The Canon Ball

In this podcast, Claude and Daniel achieve something that’s almost impossible: they deliver PhD-level knowledge and insight about canonical literary texts without relying unnecessarily (or with more-than-occasional frequency) on academic jargon. They provide sociohistorical context when necessary, but this doesn’t distract them from attending to the aesthetic dimensions of the text. Plus, the guys are obviously great friends, and their chemistry as co-hosts makes each episode worth listening to, even when the text under consideration is not of great interest to the listener. They play off one another’s knowledge and wit like a seasoned duo. This type of long-form, snobbery-free celebration and examination of great literature is something I’ve been looking for for a long time but haven’t really found until now. If you’re after something similar, give a listen.

I enjoy the topics. But where or more importantly why do you invite guests that sound “ shallow”. Some of your guests are unbearable to listen to. A sad impression and sad presentation of an educator. Sorry, just an opinion. But these are works of writers which we appreciate.

While there’s interesting content here, and I mostly want to be around for it - the coughing, throat clearing, snarfing and sneezing are just too much for me. As are the awkward pauses while you look things up. Editing is not hard kids. I thought you figure it out, but I think it’s gotten worse.

A thoughtful trip through the Western literary canon. Having grown up rather dubious of "lit crit", I discovered that I actually enjoy having two people with serious lit crit chops discuss classic literature without taking themselves too seriously.