British philologist and author, creator of classic fantasy works
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In 1949, American critic Lionel Trilling, writing in the New Yorker, was quick to recognize the achievement of George Orwell's new novel. "[P]rofound, terrifying, and wholly fascinating," he said. 1984 "confirms its author in the special, honorable place he holds in our intellectual life." And while the Cold War and the book's primary satirical targets - Stalin and his totalitarian regime - may have faded from view, the rise of technology and our current geopolitics mean that many of 1984's warnings are more relevant than ever. In this episode, Jacke takes a look at George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, which was ranked #6 on the list of the Greatest Books of All Time. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Mid-December update: Act soon - there are only two spots left! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sauron's fake repentance. Celebrimbor's fatal pride. What makes a ring powerful? In our 100th episode, Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Pat Mason, and Jeff Haecker uncover the roots of evil in the final chapters of The Silmarillion and what Tolkien says about the nature of corruption. The post The Silmarillion: The Rings of Power appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Did you think we already knew everything there was to know about Virginia Woolf? Think again! In this episode, Jacke talks to scholar and editor Urmila Seshagiri about The Life of Violet: Three Early Stories, which presents three interconnected comic stories chronicling the adventures of a giantess named Violet, which Woolf wrote in 1907, eight years before she published her first novel. The story of Seshagiri's discovery is nearly as fantastical as the stories themselves. PLUS literary biographer Jake Poller (Christopher Isherwood: A Critical Life) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sing it with us!! WHERE THERE'S A WHIP [WHIP SFX] THERE'S A WAY! WHERE THERE'S A WHIP [WHIP SFX] THERE'S A WAY!This week we face the Lord of the Lash himself for the epic return of Arthur Rankin & Jules Bass, and the wildest voice cast in Tolkien history. Roddy McDowall is Sam? Casey Kasem is Merry?! It may not be the most beloved Rings adaptation out there…but it's certainly the last one in a very long while!Next week, we close out the first act of our trilogy with the highly contentious Disney cult classic, THE BLACK CAULDRON (1985). Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodReferences:Middle-Earth Envisioned: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond by Brian J. Robb and Paul SimpsonCinefantastique Production HistoryArthur Rankin Jr. on RingsFilm Release in Trouble“Frodo, The Hobbit II”Leonard Nimoy on “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”St. Petersburg Times on Release of “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”Powerpop on “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”Leonard Nimoy Sings “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”Credits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Meanwhile… With help from the English and Journalism students at Tenafly High School in New Jersey, Stephen bids on the desk where Tolkien wrote “The Lord of the Rings,” a couple got married in a swimming pool, and Japanese engineers built a washing machine for the human body. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The secret is out! Jack Ward continues from his latest book collection of the Ward Father Christmas Letters a day after his own children find a copy for Early Ward Christmas. Find your own copy of the book under your tree from Amazon https://a.co/d/ebijJdG with illustrations from Madelyn Knight (his niece). Jack believes this collection of letters inspired by the same Father Christmas that graced Tolkien's nephews represent the most in-depth look at the North and has sub-tiled this tome "A Compendium of the North". Look for the upcoming audible full book on sale with John Bell in the titular character! Continuing this week's preview of Father Christmas' exploits in the Canadian North with 2002! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joseph Loconte revisits how J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis sought to restore heroism and moral clarity through story
In our penultimate episode on point of view in fiction, we load you up with omniscient narrator tips. We discuss everything from the Quran to Tolkien as we tackle third person omniscient in our craft discussion. When do you limit, and when do you embrace the godlike power of omniscience? What are the biggest traps writers fall into with omniscient narrators? We discuss it all.And we have mulled cider, which was extremely pleasant for us, but I doubt it translates to audio particularly well.Stories begin around the 17:10 mark and include Like this weeks episode and wish you could read as well as listen? Subscribe to our Substack for a summary of our opening discussion, a story from the episode, and a writing prompt! Be sure to follow us on Instagram (if that's your sort of thing). Please do send us an email with your story if you write along, which we hope you will do. Episodes of Radio FreeWrite are protected by a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) license. All Stories remain the property of their respective authors.
How do imagination, poetry, and fantasy literature like of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis help us deepen our faith in Christ? Sarah sits down with esteemed poet Malcolm Guite in this special Wild Card episode (recorded on location at the Getty Sing! Conference) for a conversation full of delightful storytelling, brilliant insight into the Christian faith, and encouragement to lean into the imagination God has given each of us. “What they [Tolkien and Lewis] meant was that the human mind and the depth of the imagination, especially the imagination, knows more than we do. There's a deeper wisdom. And that story knows more than we do, that a great story, a story which is working at the level of myth. Mythopoeic is actually older and wiser than we are, and even the author writing the story doesn't know everything that's in it. And a really great story is continuously suggesting more.” Malcolm Guite is a poet, musician, Anglican priest, and literary scholar who has taught at universities including Cambridge, Duke, and Regent. He's penned five volumes of poetry, several books on Christian faith and theology, and a highly acclaimed biography of Samuel Taylor Coleridge entitled Mariner. He has lectured widely on the fantasy writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and is currently undertaking his own epic retelling of the legends of King Arthur. Find his writing wherever books are sold and view his YouTube channel at youtube.com/@MalcolmGuitespell. Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.
