Literature and History
With millions of downloads, hundreds of hours of soundtracked content, and an overall emphasis on the cultural history behind famous works of literature, Literature and History is one of the most popular independent podcasts on its subject. Starting with Sumerian cuneiform in 3,100 BCE, Literature and History moves forward in chronological order through Assyriology, Egyptology, the Old Testament, Ancient Greece and Rome, the birth of Christianity, and the early Middle Ages. The show's current season is on early Islamic history.
A typical episode (they average about two hours) features a general introduction to a work of literature, then a full summary of that work that expects no prior knowledge, and finally, an analysis of the cultural, biographical, and historical forces that gave rise to the work in question. Original symphonic and ambient background music is woven throughout each show, and all episodes offer free full, illustrated, footnoted transcriptions as well as quizzes for purposes of review. The show has no advertisements, and its host takes pride in a professional approach that avoids chitchat and ephemera and gets straight to the educational content. You can listen to the episodes in any order, although most listeners begin at the beginning and proceed from there, as the podcast itself is chronologically organized.
Doug Metzger finished his Ph.D. in literature in 2011. His chief scholarly interest, following his dissertation work, continues to be 19th-century realism and postbellum American philosophy.
Latest episodes
Feb 23, 2019 • 1h 39min
Episode 64: Ovid's Exile (The Tristia and Epistulae ex Ponto)
For mysterious reasons, in 8 CE, Ovid was exiled from Rome. Ovid’s last works were composed an ocean away from Italy, on the western shore of the Black Sea. Episode 64 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-064/ Episode 64 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-064-ovids-exile Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj3nfzO2ZHM Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast
Feb 8, 2019 • 2h 11min
Episode 63: All Is in Flux (Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 11-15)
Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Books 11-15. The vast Metamorphoses draws to a resonant conclusion as Ovid brings his great poem to Rome itself. Episode 63 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-063/ Episode 63 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-063-all-is-in-flux Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMGX0cwIV2A Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast
Jan 27, 2019 • 2h 7min
Episode 62: A Curious Passion (Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 6-10)
Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Books 6-10. In the middle portion of Ovid’s great poem, psychological transformations become as gripping as physical ones. Episode 62 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-062/ Episode 62 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-062-a-curious-passion Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXZIl6DL-gY Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast
Jan 14, 2019 • 2h 15min
Episode 61: Changes of Shape (Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books 1-5)
Delve into the enchanting world of Ovid's Metamorphoses, exploring the themes of transformation and fluid identity. Discover the interplay between divine retribution and human emotions through vivid myths, such as Apollo’s tragic love for Daphne and the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe. Hear about the folly of arrogance in the contest of the Muses, and the chaos that ensued when Proserpina was abducted. Plus, enjoy insights on the evolution of Ovid's influence from the modern to the postmodern and a creative leap into a sci-fi rock opera inspired by his narratives.
Dec 10, 2018 • 1h 50min
Episode 60: How to Make Love to a Roman (Ovid's Art of Love and Cure for Love)
Dive into Ovid's steamy world with his 'Art of Love,' a playful guide to seduction in ancient Rome. Discover innovative courtship tactics, where theaters and temples become romantic hotspots. Explore the humor and complexity of love advice, from boosting male stamina to the irony of heartbreak. The nuances of beauty, gender dynamics, and the moral questions of intimacy in Ovid's work offer a fascinating lens on love’s timeless dance. A modern twist brings a lively reinterpretation of these age-old themes!
Nov 13, 2018 • 1h 30min
Episode 59: Early Ovid (Amores, Heroides)
Explore the enchanting world of Ovid's love poetry, where playful and self-referential styles redefine romance. Delve into the complex relationships in 'Amores' and the poignant letters of 'Heroides,' showcasing themes of longing and separation. Discover the unique female voices that challenge traditional narratives and the clever blend of humor and tragedy that characterizes Ovid's work. Experience how his light-hearted approach contrasts with the earnestness of his contemporaries, cementing his influence on Roman and modern love poetry.
Oct 10, 2018 • 1h 44min
Episode 58: She Caught Me with Her Eyes (Propertius' Poetry)
Explore the passionate poetry of Propertius against the backdrop of Rome's civil wars and Augustus' reign. Discover how his work intertwines love and identity, capturing both personal emotions and social critiques. The shift from grand epics to intimate love poetry reveals the evolving literary landscape of the Augustan age. Uncover the influence of Ovid and the emergence of romantic themes, and enjoy a whimsical love song that playfully reflects on immortality and poetic aspirations.
Sep 1, 2018 • 1h 58min
Episode 57: The World Grows Dim and Black (Virgil's Aeneid, Books 10-12)
Delve into the gripping climax of Virgil's Aeneid, exploring the intense war preparations between the Trojans and Italians. Aeneas transforms from hero to avenger in a riveting battle shaped by loss and vengeance. Discover the contrasting portrayals of characters in the thirteenth book, including Aeneas and Lavinia's marriage against the backdrop of Turnus's funeral. Engage with the complex themes of war and empire, reflecting on Virgil's nuanced take on Rome's imperial ambitions amid personal and societal turmoil.
Aug 13, 2018 • 1h 58min
Episode 56: I Shall Release Hell (Virgil's Aeneid, Books 7-9)
Aeneas' arrival in Italy starts with promise but quickly spirals into turmoil. Tensions simmer as Queen Juno stirs chaos against the Trojans, igniting a fierce conflict. Aeneas seeks alliances, receiving divine armor that symbolizes his fate. The narrative explores the somber realities of war through brave missions that lead to tragic losses. Philosophical debates over fate and free will unfold amidst intense battles, revealing the human struggles intertwined with divine interventions. Humor lightens the grim themes, showcasing the absurdity of war.
Jul 6, 2018 • 2h 23min
Episode 55: Among the Shades (Virgil's Aeneid, Books 4-6)
Explore the tragic romance between Dido and Aeneas, shaped by divine interventions that lead to heartbreak. Aeneas's emotional journey through the underworld highlights themes of love, betrayal, and mortality. Discover the stark contrasts between the fates in Tartarus and Elysium, culminating in a poignant reunion with Anchises. Dive into a humorous critique of mythological gods and their chaotic antics, and enjoy a whimsical blend of ancient narratives with 80s metal vibes, adding a unique twist to the literary exploration.
