The History of Literature Podcast

Amateur enthusiast Jacke Wilson journeys through the history of literature, from ancient epics to contemporary classics. (Episodes are not in chronological order - feel free to jump in wherever you'd like!)

Join Jacke and me on our first-ever literary tour to England! This adventure begins and ends in London, May 6–14, 2026, with stops in Oxford and Bath. For reservation details, contact Masahiko Someda at masahiko@johnshorstravel.com.

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Aug. 17, 2025

726 England vs France - A Literary Battle Royale (with Mike Palindrome) - RECLAIMED

“Our dear enemies,” a French writer once called the English. Englishman John Cleese called the French “our natural enemies” and joked “if we have to fight anyone, I say let’s fight the French.” With the exception of some (ver...

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Aug. 13, 2025

725 The Trial by Franz Kafka (#21 GBOAT) | Edith Wharton and Patrick O'Brian (with Olivia Wolfgang-Smith) | An Uplifting Story

Jacke starts the episode with an uplifting story, then submerges himself into chaos and absurdity for a look at The Trial by Franz Kafka, which lands at #21 on the list of Greatest Books of All Time. Then he welcomes novelist...

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Aug. 10, 2025

724 The Stranger by Albert Camus (#22 Greatest Book of All Time) | Christopher Isherwood (with Jake Poller) | Postcard from a Listener in Yunnan

Put on your black turtleneck! Jacke starts the episode with a look at #22 on the list of The Greatest Books of All Time, The Stranger by Albert Camus. Then he talks to Jake Poller about British and American novelist and playw...

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Aug. 6, 2025

723 The Moral Rights of Authors (with Mira T Sundara Rajan) | My Last Book with Radha Vatsal

As technology advances, the ability of authors and artists to prevent their works from being pirated or misused has become urgent. In this episode, Jacke talks to copyright expert Mira T. Sundara Rajan ( The Moral Rights of A...

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Aug. 3, 2025

722 Kerouac's Road - A Conversation with Ebs Burnough, Director of a New Kerouac Documentary | My Last Book with Beat Generation Expert Steven Belletto

Since its publication in 1957, Jack Kerouac's iconic novel On the Road has inspired millions to head for the highways and live life to its fullest. In this episode, Jacke talks to filmmaker Ebs Burnough about his new document...

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July 30, 2025

721 Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (The #23 Greatest Book of All Time)

Jacke continues his journey through the list of the 25 Greatest Books of All Time with a look at Flaubert's "perfect novel," Madame Bovary (1856-57). Telling the story of the bored wife of a provincial doctor who enters into ...

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The History of Literature Podcast

Recent Episodes

726 England vs France - A Literary Battle Royale (with Mike Palindrome) - RECLAIMED

725 The Trial by Franz Kafka (#21 GBOAT) | Edith Wharton and Patrick O'Brian (with Olivia Wolfgang-Smith) | An Uplifting Story

724 The Stranger by Albert Camus (#22 Greatest Book of All Time) | Christopher Isherwood (with Jake Poller) | Postcard from a Listener in Yunnan

723 The Moral Rights of Authors (with Mira T Sundara Rajan) | My Last Book with Radha Vatsal

722 Kerouac's Road - A Conversation with Ebs Burnough, Director of a New Kerouac Documentary | My Last Book with Beat Generation Expert Steven Belletto

721 Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (The #23 Greatest Book of All Time)

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