THIS EPISODE Ludlov finally meets his true enemy up close... ----more---- ABOUT THE STORY The Hounds of Hübschdorf (formerly called 'Grauwald's Game') is an epic fantasy audiobook by Audio Epics that has been released on Halloween, since it has serious dark fantasy and grimdark vibes. This brand new Witch Hunter Tale is the direct prequel to Witch Hunter. If you like a dark adventure story you'll probably enjoy this grim journey in the original fantasy setting of Hruda, inspired by everything we love: RPG settings like the Old World from Warhammer fantasy, eighties fantasy movies and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth (amongst others). PLOT SUMMARY When three Witch Hunters fail to return from a routine investigation, Master Ludlov and Initiate Tolfmann find themselves in a small village near the woods. While investigating the strange disappearance of their Brethren, it becomes obvious the mayor is not so keen on their arrival, and the villagers seem to prefer the distraction of the Graunacht festivities to their nosing around. When their inquest reveals a dark mystery involving evil magic and undead, Ludlov faces the true cause of the threat in a place more disturbing than he could have imagined. WANT TO SUPPORT US? Listen to our other stories on this channel. Like, share, comment and talk about us on social media: @AudioEpics
Carmen LaBerge responds to WalletHub's list of top cities for sin in the US, as well as Oxford's choice of "rage bait" as the word of 2025. While many focus on these words, what words do we need to focus on? Apologist Daniel DeWitt, creative director for Scholar Leaders and blogs at Theolatte, reflects on how (then) atheist C.S. Lewis reconsidered the Gospel because J.R.R. Tolkien encouraged him to look afresh at the incarnation. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
At the start of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, King Lear promises to divide his kingdom based on his daughters' professions of love, but he portions it out before hearing all of their answers. For Nan Da, a professor of English literature who emigrated from China to the United States as a child in the 1990s, this startling opening scene sparked a reckoning between Shakespeare's cruel and confounding story and the tragedy of Maoist and post-Maoist China. In this episode, Jacke talks to Nan about her book The Chinese Tragedy of King Lear. PLUS literary biographer Iris Jamahl Dunkle (Charmian Kittredge London: Trailblazer, Author, Adventurer) stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dive into the complexity of Thorin Oakenshield, a character whose layers unravel to reveal unexpected dimensions. We'll uncover the differences between Men and Elves, examining how their contrasting natures shape their choices and actions. And as our adventure continues, we'll trace the fulfillment of themes planted in the very first chapter of The Hobbit.Save 15% at uncommongoods.com/lotrpodShare this episode using this link:ringspodcast.com/240Who are you?Please tell me a little about you: ringspodcast.com/surveyWander Farther: A Free Reading GuideDownload my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493Want to sponsor the Lore of the Rings?Sponsor rates, details, and inquires hereSupport Lore of the Rings with a donationAbout the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Our Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lotrpodSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sir Isaac Newton used this metaphor in a 1675 letter: "if I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” A man of science AND faith, he became one of the many intellectual and spiritual giants we will study on this incredible tour.You've heard of Wycliffe, Tyndale, Wesley, and Wilberforce. You've read Bunyan, Lewis, and Tolkien. Come and “meet” the people who form the bridge between Bible times and our times!The impact of the Christian faith on England and Scotland over the past 1800 years has not only shaped American and western Christianity, but also western and even global civilization. Join us and walk in the steps of the kings and queens, monks and poets, scholars and statesmen who gave us free society, freedom of worship, the Scriptures in English, and a vision for world mission - all preserved in a beautiful and ancient land of gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and ancient universities. Trace the path from our times to Bible times, and give your modern faith ancient roots, October 13-22, 2026.https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-england-scotland-2026Watch the trailer:https://vimeo.com/1142158461?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ciBlog video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noIkEafYWzYRead the 2025 trip blog: https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-england-scotland-2025
The biggest distinction between people in the next generation will be between those who live by accident and those who live by intention. Specifically, it will be those people who grew up with parents who were intentional about technology, and kept it mostly away from their kids, and those who just "went with the flow" and passed on their screen/technology addiction. How do we buck the trend of "going with the flow", though? If only there were something about humans and how God made us that could protect our kids... Oh yeah, there is. It's called a patriarch. Join me in considering what's coming down the pipeline and how families can raise intentional kids. On this episode, we talk about: 0:00 Intro 1:28 Wise cultures 3:48 How to avoid the vortex of the techno dystopia 9:44 A strong will and community 13:01 We MUST protect children 18:14 What to do now --- Subscribe on Substack ➡️ https://jeremypryor.substack.com Follow Jeremy on: Instagram: https://instagram.com/jeremympryor/ X: https://x.com/jeremympryor --- Welcome to Jeremy Pryor's Podcast, or what I like to call, "Jeremy Pryor Unfiltered." We are excited to bring you seasons of content all the way from Tolkien to Theology, from Business to Family. If you like to contemplate deep philosophical ideas across a wide range of topics, you've come to the right place. Make sure to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube so you don't miss out on future episodes!
