The History of Literature

Jacke Wilson / The Podglomerate
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May 29, 2025 • 60min

705 Runaway Poets - How the Brownings Fell in Love (And Why It Matters)

Discover the passionate love story of poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who overcame family constraints to create a literary legacy. Explore Elizabeth's struggles under her father's oppressive rule and how her talents blossomed despite adversity. Delve into the influence of their beloved dog, Flush, on literary history, as well as the darker themes in Robert's poem 'My Last Duchess'. This tale encapsulates their emotional depth, societal challenges, and how familial legacies shaped their poetic voices.
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May 26, 2025 • 1h 24min

704 Butterflies Regained

Dive into the enchanting world of poetry and butterflies! Renowned poets like Emily Dickinson and John Keats reveal the deeper meanings behind these delicate creatures. Explore if Keats truly saw himself as a butterfly in his love letters, and discover the playful debate on Frost's style with Dickinson. The conversation flutters through nostalgia and personal transformation, drawing parallels between the ephemeral nature of butterflies and human experiences in literature. All set to the backdrop of original music that perfectly captures the whimsy.
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4 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 7min

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.
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May 15, 2025 • 49min

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.
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May 12, 2025 • 1h 9min

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.
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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.
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Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 9min

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.
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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.
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Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 18min

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
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Apr 17, 2025 • 57min

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.

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