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Literature and History

Literature and History

By: Doug Metzger
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 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. Art Literary History & Criticism World
Episodes
  • Episode 115: The Life of Muhammad, Part 2: Community

    Episode 115: The Life of Muhammad, Part 2: Community
    Aug 15 2025

    Between 622 and 628, Muhammad and the first Muslims made a home from themselves in Medina, fended off assaults from the Quraysh and others, and changed the course of history forever.

    New Spotify Bonus Content Channel:
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    New Patreon Store:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory/shop

    Episode 115 Quiz:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-115/

    Episode 115 Transcription:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-115-the-life-of-muhammad-part-2

    Bonus Content:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content

    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory

    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast

    Bluesky:
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    2 hrs and 16 mins
  • Episode 114: The Life of Muhammad, Part 1: Cobwebs

    Episode 114: The Life of Muhammad, Part 1: Cobwebs
    Jul 15 2025

    An orphan and caravan trade agent, Muhammad (570-632) lived a fairly ordinary life up until the age of 40. Then, everything changed.

    New Songs Page:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/songs/

    Episode 114 Quiz:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-114/

    Episode 114 Transcription:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-114-the-life-of-muhammad-part-1

    Bonus Content:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content

    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory

    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast

    Bluesky:
    https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social

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    2 hrs and 22 mins
  • Episode 113: Antarah ibn Shaddad

    Episode 113: Antarah ibn Shaddad
    Jun 15 2025

    Antarah ibn Shaddad, a killer, a lover, and an epic hero, was also one of early Arabic literature's most famous poets.

    Parker's Song:
    https://youtu.be/bTVWrxfb5wk

    Episode 113 Quiz
    https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-113/

    Episode 113 Transcription:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-113-antarah-ibn-shaddad

    Antarah's Poetry:
    War Songs (Library of Arabic Literature)

    Bonus Content:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content

    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory

    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast

    Bluesky:
    https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social

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    2 hrs and 4 mins
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