187 episodes
The History of English Podcast Kevin Stroud
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- History
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4.8 • 657 Ratings
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A chronological history of the English language examined through the lens of historical events that shaped the development and spread of the language from the Eurasian steppe to the entire world.
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Episode 175: The English of Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays and one of the most popular plays ever written. In this episode, we examine the language of the play to see how it reflects the English of Elizabethan England, … Continue reading →
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Episode 174: Speak and Spell
English spelling largely reflects the state of the language in the late 1500s. In this episode, we look at one of the first English spelling books, and we explore several plays by William Shakespeare to examine the way he rhymed … Continue reading →
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Episode 173: Fooling Around
In this episode, we look at the development of English comedy in the early modern era. We examine some of William Shakespeare’s early comedies, and we also distinguish Shakespearean comedy from other types of comedic performances which had been popular … Continue reading →
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Episode 172: Succession
In this episode, we explore the concept of a successful succession. During the early 1590s, France was divided by a bitter conflict over the succession of Henry of Navarre to the French throne. Meanwhile, William Shakespeare wrote a couple of … Continue reading →
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Episode 171: Shakespeare’s English (featuring Ben Crystal)
In this episode, we turn our attention to the wordcraft of William Shakespeare. Today, many people have mixed opinions about his plays and poems. They know that he is widely regarded as the greatest English writer of all time, but … Continue reading →
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Episode 170: Printers, Plague and Poets
In this episode, we examine the connection between poetry and plague in the early 1590s. An outbreak of the recurring sickness contributed to Shakespeare’s early career as a poet, and that poetry likely included his many sonnets. We also examine … Continue reading →
Customer Reviews
Admirable, clear and fascinating.
As an archaeologist, I am interested in the earlier episodes, and I am familiar with most of the information Kevin Stroud covers in this monumental achievement. However, my knowledge tends to specialise in different areas and periods. Kevin Stroud weaves all the threads together in a most coherent and plausible manner and it has filled many gaps for me. I find his research reliable and comprehensive, and although he is forced to simplify in order to cover the territory, he generally draws the different findings together to accurately reflect current academic conclusions. Highly commendable, entertaining and brilliantly focused on his subject, the origins of the English language. Five stars.
Where’s the six star button?
I don’t normally write reviews but in this case I feel I just need to share. Brilliantly written and has truly educated and entertained me.
Fascinating, already planning a re-listen!
I’m such a fan of this podcast! I’m amazed by how much time and effort must have gone into it. So interesting and artfully presented. If you’re into language and history you’ll be as hooked on this one as I am.