Dive into the complexity of Thorin Oakenshield, a character whose layers unravel to reveal unexpected dimensions. We'll uncover the differences between Men and Elves, examining how their contrasting natures shape their choices and actions. And as our adventure continues, we'll trace the fulfillment of themes planted in the very first chapter of The Hobbit.Save 15% at uncommongoods.com/lotrpodShare this episode using this link:ringspodcast.com/240Who are you?Please tell me a little about you: ringspodcast.com/surveyWander Farther: A Free Reading GuideDownload my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493Want to sponsor the Lore of the Rings?Sponsor rates, details, and inquires hereSupport Lore of the Rings with a donationAbout the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Our Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lotrpodSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
On Washington Wednesday, Hunter Baker breaks down Trump's Tennessee test; on World Tour, updates from Nigeria, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, and Brussels; and a closer look at the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Plus, a cat-astrophic delivery, Erick Erickson on elite isolation, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network. Helping entrepreneurs with a purpose find the support they need to thrive with faith-aligned financing options. More at ambassadorsimpact.comAnd from WatersEdge. Save more. Do more. Give more. Helping Christians support ministry by giving through a donor-advised fund. watersedge.com/DAF
This month, join Jude and Stef for a lively interview with cartoonist and newly minted Tolkien author, Tom Racine, about his new book, “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien” published on November 11, 2025 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. We talk about Tom's love of Edward Gorey, the process of turning an viral Instagram Inktober series into a book, banishing the imposter demons, and more. A huge thank you to Tom for joining us and for his warmth and humor. CitationsThank you to our special guest, Tom Racine! Follow Tom on Instagram: @tom_racine_artGet yourself a copy of Tom's book on bookshop.org:“Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien”, published on November 11, 2025 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers https://bookshop.org/p/books/doomed-to-die-an-a-z-of-death-in-tolkien-tom-racine/fcc5ecee4168afc1?ean=9780063474420&next=tTom's website:https://www.tomracinevoice.com/The Wizard Blues: The Adventures of Mori and Rom:https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/the-wizard-blues-the-adventures-of-mori-and-rom/list?title_no=957997&page=1
Send us a textHannah and Laura are welcoming back to the podcast, Sara and Lilly of Fiction Fans podcast fame! They join Hannah and Laura to discuss a book that none of them have childhood nostalgia for, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan! They get into the truly important parts of the book: the accuracy of the transportation and whether or not it's inappropriate to have magical beings that are 20+ years old travel with children...**This episode contains SPOILERS for The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. ***CW for the episode: discussions of neglect, abuse, violence, manipulation, racism, ableism, sexism *Be sure to follow Fiction Fans podcast at:Website: Podcast | Fiction FansBluesky: @fictionfanspod.bsky.socialInstagram: @fictionfanspodYouTube: @fictionfansTikTok: @fictionfanspodMedia Mentions:The Lightning Thief by Rick RiordanRick Riordan's worksPercy Jackson and the Olympians---Disney+The Newest Olympian podcastThe Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien by J.R.R. TolkienGnomes the videogameSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod
Sam teaches us why it's important never to leave our campfires unattended and to ensure that they are properly extinguished when we are done with them.Support the showBlue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.socialDiscord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8CThreads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/wordsaboutbookspodcastBlog - https://blog.wordsaboutbooks.ninja/
Dr. E. Michael Jones is a prolific Catholic writer, lecturer, journalist, and Editor of Culture Wars Magazine who seeks to defend traditional Catholic teachings and values from those seeking to undermine them. ——— EMJ Live is every Friday at 5:00pm EST Call In - Telegram: t.me/EMichaelJonesChat?videochat Rumble: rumble.com/c/c-920885 Twitter: twitter.com/emichaeljones1 Cozy: cozy.tv/emichaeljones CW Magazine: culturewars.com NOW AVAILABLE!: Walking with a Bible and a Gun: The Rise, Fall and Return of American Identity: https://www.fidelitypress.org/book-products/walking-with-a-bible-and-a-gun
Join The Man of the West as he begins a look at another letter from Tolkien to his Aunt Jane; turns out sorting through old poetry is better than the rest of the things Tolkien should be doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're interested, this is the conversation I heard that led me to the lecture, which you can read here. More to come… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cewgreen.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we begin our Advent journey in Eden, a place of freedom, communion, and life without shame. Eden is not only a moment in history, but also an interior garden within each of our hearts. We talk about the deep ache we all feel for union, rest, and peace, and how this longing reveals our original design for communion with God. We also reflect on the shame that often accompanies this desire for communion with others, especially when our desires are left unmet, and how bringing these places of poverty to Jesus opens us up to real, lived communion with Him. Heather's One Thing - The Renew Conference in Toronto Heather's Other One Thing - Her Advent Worship Playlist Sister Miriam's One Thing - Sacred Anchor Artisans (Catholic Etsy!) founded by Tim and Molly Olsen Michelle's One Thing - The Inspired Living and this Chrism Candle Michelle's Other One Thing - Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR Welcome, dear friends… to this Advent journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, through four sacred spaces where heaven once touched the earth. These are the places of Advent. Eden. Loreto. Elizabeth's home. And a stable under starlight. Each one holds a mystery… a whisper of God's coming, a rhythm of waiting, a quiet invitation to abide. We begin… in Eden — the garden of beginnings and original designs, Here, everything was whole once, every breath in attunement with God's own. But even in the ache of what was lost, something sacred remains, a longing, a promise, a memory of shalom harmony still written in our bones. Eden reminds us: our waiting is not empty. It is the remembering of love that has never stopped pursuing us. Journal Questions: What are the unique gifts that God has placed inside of you? When do I experience shame in the ache for communion? When have I recently experienced a rupture from Eden? Who in your life allows you to feel at home and at ease? How can I return to Eden through a daily practice? Discussion Questions: How have you experienced yourself as a gift? When have you experienced an ache for Eden in your life? When do you feel exiled from Eden? What glimpses of Eden have you seen in your life recently? Quote to Ponder: "We all long for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most human, is still soaked with the sense of exile." