Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

The literary podcast that has been giving new life to old books since 2015. For show notes visit backlisted.fm and get an extra two shows a month by supporting the pod at patreon.com/backlisted

All About Agatha is a podcast all about, well, Agatha. Agatha Christie, of course. The Queen of Crime, a real-life Dame of the British Empire and author of sixty-six mystery novels that spanned the Twentieth Century, defining a genre. The podcast's specific project is to rank these novels--because imposing objectivity on a subjective experience like reading is the sort of fruitless exercise that leads to all sorts of fruitful observations, even revelations. More broadly, the idea is to approach Christie by way of a rigorous literary analysis she so rarely gets, but so richly deserves. The same...

Two licensed therapists discussing their love of trashy romance novels while day drinking. New episodes every other Thursday.

Milkman Dead was born shortly after a neighborhood eccentric hurled himself off a rooftop in a vain attempt at flight. For the rest of his life he, too, will be trying to fly. As Morrison follows Milkman from his rustbelt city to the place of his family’s origins, she introduces an entire cast of strivers and seeresses, liars and assassins, the inhabitants of a fully realized Black world.

The major texts of Western culture are a gateway to wisdom that can widen your views on self and society in enduring ways. And now you can examine its most important works - whether drama, poetry, or narrative - in this series of 64 penetrating lectures that reveal astonishing common ground.

Homer's Iliad is the famous epic poem set among the tales of Troy. Its subject is the anger of the hero Achilles and its consequences for the warring Greeks and Trojans. Unlike other books on the Iliad, this one combines the detailed expertise of a historian with the sensitivity of a teacher of it as poetry. Lane Fox goes on to consider hallmarks of the poem, its values, implicit and explicit, its characters, its women, its gods and even its horses. He argues repeatedly for its beautiful observation and addresses its parallel use of what is, to us, the natural world.

In Mythica Emily Hauser tells, for the first time, the extraordinary stories of the real women behind some of the western world’s greatest legends. Following in their footsteps, digging into the history behind Homer’s epic poems, piecing together evidence from the original texts, recent astonishing archaeological finds and the latest DNA studies, she reveals who these women – queens, mothers, warriors, slaves – were, how they lived, and how history has (or has not – until now) remembered them.

Welcome to The Secret Law of Attraction Podcast! Unlock the greatest wisdom of all time and harness the power of your mind to manifest happiness, success, and limitless potential. Whether you seek wealth, love, confidence, or spiritual growth, this podcast is your guide to consciously creating the life you desire. Tune in and transform your reality—one thought at a time.What is the Law of Attraction? The Law of Attraction (LOA) is the universal principle that "like attracts like." Your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs act as magnetic forces, shaping the reality you experience. By mastering ...

Dive into the fascinating world of Max Carrados, a detective unlike any other. Despite his blindness, Carrados has honed his other senses to an extraordinary degree, and with the keen observational skills of his trusted butler, no case is too challenging. As he unravels the most complex mysteries, Carrados exceptional abilities will astonish, captivate, and delight you. Join us for a thrilling journey with Max Carrados, where his unique vision offers a fresh perspective on detective work.

Dive into the "Non-Fiction Library" for a carefully curated selection of audiobooks that bring real stories, facts, and lessons to life. Perfect for learners, this library covers everything from biographies to science, offering listeners a well-rounded and enriching experience.

How does it feel to read Harry Potter after 2020? The words on the page don’t change. But times change. We, the readers, change. And that changes the story. Join podcast hosts Lorrie Kim and JC on a re-read of the series, chapter by chapter. As we delve into the story, we’ll remember what the books meant to us when they were first published and analyze what we see differently now. Find more episodes, transcripts, and more at hpafter2020.com.

This is a podcast providing free audio versions of classic fiction and non-fiction books. Enjoy literacy classics free of charge.

In the rigid theocracy of Salem, Massachusetts, rumors that women are practicing witchcraft galvanize the town. In a searing portrait of a community engulfed by panic—with ruthless prosecutors, and neighbors eager to testify against neighbor—The Crucible famously mirrors the anti-Communist hysteria that held the United States in its grip in the 1950’s.

Join our hosts Tom & Lily as they dive deep into each chapter of Poor Charlie’s Almanack, the timeless collection of insights from one of the greatest thinkers of our time, Charlie Munger. In each episode, we break down Munger’s wisdom, exploring the mental models, life lessons, and practical advice that have shaped the mind of this legendary investor, business partner of Warren Buffett, and philosopher of decision-making.

For over 500 years, The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli has been one of the most influential—and controversial—works ever written on leadership, politics, and human nature. This Complete Edition brings Machiavelli’s insights to today’s listener with a faithful line-by-line modernization that keeps the original tone, structure, and message fully intact. Designed to be both accessible and authentic, this edition allows modern listeners to engage directly with Machiavelli’s ideas—without the barriers of outdated language or dense phrasing.

When facing a moral dilemma, Isabel Dalhousie--Edinburgh philosopher, amateur detective, and title character of a series of novels by best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith - often refers to the great twentieth-century poet W. H. Auden. This is no accident: McCall Smith has long been fascinated by Auden. Indeed, the novelist, best known for his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, calls the poet not only the greatest literary discovery of his life but also the best of guides on how to live.

Jason Weiser and Carissa Weiser tell stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history. Some, like the stories of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules are stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories you might not have heard, but really should. All the stories are sourced from world folklore, but retold for modern ears. These are stories of wizards, knights, Vikings, dragons, princesses, and kings from the time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous and wonderful place.

The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal reflections from the Roman Emperor, blending Stoic philosophy with practical wisdom. Written as a guide for self-improvement, it emphasizes virtues like discipline, humility, and resilience. Aurelius reflects on the impermanence of life, urging acceptance of change and the inevitability of death. He advises focusing on inner virtue rather than external distractions, practicing gratitude, and maintaining a sense of duty to others. The work is a timeless manual for leading a life of integrity, peace, and purpose, rooted in reason and...

The Story of an African Farm is a groundbreaking novel exploring themes of free thought, feminism, and personal independence in 19th-century South Africa. Following the lives of three children into adulthood, the novel delves into issues of love, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the Karoo wilderness. Controversial for its time, this powerful story continues to captivate with its thought-provoking themes.

Audiobook of the great novella by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, an American classic taught in many schools but also a frequent target of censoring, read by professional narrator and actress Anna Butterworth