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My new #1
Has gradually become my favorite podcast. A perfect companion. Not only for the lessons and history but for also for Jacke. HOL has classic radio appeal. The best.

“It’s Lit” - travis scott
This podcast is a banger. Jack Wilson has the most soothing voice ever put to pod. For those (like myself) recently graduated from college and missing those lectures, this is it. Great way to get context on authors you may have missed, or those you read obsessively and want some second opinions on.

I’m a fan!
For this bibliophile, The History of Literature is a feast! I get to hear riveting stories well told. It’s a great mix of humor, humanity, and history, and it adds to my TBR. I just started listening today; it’s exciting to think of how many podcasts there are to binge. Jacke, you’re an incredible host and storyteller. Thanks for sharing with us.

Happy Accidental Discovery
I had no idea I needed this podcast, but, after typing "Robert Frost" into the search field, here I am and I most definitely do. Thank you to everyone involved. Jacke is so calm and collected, yet genuine and full of life. The breadth of his experience and the spectrum of his passion for literature shines through our overcast days like sunshine. Despite living in the age of social distance, this production affords me the privilege of feeling like I'm hanging out with a kindred soul. Much appreciated, and much love!

Great podcast
Makes me feel like I’m a sophomore in college sitting in my American Literature class again. Fantastic podcast.

Great podcast
This is a super great podcast, I can’t stop listening!

History of Literature
Wonderful podcast for anyone who loves books.

Jack Wilson is in my brain in a good way.
The endearing host of this podcast is equally matched to its rich content. A v unpretentious approach to digging into hearty literary soil. Don’t speed through Jack’s reading from listener emails or anything really. All is wonderfully enriching. In his hands I feel there’s something more to discover and thus care about. Go Jack Go! Pass your humble torch of brightness to us all.

Great for people who think of themselves as readers
For frequent readers (or people who remember when they were frequent readers) this is a fantastic way to rediscover classic authors you forgot to read and get a little inspiration to pick up a book or maybe move on to something better. I’m jumping around favorite writers now and occasionally listening to an episode about someone I irrationally dislike (having never read them). This podcast is like having lunch with my English-major friends in college. An interesting taste - just enough to enjoy and wither whet or sate the appetite. Helps that Jacke is so incredibly funny.

My favorite literature podcast
Long enough and in-depth enough for genuine insight but not so long as to bore. Quirky and idiosyncratic, both the host and his regular and single visit guests, it provides a product that is far more engaging than the dry academic or critical takes. An impressive breadth of authors, ranging from the contemporary to the centuries-old and from the short story to Proust. Jacke Wilson’s short story episodes are a treat, as they typically pair a reading with a discussion. Some episodes are more interesting to me than others, as is to be expected, but the podcast as a whole is the best literature program I’ve found and my favorite podcast overall.

My favorite podcast
My favorite podcast of all time. Jacke’s soothing voice, his warmth, empathy, and his passion for literature, intertwined with his personal stories and reflections on greatest works of literatures makes this show my faithful companion to go through tough times. It keeps my soul sensitive, empathetic and hopeful.

Best podcast
I stumbled across this podcast. The first one I heard was the Beatrix Potter. I then moved on to other episodes and now I am hooked. If you love literature and love learning about the authors, this podcast is for you! I look forward to future episodes.

Gilgamesh
My dad was a big fan of the epic. Now, fifty years later, I listened to Jacke Wilson’s introduction and I’m ready to read it on my own. Thanks, Jacke, for that final heave that got me over the finish line.

a great podcast
I discovered this podcast as I know little about literature and have been slowly working my way through the episodes while listening to the new ones. The author is a delight. He is knowledgeable and engaging, and his voice is very pleasant and easy to listen to. His guests are well chosen and really add to the experience. I highly recommend this to everyone. It is so enjoyable and satisfying. Plus he likes the Beatles and Sinatra. Jacke, thank you

My Must-Play Podcast
I so look forward to these podcasts each week. I have to admit, I can’t get enough of them. At first I tuned in to authors I knew about, then I would randomly listen and learn about authors and titles I had no idea existed. I listen to these whilst working in the garden, passerbyers want to know what I am listening to. Whatever is the subject that day, it is the most amazing ever. Jacke is a poet and teacher... Listen!

A great find
By the end of these podcasts I’ve learned to love even more a specific work or literature in general. Jacke brings depth, humor, and humanity to his readings and discussions.

Excellent podcast
I’ve only listened to one podcast on Raymond Carver, though I liked it so much I listened to it twice. I look forward to making my way through all of them!

A true joy!
I always learn something new from each episode. Nutritious food for the soul and healthy exercise for the mind while being continually entertaining.

A Humane and Erudite Podcast
Listening to The History of Literature is like having a great conversation with a great friend about books, plays, and poetry that you love. Cameo appearances by Oliver Twist, Elizabeth Bennett, and smile Palindrome are great treats. Khardison

Brilliant and beautiful
Grateful to listen to Jacke’s soothing, knowledgeable voice talking about books I love ( or will soon love) What a luscious treat to accompany me on my walks. Thank you Jacke

Excellent Podcast
Mr. Wilson I want to thank you for your work, not only does it help enlighten me but helps to build a bridge to my children. I recently shared an episode of yours with my eldest daughter who has a tattoo of a fragment of Sappho on her arm accompanied by a Sappho’s bust. We were able to share some of your insights and have one of those moments that parents from all generations cherish most. Thank you

A perfect podcast for new teachers
As a recently graduated student on his way to his first classroom, this podcast offers knowledge and analysis on many different forms of literature! Well worth a listen!

Top notch
Truly the best podcast. Thankful Jacke has created it. I have listened to all 250 episodes at least once... and will keep listening.

Diving deep
Just finished the Brothers Kharamazov episode and wiping the tears from my eyes. Jacque takes the art of a novel and allows it to summon him and then us to drop over the side of our boat. We watch the symbols and characters and soon we are looking in a mirror. The connections and the meanings are so profound and makes the literature intensely personal. To reflect on the Dostoyevsky family history and the novels painful twists is Jacque’s doorway in this case into fatherhood. And to end it with Billy Joel’s lullaby was a remarkable deep connection that made me want to call my own sons who are now in their thirties no longer at home. I came back to their bedsides and our nightly routine of reading books and telling stories. So many sweet and some painful memories. But all good; all well worth letting these reflections catch hold of you too.

Me, too!
I love Jack's delivery, sence of humor, amazing knowledge, and modern references (like "Breaking Bad")...such a satisfying experience up through time!

Jacke and Mike
Name a more dynamic duo. What I’d to have beer with those guys Thank you

beautifully done
listen from your bed on a lazy morning or while taking a long walk. Inspiring. Creator seems in earnest.

Excellent! Best podcast out there
I have a Ph.D. in literature and listening to Jack reminds me of my favorite moments in grad school. This is such high level stuff.

One of my favorite podcasts
Rich, informative, entertaining