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien) Scripture for Lectio: "Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25) Sponsor - Altar + Home: Altar and Home by Conception Abbey exists to bring the beauty of Benedictine spirituality into your domestic church. The way we as Benedictine monks punctuate our days with prayer. The way we balance prayer and work (ora et labora). The way we pray with scripture in lectio divina. The way we live in community to support one another. Incorporating these treasures into your daily lives can draw you and your domestic church into Christ one day – one prayer – at a time. Our online store offers intentionally Catholic products for every occasion and every season. Lectio Divina rosary guides, daily journals, greeting cards, sacrament gifts, icons, and prints, along with books, bibles, and everything you need to make your home a sacred space. Make Advent and Christmas a time of joy and peace with our Monk-Curated Collections—bundled sets specifically chosen by the monks to share our lives with each of you. They make the perfect gift for the Catholic in your life. Through this Altar + Home ministry, the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey share the prayer God calls us to at the altar into the domestic church of our customers as we seek to cultivate one holy, apostolic, Catholic Church. We invite you shop with us at www.altarandhome.org. Use the discount code ABIDE to get 20% off your order. Chapters: 00:00 Altar + Home 01:25 Intro 02:17 Welcome to Eden 09:38 Our Heart is a Garden and Place of Communion 11:18 We are Made as a Gift 13:32 Healing from Shame in Our Ache 17:57 Homesickness and Exile 20:23 God is Longing for Us 22:16 Imaginative Prayer 24:13 The Goodness of Our Bodies 26:06 Inviting the Lord into Communion 27:47 Advent is a Time of Preparation 29:32 One Things Music used under license i94Cr0
Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was born into relative obscurity and died in mysterious circumstances at the age of 29. And yet, somehow this ambitious cobbler's son brought about a spectacular explosion of English literature, language, and culture. In this episode, Jacke talks to Stephen Greenblatt about his book Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Times and Fatal Genius of Shakespeare's Greatest Rival, which illuminates both Marlowe's times and the origins and significance of his work. PLUS author Eric Marshall White (Johannes Gutenberg: A Biography in Books) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gavin Ortlund explores the famous 1931 conversation between Lewis, Tolkien, and Dyson to explore how myth and storytelling might point to the truth of Christianity.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth.Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/X: https://x.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/
I'd say about two days, if episodes of Today's Tolkien Times are anything to go by. Join The Man of the West as he begins the last week of Series 13 by looking at the site of what Tolkien says is the eucatastrophe of the whole story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's the first major adaptation of Tolkien's trilogy and it is…rotoscope animation? Enter Ralph Bakshi and his completely batshit vision of an animated Middle Earth!Is it a mixed masterpiece or a very audacious disaster? Either way, Bakshi's rotoscope RINGS is extremely influential for Peter Jackson, and we're celebrating its legacy this week.Next week, we complete our unofficial animated trilogy with RETURN OF THE KING (1980) from Rankin and Bass. Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodReferences:Special FeaturesForging Through The Darkness: The Ralph Bakshi VisionMiddle-Earth Envisioned: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond by Brian J. Robb and Paul SimpsonCinefantastique Production HistoryJim Hill Media Ralph Bakshi InterviewA.V. Club Ralph Bakshi InterviewThe Hollywood Reporter Production HistoryRalph Bakshi on Peter JacksonCredits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On the journey in Tolkien.
We've finally got our hands on the recently published collection of Tolkien's poetry! What are our first impressions of this impressive, 3-volume collection? Tune in to find out!
Episode 2 of our Holiday Interlude dives into the Ring Poem — one of the most spiritually revealing passages in The Lord of the Rings.Using only The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Doug explores how the poem reveals the spiritual identity of Elves, Dwarves, and Men, and what their Rings of Power actually do in Tolkien's world.Discover how the Rings amplify spiritual nature, why some races resist corruption and others fall into it, and how Tolkien subtly shows the unseen forces at work without ever explaining them directly.This episode is a key step in recovering a supernatural imagination — both for reading Tolkien and for understanding the unseen realm in our own world.In this episode, Doug examines the famous Ring Poem:“Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky…”Far from being just lore, this poem functions as a map of the spiritual order of Middle-earth. By looking closely at each line, Doug highlights the unique spiritual identities of Elves, Dwarves, and Men — and shows how the Rings of Power amplify what is already true within each race.In this episode you'll learn:- Why the Elven Rings preserve, heal, and resist decay- How the Dwarven Rings amplify desire for gold and the ability to create wealth- Why the Rings given to Men lead to domination, and corruption,- How the One Ring embodies the will of the Dark LordDoug also draws on poetry from The Hobbit to show how Tolkien embeds spiritual identity in song and story.By the end of the episode, listeners will recognize the Rings of Power not as magical devices, but as spiritual amplifiers that reveal — and distort — the identity of those who use them.This is a foundational episode for learning to “see” the spiritual forces moving in Tolkien's world, and for recognizing similar patterns in our world and in Scripture.
