The History of Literature

Eric Marshall White, a rare books librarian and author, discusses Johannes Gutenberg's innovations in printing and the myths surrounding his life. Jenny Minton Quigley shares insights into the editorial journey of Nabokov's controversial novel, Lolita, and the risks taken to publish it. Novelist Jim Shepard reflects on Lolita's impact on literature and its narrative techniques. Joshua Ferris delves into Nabokov's disdain for Freud and how it influenced interpretations of his work. The conversation weaves together the threads of literary history with modern implications.

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights stands out as a pinnacle of English literature, exploring themes of obsessive and vengeful love. The moors serve as a symbolic backdrop that heightens the characters' passions. Delving into psychological attraction, the discussion touches on the allure of 'bad boys' like Heathcliff and how readers' perceptions of him evolve over time. Controversies surrounding adaptations are examined, along with insights from literary giants like Virginia Woolf and Joyce Carol Oates, enriching the understanding of this complex novel.

It's October! Jacke kicks off his favorite month with a classic tale of horror, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs. Perhaps you know the general contours of the paradigmatic "be careful what you wish for" story from the Simpsons or another popularization - but just how scary was the original story? And who was W.W. Jacobs? Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! 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

Jane Austen had six brothers, but her older brother Henry was her favorite. Kind and witty, Henry has long been appreciated by Austen fans for his devotion to Jane and his championing of her novels. But Henry was a fascinating figure in his own right, capering through risky financial schemes and marrying an enigmatic French countess before ending his days as a hard-working curate. Highly successful at times and nearly bankrupt at others, Henry's colorful and turbulent life helps us better understand Jane's life and works. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Christopher Herbert about his new book, Jane Austen's Favourite Brother, Henry, which tells the illuminating and inspiring story of a special sibling relationship. PLUS Jacke shares a letter from a 22-year-old Australian reading his way through Europe. AND author Nicholas Jenkins (The Island: War and Belonging in Auden's England) discusses 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

Mark Hussey, a Distinguished Professor of English Emeritus and expert on Virginia Woolf, delves into the significance of *Mrs Dalloway* on its centenary. He discusses the novel's vivid stream-of-consciousness, Woolf's struggles, and its revolutionary narrative techniques. Hussey highlights the changing student perspectives on Woolf, especially around themes of PTSD. Literary scholar Graham Watson shares his choice for his last book, *The Diary of Virginia Woolf*, reflecting on its intimacy and profound insights into the author's mind.

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.