Literature and History By cover art

Literature and History

By: Doug Metzger
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Episodes
  • Episode 103: Boethius

    Episode 103: Boethius
    Sep 22 2023

    In the twilight of the Western Empire, Boethius (c. 476-523) served as consul, but ended his life imprisoned by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric, writing The Consolation of Philosophy.

    Episode 103 Quiz:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=351&catid=2

    Episode 103 Transcription:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/index.php/episode-103-boethius

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

    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory
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    2 hrs and 21 mins
  • Episode 102: An Old Man's Book (Augustine's City of God, Part 2 of 2)

    Episode 102: An Old Man's Book (Augustine's City of God, Part 2 of 2)
    Mar 4 2023

    Augustine’s City of God, Part 2 of 2. The second half of the City of God contains some of Late Antiquity’s most influential writings – most notably Augustine’s take on Original Sin.

    Episode 102 Quiz:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/index.php/episode-102-quiz

    Episode 102 Transcription:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/index.php/episode-102-an-old-mans-book

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

    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory
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    2 hrs and 28 mins
  • Episode 101: Against the Pagans (Augustine's City of God, Part 1 of 2)

    Episode 101: Against the Pagans (Augustine's City of God, Part 1 of 2)
    Feb 4 2023

    Augustine’s City of God, Part 1 of 2. The first half of the City of God is a broadside against paganism – its culture, religion, and history, subjects about which Augustine had much to say.

    Episode 101 Quiz:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/index.php/episode-101-quiz

    Episode 101 Transcription:
    https://literatureandhistory.com/index.php/episode-101-against-the-pagans

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

    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory
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    2 hrs and 16 mins
Art World Literary History & Criticism
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Profile Image for Kristy Espoito

Excellent

Informative, engaging, fun, funny. The end songs are catchy and well thought out with the theme/style he chooses. I look for this podcast the day it releases.

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