The History of Literature

Delve into the lives of the Brontë sisters, whose tragic experiences inspired groundbreaking literature. Discover how the haunting beauty of the Yorkshire moors shaped their narratives. Explore the struggle for creativity amidst the challenges of child labor during the industrial revolution. Uncover the personal hardships that influenced Charlotte's journey to publish 'Jane Eyre' and the powerful themes in their works. Reflect on their enduring legacy and the impact of their tumultuous lives on English literature.

When he undertook his research on Harriet Jacobs and her brother John Swanson Jacobs, scholar Jonathan D.S. Schroeder wasn't expecting to find John's long lost autobiography. But there it was, buried in the archives of an Australian newspaper. Unknown for one hundred and sixty-nine years, the narrative bursts with fire and fury, filled with the energy (and intellectual freedom) of an ex-slave and ex-American writing from outside the United States. In this episode, Jacke talks to Jonathan about what it was like to make this incredible discovery - and what the narrative teaches us about the world of nineteenth-century literature and life. Book link:The United States Governed by Six Hundred Thousand Despots: A True Story of Slavery; A Rediscovered Narrative, with a Full Biography (by John Swanson Jacobs (Author) and Jonathan D.S. Schroeder (Editor))Additional listening suggestions: 300 Frederick Douglass 311 Frederick Douglass Learns to Read 485 Reading Pleasures: Everyday Black Living in Early America (with Dr Tara Bynum)  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

Explore the life and groundbreaking works of Richard Wright, one of the first Black American writers to achieve independence through literature. Discover his tumultuous upbringing in poverty-stricken Mississippi and the profound impact of his seminal novel, 'Native Son,' which tackles systemic racism and psychological turmoil. Hear about his influential friendship with James Baldwin and the ongoing significance of Wright's narratives in revealing the realities of race and identity in America.

Steven Belletto, an English professor and editor of The Cambridge Companion to Jack Kerouac, delves into Kerouac's enduring legacy, particularly through his seminal work 'On the Road.' They discuss how Kerouac's ideas of freedom and self-exploration resonate with today's readers. The conversation also touches on the criticisms of his style, contrasting literary elite views with his appeal among the public. Belletto highlights the complex interplay of Kerouac's Catholic roots and Buddhist beliefs, enriching our understanding of his intricate identity.

Unveil the mystery of Aesop, from a slave to a celebrated storyteller, as his fables reveal timeless moral lessons. Discover the connection between his tales and classic children's stories, and delve into the nuances of translating their charm. Explore the fables' deep, adult themes, serving as political commentary and societal critique. Transition to Tove Jansson's imaginative world, contemplating the idea of a 'last book' and the uniqueness of animal perspectives in storytelling.

James Shapiro, a Columbia professor and esteemed literary scholar, delves into the fascinating history of the Federal Theatre Project initiated during the Great Depression. He discusses how FDR's administration employed thousands of artists, including legends like Orson Welles and Arthur Miller, to produce over a thousand plays that transformed American culture. Shapiro also explores the project's impact on democracy, the tensions between art and politics, and its lasting legacy—raising questions about the contemporary relevance of theater in society.

Sara Charles, author of "The Medieval Scriptorium: Making Books in the Middle Ages," sheds light on the gritty realities of medieval manuscript production, revealing it was far from the serene image often depicted. She discusses the laborious process, the materials used, and the often-overlooked contributions of women. Dante scholar Elizabeth Coggeshall shares her thoughts on the powerful connection between death and literature through her choice for the last book she'll read, intertwining personal loss and literary reflection with insights into Dante's works.

Mary Flannery, a renowned expert on medieval literature and author of "Geoffrey Chaucer: Unveiling the Merry Bard," dives deep into the world of Geoffrey Chaucer. She explores his role as the father of English poetry, revealing the complexities of his humor and his societal challenges. The conversation touches on Chaucer's relationships with themes of shame, his ethical dilemmas, and the intriguing nature of his retractions in the 'Canterbury Tales.' Flannery also delves into Chaucer's comic legacy, balancing appreciation and critique of his earthy humor.

Geoffrey Turnovsky, a scholar of early modern French literature, shares fascinating insights about the evolving relationship between readers and print in our digitized world. He challenges the myth of distraction-free reading and discusses the emotional connections forged with texts over time. Liz Rosenberg, acclaimed author, reveals her choice for the last book she'd read, sparking a heartfelt reflection on literature's profound impact on our lives. The conversation dives into how reading fosters empathy and the shifting dynamics between print and digital formats.

In this engaging discussion, Thomas Mann, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for classics like *Buddenbrooks* and *Death in Venice*, shares insights into his complex life. He reflects on the artistic triumphs and bitter defeats that shaped him. The conversation dives into his struggles with identity and sexuality, as well as the impact of familial ties on his work. Mann also addresses the political dangers he faced during the rise of fascism, revealing how his literary legacy intertwines with personal and historical turbulence.