Jack Ward continues from his latest book collection of the Ward Father Christmas Letters. Find your own copy of the book available at Amazon https://a.co/d/ebijJdG with illustrations from Madelyn Knight (his niece). Jack believes this collection of letters inspired by the same Father Christmas that graced Tolkien's nephews represent the most in-depth look at the North and has sub-tiled this tome "A Compendium of the North". Look for the upcoming audible full book on sale with John Bell in the titular character! Continuing this week's preview of Father Christmas' exploits in the Canadian North with 2001! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Frazetta, Norem, Roger Dean, Larry Elmore... ilustradores de fantasía que han creado mundos imaginarios que todavía nos hacen soñar. Ojo a la galería que hemos preparado: https://campamentokrypton.wordpress.com/2025/11/30/ck330-grandes-maestros-y-maestras-de-la-ilustracion-fantastica/ Desde el inicio del arte hasta la eclosión de los Prerrafaelitas y la Edad de Oro de la Ilustración se fue creando una generación de artistas que fueron recreando mitologías y personajes de cuento a la par que los sistemas de impresión se iban abaratando. John Bauer, Arthur Rackham o Edmund Dulac fueron algunos de esos pioneros. Tolkien (y C. S. Lewis) contaron con los servicios de Pauline Bynes, a los que se sumarían años después Alan Lee, John Howe, Jimmy Cauty o Angus McBride para recrear la Tierra Media. La irrupción de Virgil Finlay y sobre todo Frank Frazetta, fue una auténtica revolución y la literatura pulp recreaba a héroes como Conan o Tarzan y mundos de ciencia ficción y terror que retomarían Boris Vallejo o Earl Norem. La influencia del cómic fue cada vez mayor y de ahí surgió The Studio con Jeff Catherine Jones, y la revolución de Metal Hurlant con Moebius o Corben. El rock se aprovecharía de los paisajes alucinantes de Roger Dean o Robert Matthews, el cine del las hadas de Brian Froud y los juegos de rol del talento de Larry Elmore, entre otros. De España han surgido el maestro Sanjulián, Corominas que además reflexiona sobre su trabajo en nuestro podcast o Marina Vidal, que también nos analiza cómo es ser portadista de fantasía en nuestro país. Tenemos también tiempo de recomendar tres cómics: Macarras interseculares (Astiberri), La invasión de los hongos del espacio (Diábolo) y Replay (Garbuix) ¡Hemos preparado TODA UNA GALERÍA con el arte que mencionamos en el programa, que podéis disfrutar aquí, para tener una apoyo visual! https://campamentokrypton.wordpress.com/2025/11/30/ck330-grandes-maestros-y-maestras-de-la-ilustracion-fantastica/ Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals
Jack Ward continues from his latest book collection of the Ward Father Christmas Letters. Find your own copy of the book available at Amazon https://a.co/d/ebijJdG with illustrations from Madelyn Knight (his niece). Jack believes this collection of letters inspired by the same Father Christmas that graced Tolkien's nephews represent the most in-depth look at the North and has sub-tiled this tome "A Compendium of the North". Look for the upcoming audible full book on sale with John Bell in the titular character! Continuing this week's preview of Father Christmas' exploits in the Canadian North with 2001! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to a special Holiday Interlude of the Seers See Podcast: Seers See the Lord of the Rings.In this mini-season, Doug explores how J.R.R. Tolkien's world can retrain us to think supernaturally—helping modern readers recover the enchanted, pre-materialistic imagination that both Tolkien and Scripture assume.Episode 1 lays out the purpose of the series:- Why Tolkien helps us reawaken a supernatural worldview- How The Lord of the Rings subtly reveals unseen spiritual forces- Why Dr. Cory Olsen (The Tolkien Professor) inspired this approach- How this mini-season bridges into Season 2: Seers of the Bible with Emily in 2026If you've ever wanted to see the spiritual dimension within Tolkien's world—and recognize similar patterns in our own—this episode is your invitation to step through the door and into the unseen realm of Middle-earth.In this opening episode of our Holiday Interlude, Doug explains why Tolkien is the perfect guide for anyone seeking to understand the supernatural world. Tolkien writes with a medieval imagination—a worldview where spiritual beings, providence, enchantment, corruption, and hidden powers operate behind the visible world.Drawing on insights from Dr. Cory Olsen, “The Tolkien Professor,” Doug shows how The Lord of the Rings trains modern readers to notice the spiritual activity Tolkien shows but never over-explains.This approach mirrors how Scripture invites us to recognize unseen forces shaping events, identity, and calling.This episode sets the stage for the mini-season, which will explore:- The Ring Poem (Episode 2)- The Prologue as ancient historiography (Episode 3)- Gandalf's spiritual authority, providence, and the Nazgûl (Episode 4)- Tom Bombadil, nature spirits, singing as spiritual warfare, Caradhras, and moreJoin us as we rediscover the supernatural imagination Tolkien intended—and learn to see the world around us with new eyes.
