Episodes

  • The Battle of the Books - Predictions for the Year 1708

    The Battle of the Books - Predictions for the Year 1708
    Feb 28 2026
    In which a diligent observer, perturbed by the vulgar falsehoods of common astrologers, sets forth a series of precise and sober predictions for the coming year, aspiring to reclaim the ancient art of astrology from illiterate impostors and reckless almanack-makers. With a measured tone and careful calculation, he chronicles expected events both at home and abroad, tendering his reputation as a gentleman to the test of time and truth against the rash claims of popular scribblers.
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    23 mins
  • The Battle of the Books - A Meditation Upon a Broomstick

    The Battle of the Books - A Meditation Upon a Broomstick
    Feb 26 2026
    In which a humble broomstick is observed in its decline from a flourishing tree to a worn tool of drudgery, serving as a poignant metaphor for the human condition and its inevitable fall from natural grace to affected artifice. Through this comparison, a gentle satire unfolds, revealing man's vanity and folly as he attempts to mask his decay and assumes the role of a reformer while sharing in the very corruptions he condemns.
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    4 mins
  • The Battle of the Books - The Episode of Bentley and Wotton

    The Battle of the Books - The Episode of Bentley and Wotton
    Feb 24 2026
    In which the valiant but ill-favoured Bentley and his dear companion Wotton, driven by discontent and ambition, set forth stealthily amid the chaos of battle in hopes of seizing advantage from the slumbering foe. Their ventures lead them to encounters both fortuitous and fatal, where fate and divine intervention interlace, culminating in a tragic yet heroic close to their endeavours.
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    16 mins
  • The Battle of the Books - A full and true account... Part 2

    The Battle of the Books - A full and true account... Part 2
    Feb 22 2026
    In which the bees and spiders represent the Ancients and Moderns, respectively, each deploying their crafts and arts in a learned dispute that culminates in preparations for a grand and momentous battle between these rival factions of books. This clash, witnessed by gods and influenced by allegorical deities such as Criticism and Dulness, unfolds with heroic leaders and martial encounters that echo the grandeur and folly inherent in the contest of letters.
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    23 mins
  • The Battle of the Books - A full and true account... Part 1

    The Battle of the Books - A full and true account... Part 1
    Feb 20 2026
    In which the ever-contentious strife between the venerable Ancients and the ambitious Moderns is described as a learned war of portentous quarrels over intellectual supremacy, conducted with pens as their weapons and writ in books of controversy chained in libraries. Amidst this fierce contention, a curious and spirited debate unfolds between a prideful spider and a diligent bee, exemplifying the greater themes of invention, nature, and the merits of labour versus mere boastfulness.
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    31 mins
  • The Battle of the Books - Introduction, the bookseller to the reader, & the preface of the author

    The Battle of the Books - Introduction, the bookseller to the reader, & the preface of the author
    Feb 18 2026
    In which the life and education of Jonathan Swift are laid forth with gentle detail, tracing his early struggles, friendships, and formative influences that shaped the author’s wit and resolve. Also revealed is the spirited literary quarrel between the ancients and moderns, wherein Swift’s playful yet pointed contribution sets the scene for a lively contest of intellect and taste.
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    15 mins
  • The Battle of the Books - The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff’s Predictions…

    The Battle of the Books - The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff’s Predictions…
    Mar 2 2026
    In which a detailed account is given of the curious and melancholy death of Mr. Partridge, the almanack-maker, whose demise was foretold by the predictions of a certain Mr. Bickerstaff, provoking reflections on the power of imagination and superstition. The narrative conveys an air of sober inquiry mingled with a gentle scepticism towards astrology and the impressions it leaves on the credulous minds of ordinary folk.
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