Authors
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The History of Literature #483 — Margaret Fuller (with Megan Marshall)
In her lifetime, Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) was widely acknowledged as the best read person – male or female – in New England. Her landmark work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century, is considered the first full-length treatment of women’s rights in North America. After finding success as an author, scholar, educator, editor, translator, journalist, and host of… Continue reading
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The History of Literature #475 — Portable Magic – A History of Books and Their Readers (with Emma Smith)
As we all know, the text of a book can possess incredible powers, transporting readers across time and space. But what about the books themselves? In this episode, Jacke talks to author Emma Smith (This Is Shakespeare) about her new book, Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers, which provides a material history of… Continue reading
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The History of Literature #339 – Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) was one of the most famous American writers of the mid-twentieth century. As a key member of a group of writers known as the “Beat Generation,” his works explored the role of the individual in post-war America. His most famous work, On the Road (1957), has sold millions of copies and continues to inspire… Continue reading
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Is Literature Dying?
Okay, the new podcast is off to a great start! Many thanks to all the listeners, wherever you are, and whoever you may be. It seems that a lot of you have the same question I do: Is literature dying? I know what you’re thinking: sounds like a straw man! I get it, I get it.… Continue reading
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Next Episode: The Epic of Gilgamesh
Sneak preview of the next episode in The History of Literature (a new podcast I’ve been asked to host)… I know there are a lot of good translations out there (and a lot of bad ones). I’ve found this one by Stephen Mitchell to be the best. But is a fresh new translation enough to… Continue reading
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Virginia Woolf on How to Read a Book
Via Maria Popova’s Brainpickings (of course!), we get this amazing overview of Virginia Woolf’s amazing advice on how to read a book. The whole post is worth reading, but here’s a taste: To read a novel is a difficult and complex art. You must be capable not only of great fineness of perception, but of… Continue reading
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Writers Laughing: Stephen King
Stephen King! We’ve praised his book on writing and pointed out that he’s probably a great guy. We’ve written a story or two he’d probably like. And now it’s time to take a look at what he looks like laughing. Pretty good! He seems like he’d be such a good neighbor…. …as long as you didn’t… Continue reading
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Writers Laughing: Carson McCullers
Not all cafes are sad, apparently! Continue reading
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Writers Laughing: Kurt Vonnegut and John Irving
Here’s a reminder that life has moments of joy as well as sorrow. What a great picture. Why do I think that Vonnegut must have said something funny (unexpected and acerbic and witty), and Irving started laughing uncontrollably, and finally Vonnegut joined in because Irving’s laughter was infectious… Have a great day, everyone! Onward… Continue reading
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Writers Laughing: Flannery O’Connor
Oh, I know, I know. I should be promoting my latest book (price drop! we broke the buck!). I have another Object almost ready to go. I should be working on that. But how can I resist this one? Robie Macauley and Arthur Koestler – themselves two titans of the mid-century literary scene. And… …and… Continue reading