809 Robert Browning | The Dutch Roots of Washington Irving (with Elisabeth Paling Funk)

Robert Browning (1812-1889) is often considered one of the greatest of the Victorian poets. Two developments established Browning as an indispensable figure in the history of literature: first, his early taste for Shelleyan knockoffs and lengthy, impenetrable historical narratives gave way to his use of the dramatic monologue, a highly successful and adaptable form he used to striking effect; and second, his marriage to fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett (Moulton-Barrett) Browning, which became one of the greatest literary love stories of all time. In this episode, Jacke offers some reasons to love the poet who gave us "My Last Duchess" and many other voice-driven poems.

PLUS author and Washington Irving expert Elisabeth Paling Funk joins Jacke for a conversation about her book The Dutch World of Washington Irving: Knickerbocker's History of New York and the Hudson Valley Folktales, which tells an alternative origin story of American literary culture.

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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