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, and the birth of Christianity. The show's current season is on Late Antiquity (or 200-700 CE) and the dawn of the Middle Ages. 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.
A masterclass
-4 дн.
Been listening to this for years now and it always brightens my day when a new episode is released. A truly high quality well researched masterclass.
One of the very best
25 нояб.
It is flabbergasting to me this not the most well known of all history podcasts. For lovers of literature it is an absolute must-listen. Complete audio control, fun songs, fun jokes, and astounding deep dives that will change your perception of all history.
The best Podcast
31 окт.
I always liked reading about history but the stuff I always read was about epic wars and heroes. This podcast’s literary approach and historical context provides a unique and refreshing perspective on history. This is seriously the best podcast ever! I have listened to all episodes at least 3 times.
Doesn’t Get Better
23 сент.
I only recently stumbled onto this show about a year ago and have utterly devoured it since; already through the first 86 episodes and and shuddering at the realization that I’m nearly out of runway. Eager to see what’s in store for the next season. My only fear is that like so many niche educational podcasts this one might fizzle out due to burnout or lack of time and resource. So give this man all your money!! He never asks for any and it’s ad free. Quality education with this level of academic rigor has never been so accessible let alone free to the public. The world is far better for it. I have been frustrated with my education and lack of context for anything historical and felt like even after my degree at a reputable liberal arts college there was hardly anything liberal about it in the traditional sense. I came out feeling confused and illiterate. Maybe that’s the point of your undergrad. In the years since I’ve tried to conduct my own liberal education with a library card and have been slowly working my way through the classics and great books of the western world but struggled with feeling siloed and on my own. The whole idea with this kind of learning is engagement with the text and Socratic dialogue, right? But I didn’t know anyone with a similar interest in these texts, let alone the patience to engage systematically within their historical context. This podcast has scratched that itch more meaningfully than I know how to articulate and for anyone else out there lacking a community of readers to engage with on this topic- the warmth and accessibility you’ll find here will be like coming home. I am so glad that this exists. If Doug ever decides to start leading small group seminars on assigned reading I’ll be first in line.
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Информация
- АвторDoug Metzger
- Годы выхода2016 - 2024
- Выпуски105
- ОграниченияС ненормативной лексикой
- Сайт подкаста