Fiction
-
The History of Literature #183 – Samuel Beckett (with Nick Barilar)
http://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL8195318887.mp3 We’re back! A newly reenergized Jacke Wilson returns for a deep dive into the life, works, and politics of Samuel Beckett. Yes, we know him as one of the key figures bridging the gap between modernism and post-modernism – but was he more than just a highly refined artist generating art for art’s sake? Continue reading
-
The History of Literature #177 – Sherwood Anderson (with Alyson Hagy)
http://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL6927210211.mp3 One hundred years ago, a collection of short stories by a little-known author from Ohio burst onto the literary scene, causing a minor scandal for their sexual frankness. In the years since, Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio (1919) became more famous for its insightful portrayal of a town filled with friendly but solitary individuals, who wrestle with Continue reading
-
The History of Literature #176 – William Carlos Williams (“The Use of Force”)
http://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL2977229302.mp3 Today, the American modernist poet William Carlos Williams (1883-1963) is famous among poetry fans for his vivid, economical poems like “The Red Wheelbarrow” and “This Is Just to Say.” But for most of his lifetime, he struggled to achieve success comparable to those of his contemporaries Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot. Toiling away as Continue reading
-
History of Literature Podcast #63 – Books I Have Loved (with Charles Baxter)
In this special episode, the revered American author Charles Baxter joins Jacke to discuss some of his favorite books, including works by Anton Chekhov, Saul Bellow, James Wright, and Paula Fox. “Charles Baxter’s stories have reminded me of how broad and deep and shining a story can be, and I am grateful.” — Alice Munro CHARLES Continue reading
-
The History of Literature #49 – MFA Programs (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)
For decades, the Master of Fine Arts degree has quietly dominated the American literary scene. There are now over 100 programs where professors and students go about the business of turning dreams into fiction through the alchemy – or as some would say, the meatgrinder – known as the writing workshop. It’s a phenomenon like Continue reading
-
Scenes from a Marriage (A Jacke Wilson Objectino)
Back by popular demand… it’s an Objectino! This time, a scene from a marriage…. A JACKE WILSON OBJECTINO* HIM: Okay, I think I’ll head out to the dentist’s office. HER: Already? Your appointment’s not for twenty minutes. It takes ten minutes to get there. HIM: Well, by the time I park, get checked in… HER: You Continue reading
-
Greatest First Lines Ever – Contest Update!
Wow, the contest to win a free book by telling me your favorite first line is going really well. Thanks to everyone for your comments, emails, voicemails, and speakpipe recordings. The entries are fabulous, especially the ones I get to hear read in your own voice. And at the end I get to give away books – Continue reading
-
A Contest! Tell Me Your Favorite First Line and Win a Free Book
Here we go! We’ve spent enough time agonizing over whether Literature Is Dying. Let’s put that on hold for now. Instead, let’s celebrate the greatest geniuses and most powerful books we can imagine. And let’s do that by focusing on the Greatest First Lines of all time. What’s the criteria for a great first line? It’s up Continue reading
-
The Cane (A History of Jacke in 100 Objects #32)
He was of average height and build, with blond hair and a disconcerting smile: his mouth expanded, his teeth flashed white, but his eyes expressed no joy or excitement. At best they looked nervous and slightly desperate, like those of an animal caught in a trap. At worst they looked dulled over, like the animal resigned Continue reading
-
Christmas Is a Time to Read-Joyce: The Dead
[Note: It’s here! Christmas Eve! And we’ve been running our own version of an advent calendar here on the Jacke Blog: reading one Dubliners story per day until today, when we reach “The Dead,” one of the most celebrated works in all literature. So cozy up to the fireplace, but on a little scratchy old Continue reading
Jacke Wilson 