturepodcast@gmail.com.
Latest episodes

May 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
703 D.H. Lawrence (with David Ellis) | My Last Book with Dorian Lynskey
David Ellis, Emeritus Professor of English Literature and biographer of D.H. Lawrence, shares insights on the complexities surrounding this enigmatic novelist. He discusses Lawrence's tumultuous upbringing and the impact on his literary works. Dorian Lynskey, a literature expert on cataclysmic themes, contemplates which final book might resonate at life’s end. Together, they explore the contrasts in Lawrence’s character, his struggles with authenticity, and the personal connections that shaped his artistic vision.

May 19, 2025 • 2min
Introducing The World with Marco Werman
Jacke encourages you to check out The World with Marco Werman. It is an in-depth global news show covering American topics from the perspectives of those outside the US. We highly recommend it as a great complement to The History of Literature.

May 15, 2025 • 52min
702 Writing in the World of Jane Austen (with D.G. Rampton) | Disaster at the Book Festival!
D.G. Rampton, Australia's Queen of the Regency Romance, delves into her passion for the works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, illuminating the challenges of writing historical romance in a modern context. She shares tales from a chaotic book festival, where hopes clashed with reality amidst disorganization. The conversation offers insights into the delicate balance of crafting strong female characters while remaining historically accurate. Plus, they explore the evolution of Regency men's fashion, bringing wit and allure to life in their stories.

May 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
701 Emerson's Struggle with Slavery (with Kenneth Sacks) | My Last Book with Victoria Namkung | We Had Sex Inside Moby-Dick!
Kenneth Sacks, a Professor of history and classics at Brown University, discusses Ralph Waldo Emerson's complex journey with slavery, revealing his struggle between personal freedom and collective action. Victoria Namkung, a novelist known for her insights on Sui Sin Far, shares her choice for the last book she'd ever read. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they explore the quirky connection between love hotels in Japan and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, blending cultural history with literature in an entertaining way.

May 5, 2025 • 28min
700 - Butterflies at Rest
Reflect on the unpredictable nature of life through the delicate metaphor of butterflies. Delve into heartfelt memories of friendship, capturing the essence of college days filled with adventure and profound conversations. Explore the emotional weight of nostalgia as one roommate confronts the impact of change and loss, reminding us of the fleeting yet beautiful moments that shape our lives.

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
699 Gatsby's Daisy (with Rachel Feder) | My Last Book with Francesca Peacock
Join Rachel Feder, an Associate Professor and author of "Daisy," as she breathes new life into F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic. She discusses how her modern retelling reveals the trials of a '90s teen poet, juxtaposing youthful ambition against the backdrop of wealth and societal expectations. The conversation also dives into Daisy Buchanan's character, influenced by early 20th-century socialites, and the complex themes of love and identity that resonate through generations. Francesca Peacock also shares her choice for the last book she would read.

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
698 Dante in Love (with Ellen Nerenberg and Anthony Valerio) [Ad-Free Archive Edition]
Join Professor Ellen Nerenberg, a leading expert in Italian literature, and author Anthony Valerio, who brings Dante's works to life, as they explore the timeless allure of Dante Alighieri. They delve into Dante's idealized love for Beatrice in 'La Vita Nuova' and discuss how his poetic genius shaped literary history. Topics include the innovative use of vernacular, modern adaptations that enhance Beatrice's character, and the emotional ties between Dante and Florence. Their passion ignites a fresh appreciation for love and artistry in Dante's work.

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 21min
697 Race in European Fairy Tales (with Kimberly Lau) | My Last Book with Rolf Hellebust
Anyone digging into fairy tales soon discovers that there's more to these stories of magic and wonder than meets the eye. Often thought of as stories for children, the narratives can be shockingly violent, and they sometimes deliver messages or "morals" at odds with modern sensibilities. In this episode, Jacke talks to Kimberly Lau about her book Specters of the Marvelous: Race and the Development of the European Fairy Tale, which reveals the historical racial context that profoundly influenced these ubiquitous stories. PLUS Rolf Hellebust (How Russian Literature Became Great) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Additional listening:
604 How Russian Literature Became Great (with Rolf Hellebust)
531 Fairy Tales (with Jack Zipes)
377 The Brothers Grimm
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

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h
696 John Ruskin (with Sara Atwood) | My Last Book with Collin Jennings
Sara Atwood, a PhD in English literature, and Collin Jennings, an expert in Enlightenment thought, delve into the life and legacy of John Ruskin, a crucial figure in literature and social reform. They discuss Ruskin's powerful influence on art and social justice, highlighting his foundations of the Guild of St. George. The conversation touches on misconceptions about his personal life and his enduring impact on figures like Gandhi. Jennings also shares insights on his choice of 'Tom Jones' as his last book, exploring its humor, mortality themes, and literary companionship.

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
695 Ten Indian Classics (with Sharmila Sen) | My Last Book with Adam Smyth
For the past ten years, the Murty Classical Library of India (published by Harvard University Press) has sought to do for classic Indian works what the famous Loeb Classical Library has done for Ancient Greek and Roman texts. In this episode, Jacke talks to editorial director Sharmila Sen about the joys and challenges of sifting through thousands of years of Indic works and bringing literary treasures to the general public, as well as a new book, Ten Indian Classics, which highlights ten of the fifty works published in the collection so far. PLUS bookmaker and book historian Adam Smyth (The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives) discusses his choice for the last book he will ever read. Additional listening:
613 Celebrating the Book-Makers (with Adam Smyth)
381 C. Subramania Bharati (with Mira T. Sundara Rajan)
552 Writing after Rushdie (with Shilpi Suneja)
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