On the Road with Penguin Classics

Chris Riddell, illustrator and political cartoonist, discusses his fascination with the illustrations of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. They explore the pseudonym 'Lewis Carroll' and the theme of identity in the book. Tea and food in the story are also highlighted. The significance of Dodgion's rooms, Alice's garden, and the Cheshire Cat are discussed, along with their visit to Christchurch. The chapter concludes with reflections on Lewis Carroll's Wonderland and the White Knight.

Alan Taylor, a journalist and close friend of Muriel Spark, takes listeners on a fascinating walk through Edinburgh, exploring the iconic sites from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. He shares personal anecdotes about Spark’s childhood, the historical backdrop that influenced her work, and the complex dynamics of Miss Brodie with her students. Taylor also examines Miss Brodie's intriguing political views and the socio-historical context of Edinburgh's old town, all while reflecting on Spark's enduring literary legacy.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Motion, the former Poet Laureate and biographer of John Keats, shares insights into the poet's brief yet impactful life. Joined by Rob Shakespeare, curator of Keats House, they explore how Hampstead influenced Keats's poetry, including his struggles with early critiques and his passionate relationship with Fanny Brawne. They highlight the significance of 'negative capability' and the vibrant literary community surrounding Keats. A stroll through Keats's world brings his timeless words to life, creating a vivid connection to his legacy.

In a captivating discussion, Michael Bravo, an expert in circumpolar history, and Emily Dourish, a rare book specialist, explore the imaginative worlds of Margaret Cavendish's 'The Blazing World.' They unravel how Cavendish blended fantasy with 17th-century science and the significance of her work in a male-dominated literary landscape. From the cultural insights gained at the Polar and Whipple Museums to analyzing Cavendish's challenge of gender norms, they highlight her unique legacy and the vitality of imagination in literature.

Anne Fogarty, Professor of James Joyce and Ulysses, joins Henry in Dublin to recreate a day in the life of Leopold Bloom. They discuss the significance of locations in Ulysses such as the Martello Tower, Eccles Street, Davy Byrnes, and the National Library. They also explore the challenges James Joyce faced in publishing Ulysses, symbolism and repulsion in the novel, and the future and legacy of Ulysses.

Robert Icke, a visionary writer and director known for his acclaimed stage adaptation of 1984, joins the conversation to unravel the dark themes of George Orwell's masterpiece. He navigates through real-world locations in London that inspired Orwell, discussing the chilling concepts of totalitarianism and surveillance. Icke delves into the complex characters of Winston, O'Brien, and Julia, exploring their roles in a society rife with fear and propaganda. The dialogue connects Orwell's insights to contemporary issues like social media and control, demonstrating the novel's enduring relevance.

On the Road with Penguin Classics is a literary podcast that takes a stroll around the world's favourite books. In each episode, author Henry Eliot travels to a different literary location to explore a brilliant book in the company of remarkable readers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louis de Bernières, acclaimed novelist known for 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', joins Catherine Nisbet, Museum Manager, and Adam Weaver, land agent at the Arbury Estate. They explore the roots of George Eliot in Nuneaton, discussing how her childhood home inspired 'The Mill on the Floss'. De Bernières reflects on Eliot's character dynamics, especially Maggie Tulliver and her struggles with societal pressures. The conversation also touches on Eliot's innovative narrative style and the historical landscapes that shaped her writing.

Susheila Nasta, a Professor of Contemporary and Modern Literatures and Sam Selvon's literary executor, joins Howard Jeffery, Chairman of the Pepperpot Centre, to explore 'The Lonely Londoners.' They discuss the poignant experiences of Caribbean migrants in 1950s London, touching on themes of nostalgia, identity, and community resilience. The conversation dives into the struggles of securing employment amidst discrimination, the establishment of supportive spaces like the Pepperpot Centre, and the rich cultural narratives that foster solidarity among the West Indian community.

In this engaging conversation, Frank Cottrell Boyce, a renowned screenwriter and children's author known for 'A Cock and Bull Story,' joins curator Patrick Wildgust to explore the whimsical world of Laurence Sterne and his 'Tristram Shandy.' They meander through Coxwold, discussing the novel’s innovative narrative style, its humorous quirks, and the personal life of Sterne. The duo highlights the joyful connection between writing and well-being, ultimately celebrating the eccentric charm of both the author and his work.