The History of Literature

It's one of the most famous and admired short stories that Ernest Hemingway ever wrote - and also one of the most controversial. In this episode, Hemingway expert Mark Cirino (host of the One True Podcast) joins Jacke for a discussion of "Hills Like White Elephants," in which a terse exchange between two lovers in a remote Spanish train station reveals a profound moral and existential crisis. (NOTE: Never read the story? Or maybe it's been a while? Fear not! The episode also contains a reading of the story, to bring you back up to speed.)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

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.

Liz Rosenberg, a biographer and editor dedicated to Louisa May Alcott, sheds light on Alcott's lesser-known essays and their rich context. They discuss the powerful role of women as nurses during the Civil War, which deeply influenced Alcott's work. The conversation also delves into the complexities of Alcott's life, contrasting her public persona with her private struggles and unconventional views on marriage. By examining the blend of humor and sorrow in her writings, they reveal the enduring legacy of this iconic author.

Laurie Frankel, a celebrated author known for her novel 'Family,' joins theater expert James Shapiro to explore the fleeting magic of performances. They discuss the thrill of imagining historical theater experiences and share their must-see productions. Shapiro also reveals his choice for the last book he’d ever read, invoking deep reflections on storytelling. The conversation flows through the impact of shared tragedies and the dynamic between performance and audience, highlighting how theatrical experiences shape our emotional connections.

Translator Glynne Walley discusses the epic Japanese novel 'The Hakkenden, or Eight Dogs' with deep insights. The podcast explores the historical context, challenges of translation, and the novel's influence on Japanese literature and culture. Additionally, it delves into the intersection of literature and the Olympics, highlighting the unique art competitions held during the early years of the games.

Author Amelia Possanza discusses her book 'Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives' uncovering historical love stories of lesbians. The podcast explores themes of hope, love in Emily Dickinson's poems, book publicity shifts, social media impact, advertising strategies, Melville's passion in 'Moby Dick', LGBTQ history challenges, and themes of love, literature, and music.

Explore the monumental landscape of Tolstoy's 'War and Peace,' dissecting its unique structure and historical context. Discover the crucial contributions of Sophia Tolstoy and the impact of personal struggles on character development. Delve into Natasha's heartache and Pierre's transformative musings under the night sky. Revel in Tolstoy's innovative narrative techniques, blending fiction with history, while grappling with his ambivalence about life and literature. This journey through complex relationships and societal judgments unveils the depth of human emotion amid historical turmoil.

Professor Renee Fox discusses the Victorians' fascination with reanimating corpses in literature. Jacke explores Herman Hesse's views on trees as symbols of strength and self-realization. The podcast delves into themes of reviving the past in art and manipulating history in literature, examining works by Shelley, Dickens, Stoker, and more.

Novelist Fred Waitzkin (Searching for Bobby Fischer) stops by to discuss Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, and his new novel Anything Is Good, which tells the story of a childhood friend who was a genius - and who ended up living among the unhoused for years. PLUS Michael Blanding (In Shakespeare's Shadow: A Rogue Scholar's Quest to Reveal the True Source Behind the World's Greatest Plays) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read.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

Women haven't always been given an equal chance to contribute to literature - but they were writing nevertheless, sometimes just for themselves. In this episode, Jacke talks to Sarah Gristwood (Secret Voices: A Year of Women's Diaries) about her new collection of extracts from four centuries of women's diaries. PLUS Jacke shares a poem by Sharon Olds and talks to Suzanne Scanlon (Committed: On Meaning and Madwomen) about her choice for the last book she will ever read.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