The VOK Book Club returns to review the fantasy novel The Goblin Emperor (by Katherine Addison). Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Steven (SJLee), Zach (Alias), Adam (drownedsnow), and Alex (LuckyCharms) for an in-depth discussion on courtly intrigue, the power of kindness, and … Continue reading →
Ludlov learns about Tolfmann's secret as the two continue their adventure beyond the borders of the Red Circle... ----more---- ABOUT THE STORY The Hounds of Hübschdorf (formerly called 'Grauwald's Game') is an epic fantasy audiobook by Audio Epics that has been released on Halloween, since it has serious dark fantasy and grimdark vibes. This brand new Witch Hunter Tale is the direct prequel to Witch Hunter. If you like a dark adventure story you'll probably enjoy this grim journey in the original fantasy setting of Hruda, inspired by everything we love: RPG settings like the Old World from Warhammer fantasy, eighties fantasy movies and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth (amongst others). PLOT SUMMARY When three Witch Hunters fail to return from a routine investigation, Master Ludlov and Initiate Tolfmann find themselves in a small village near the woods. While investigating the strange disappearance of their Brethren, it becomes obvious the mayor is not so keen on their arrival, and the villagers seem to prefer the distraction of the Graunacht festivities to their nosing around. When their inquest reveals a dark mystery involving evil magic and undead, Ludlov faces the true cause of the threat in a place more disturbing than he could have imagined. WANT TO SUPPORT US? Listen to our other stories on this channel. Like, share, comment and talk about us on social media: @AudioEpics
Una historia ambientada en un imperio oscuro, donde un joven llamado Franz debe enfrentarse a una amenaza que corroe cuerpos y almas por igual: el temido Factor Düster. Juanjo Pérez Pons, su autor, nos dice: Sólo soy un Historiador que se perdió en los archivos del tiempo mientras intentaba recorrer el camino para ser profesor. O quizá pretendo seguir las huellas que Tolkien, Chesterton y Borges dejaron tras de sí. Lo que he encontrado por ahora: Ternura en mi familia. Esperanza en mi esposa. Aventura en mi vida. Magia en mis sueños. Ojalá todo el mundo encuentre lo que busca. - Narración: Juan Carlos Albarracín - Locución Sintonía: Antonio Runa - Música: Epidemic Sound, con licencia - Imagen: Pixabay, con licencia https://pixabay.com/es/photos/nubes-calina-niebla-castillo-8784731/ Los Cuentos de la Casa de la Bruja es un podcast semanal de audio-relatos de misterio, ciencia ficción y terror. Cada viernes, a las 10 de la noche, traemos un nuevo programa. Alternamos entre episodios gratuitos para todos nuestros oyentes y episodios exclusivos para nuestros fans. ¡Si te gusta nuestro contenido suscríbete! Y si te encanta considera hacerte fan desde el botón azul APOYAR y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo. Tu aporte es de mucha ayuda para el mantenimiento de este podcast. ¡Gracias por ello! Mi nombre es Juan Carlos. Dirijo este podcast y también soy locutor y narrador de audiolibros, con estudio propio. Si crees que mi voz encajaría con tu proyecto o negocio contacta conmigo y hablamos. :) Contacto profesional: info@locucioneshablandoclaro.com www.locucioneshablandoclaro.com También estoy en X y en Bluesky: @VengadorT Y en Instagram: juancarlos_locutor CONVOCATORIA ABIERTA – Los Cuentos de la Casa de la Bruja. ¿Eres escritor o escritora y te gustaría escuchar uno de tus relatos narrado en el podcast Cuentos de la Casa de la Bruja? Estoy abriendo la puerta a autores emergentes que quieran compartir relatos originales dentro del tono del programa: historias de terror y ciencia ficción con atmósferas inquietantes, elementos fantásticos, oscuros o insólitos, y una cuidada calidad literaria. ¿QUÉ TIPO DE RELATOS BUSCO? • Relatos de terror y ciencia ficción • Con una extensión de entre 3.000 y 4.000 palabras • Con una narrativa sólida, buen uso del lenguaje y que se presten a ser narrados en voz • Textos originales e inéditos (o que al menos no estén vinculados a compromisos editoriales) ¿CÓMO PARTICIPAR? Puedes enviar tu relato en formato Word o PDF a info@locucioneshablandoclaro.com con el asunto: Relato para el podcast. Acompáñalo, si quieres, de una pequeña nota biográfica para que pueda presentarte adecuadamente. IMPORTANTE: La recepción de un relato no garantiza su publicación. La selección dependerá de criterios narrativos, temáticos y de estilo, siempre con el objetivo de mantener la atmósfera y el nivel que caracterizan al podcast. ¡No se trata de emitir juicios definitivos sobre ningún autor o texto! Yo no soy crítico literario, ni pretendo serlo. Se trata de encontrar aquellos textos que mejor encajen con el universo del programa. Si tu relato es elegido me pondré en contacto contigo. En caso contrario agradeceré igual tu confianza y el gesto de compartir tu trabajo. Gracias por hacer crecer esta casa con tu obra. ¡Espero leerte! Juan Carlos “Corman” Albarracín Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals
Stephen tells the story of when he first met rock star Robert Plant in this Late Show Pod Show EXCLUSIVE Rock & Roll Thanksgiving week of podding! Tune in as Hall-of-Famer Robert Plant sits down with Stephen Colbert for an EXTENDED conversation about his creative roots, and takes Stephen on a journey through the landscapes of his childhood, in the same Welsh countryside where J.R.R. Tolkien lived as a young man, and says his Led Zeppelin bandmates were unaware that he was referencing "The Lord of the Rings" in his songwriting for the band. Robert Plant's latest album, "Saving Grace," is available everywhere now. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alright Tolkien Heads, this one's important. Dr. Craig Boyd joins us to dig into Tolkien's political philosophy and—look, we gotta talk about how the alt-right has been trying to claim Tolkien as one of their own, which is just... no. Craig offers a much-needed corrective by actually reading what the man wrote and believed. The heart of the conversation is this contrast between Gandalf and Saruman as two models of leadership: one rooted in service and humility, the other in domination and control. And yeah, this feels pretty relevant right now. We get into why the easy path of controlling people is so seductive, and why the harder road—actually loving and respecting the folks you're leading—is what builds real community. Saruman thought he could use the enemy's tools for good ends; spoiler alert, it doesn't work that way. Power-hoarding corrupts everything it touches. Gandalf shows us another way: sacrifice, humility, genuine care for human flourishing over accumulating influence. Whether you're a Tolkien nerd, into political philosophy, or just trying to figure out what faithful leadership looks like in this moment, this one's for you. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube UPCOMING ONLINE ADVENT CLASS w/ Diana Butler Bass Join us for a transformative four-week Advent journey exploring how the four gospels speak their own revolutionary word against empire—both in their ancient context under Roman occupation and for our contemporary world shaped by capitalism, militarism, and nationalism. This course invites you into an alternative calendar and rhythm. We'll discover how these ancient texts of resistance offer wisdom for our own moment of political turmoil, economic inequality, and ecological crisis. This class is donation-based, including 0. You can sign-up at www.HomebrewedClasses.com This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,000other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 50 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tonight we will see Tolkien's story forcibly shrinking and growing again as he connects Numenor to the Lord of the Rings. https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/ Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
When Jacke started the podcast in 2015, he decided to privilege books that were at least fifty years old. (Longtime listeners will know he's made a few exceptions, but for the most part, that's been the policy.) Last month, the History of Literature Podcast celebrated its tenth anniversary - which means there are ten years' worth of books that are eligible now that weren't when he began. In this day-before-Thanksgiving episode, Jacke talks to regular guests Mike Palindrome and Laurie Frankel about Thanksgiving plans, Laurie's forthcoming novel Enormous Wings, Mike's Bluesky reading-together projects, and the literature that came out in the years 1965-1975. PLUS Jacke gives thanks for ten years of listener support, AND Eve Dunbar (Monstrous Work and Radical Satisfaction: Black Women Writing Under Segregation) stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is the second episode in a series called THE SPIRIT-ERA & ITS AFTERMATHS in which I look at the way spiritual, technological, and occult flourishings at the turn of the 19th into 20th century are still with us today.In the second installment in the series, I talk with ALLAN JOHNSON Professor of English Literature at University of Surrey, meditation coach, and author of the excellent book, The Sacred Life of Modernist Literature: Immanence, Occultism, and the Making of the Modern WorldIn that book, Allan states: “The occult has always walked the perilous line between desiring a textual form while resisting the possibility that this form can ever be completely achieved.”One of my big frustrations with spiritual influencers is that most of them don't seem to have a good grasp of art, but particularly literature. They do something like this: they read literature that has magical CONTENT and create metaphors and analogies that - all-too conveniently - mirror the lessons of their own esoteric view. And they generally reach for the usual suspects: Tolkien, Le Guin, Coehlo, etc.But the location of esoteric strength in literature is less in the content and much more in its FORMS and STYLES. These forms were brought to us most prominently in modernist fiction - in James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Franz Kafka, and more. But also by poets like TS Elliot, Ezra Pound, and WB Yeats.In the works of modernist writers, the reader's involvement is demanded to complete the text. These are writers who initiate us as we read their works.This conversation with Allan offered the chance to explore ideas I'd been longing to talk about for years, I'm so excited to share them with you here.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREONBuy Allan's book
The Man of the West says the same about TTT episodes, but one of today's letters sees the Professor say this about some of his poems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Following on from last week's episode, we follow Lauren's UK sabbatical as it shifts from a teen-led literary road trip to a soulful pilgrimage in Pembrokeshire and a belated honeymoon through the Brecon Beacons and Cotswolds. From ancient holy wells and monastic islands to bookshop hunts and crowd-beating tips, this episode celebrates slow, meaningful travel across Britain.• Why a pilgrimage and how to choose a route with the British Pilgrimage Trust • Highlights of the Way of St David from Fishguard to St Davids • Staying at St Non's Retreat Centre as a peaceful home base • Caldey Island stillness, monastic history, and handmade chocolate • Brecon Beacons hikes with Tolkien links and sweeping views • Hay-on-Wye bookshop discoveries and literary nostalgia • Chipping Campden base and a 12-mile Cotswold Way walk • Managing August crowds, parking, and small-group Cotswolds tours • Off-the-beaten-path ideas like the Rollright Stones • Final advice: pack light, walk slow, stay open⭐️ Guest - Lauren Eanes
Charlotte Brontë wasn't born the eldest child, but she was thrust into a leadership role at the age of ten, as the Brontë children dealt with the tragic deaths of their mother and two eldest sisters. How did this affect their family dynamic? And when the younger two sisters, Emily and Anne, had their novels accepted while Charlotte's alone was rejected, how did Charlotte respond? In this episode, Jacke talks to author Catherine Rayner, expert in the Brontës and a qualified nurse who's studied the effects of childhood on the development and psychology of adults, about the swirl of sibling psychologies explored in her book The Brontë Family: Sibling Rivalry and a Burial in Paradise. PLUS author Keith Cooper (Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What was the world like that CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien wrote their stories in? And how did their work change things? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author and historian Dr. Joseph Loconte. References and resources: Tolkien and Lewis fantasy influence: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-companion-to-fantasy-literature/tolkien-lewis-and-the-explosion-of-genre-fantasy/47A1D63A6D2D6F2553664D98F0F2EC1D Lewis and Tolkien's influence through their fantasy writing and school curriculum: https://aeon.co/essays/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-oxford-school-of-fantasy-literature?utm_source=chatgpt.com Lewis and Tolkien influence on Christian thought leaders: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2000/04/books-of-century/ Lewis books sold: https://www.cslewis.com/us/about-cs-lewis/ Tolkien books sold: https://200.hc.com/stories/j-r-r-tolkien-and-the-trilogy/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes Joseph Loconte: https://sagamoreinstitute.org/joseph-loconte/
Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan for a very special conversation with Dr. Michael D.C. Drout, author of The Tower and the Ruin: J.R.R. Tolkien's Creation, the new must-read book about Tolkien's legendarium. Professor Drout builds the best dark towers ever, confesses his man-crush on Tom Shippey, and starts a fight with Alan about the talking fox. We discuss Jerry Springer in Middle-earth, laugh at a joke no one else laughed at, and whole-heartedly agree with Mike that “they cannot conquer forever.” This is a long and heartfelt conversation that every Tolkien fan should listen to — immediately before buying The Tower and the Ruin. Also, the title really is relevant, I promise. The Tower and the Ruin: https://amzn.to/49KAUzy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In September 2022, a young Kurdish woman, Mahsa Jîna Amini, died after being beaten by police officers who arrested her for not adhering to the Islamic Republic's dress code. Her death galvanized thousands of Iranians—mostly women—who took to the streets in one of the country's largest uprisings in decades: the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. In this episode, Jacke talks to Nilo Tabrizy about her experience co-authoring the book For the Sun After Long Nights: The Story of Iran's Women-Led Uprising, which tells the searing, courageous story of what it meant for two journalists to cover these deeply personal events. PLUS Dr. Sharmila Sen, Editorial Director of Harvard University Press, who previously joined us for a discussion of the Murtry Classical Library of India series and the anthology Ten Indian Classics, stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When people think of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, they often picture tweedy Oxford professors and beloved fantasy authors. But their writing wasn't drawn only from their bucolic days teaching at Oxford and walking in the English countryside; it had a darker, deeper backdrop: the trenches of World War I and the cataclysm of World War II. Lewis and Tolkien weren't just fantasy writers — they were war veterans, cultural critics, and men with firsthand knowledge of evil, heroism, and sacrifice.In today's episode, I'm joined by Joseph Loconte, returning to the show to discuss his latest book, The War for Middle Earth. We explore how both world wars shaped the perspectives of Tolkien and Lewis, found their way into works like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, and infused their literary masterpieces with moral weight, spiritual depth, and timeless themes of resistance, friendship, and redemption. We also talk about the legendary friendship between Tolkien and Lewis, the creation of the Inklings, and how the men demonstrated the countercultural power of imaginative storytelling.Resources Related to the PodcastRelated AoM podcasts:#178: The Inklings Mastermind Group#272: Lewis, Tolkien, and the Myth of Progress (Loconte's first appearance on the AoM podcast)#430: Why You Need to Join the Great Conversation About the Great Books#499: A Fascinating Primer on Norse Mythology #594: How Churchill (and London) Survived the Blitz of 1940#723: Men Without Chests#765: C.S. Lewis on Building Men With Chests#951: The Hobbit VirtuesRelated AoM articlesThe Power of Conversation: A Lesson from CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Lessons in Manliness from Viking Mythology Lessons in Manliness: The HobbitMen Without Chests“Blood, Sweat, and Tears” speech by Winston Churchill4 Classic Chapter Books to Read Aloud With Your KidsRelated outside articles:Tolkien's Deadly Dragons Munich AgreementOwen BarfieldTolkien books mentioned:The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Beowulf translated by Tolkien The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings Beren and Luthien Letters from Father Christmas Lewis books mentioned:The Letters of C.S. Lewis The Collected Poems of C.S. Lewis The Pilgrim's RegressThe Chronicles of NarniaThe Great DivorceThe Screwtape Letters The Space Trilogy The Four LovesMere Christianity The Reading Life Related books by other authors:Tolkien and the Great War by John GarthThe Somme by Martin GilbertThe Guns of August by Barbara TuchmanThe Future of an Illusion by Sigmund FreudThe Aeneid by VirgilPhantastes by George MacDonaldThe Vinland SagasThe Iliad and The Odyssey by HomerThe Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas MaloryConnect With Joseph LoconteJoseph's websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.