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The Cosmic Library

Adam Colman
The Brothers Karamazov
In Search Of Lost Time
The New Yorker
Marcel Proust
Dostoevsky
Music
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Short Stories
Sibling Relationships
Russian Literature
Lit Hub
La Captive
Memory
Identity
French Literature
Time
Mathematics
Logic
Art
High Society

The Cosmic Library explores massive books in order to explore everything else. Here, books that can seem overwhelming—books of dreams, infinity, mysteries—turn out to be intensely accessible, offering so many different ways to read them and think with them. Season one considered Finnegans Wake; in season two, it was 1,001 Nights. Season three journeyed through and beyond the Hebrew Bible. In seaso... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes39Founded5 years ago
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Latest Episodes

Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time follows the development of a self. The narrator grows up in Combray, in the seaside town of Balbec, in Paris, and resolves to become a writer. But that narrative also encompasses so much else, from historical cr... more

Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time lifts off on page after page, but it always returns to earth, back to the narrator’s memories and thoughts and experiences. Somehow, this seven-volume French novel from the early twentieth century covers a vast ... more

The new season of The Cosmic Library is on the way, and this time we’re talking about—and listening to—Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. Conversations go everywhere: we’re thinking about the nature of time, music, and the self, and we’re figuri... more

By now, it's clear that The Brothers Karamazov sits comfortably on the shelf of books of infinity, books that can never be completed. It is, for one thing, only the first part of a plan Dostoevsky had for much more. But this novel also emphasizes inc... more

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Recent Guests

Hannah Freed-Thall
NYU professor and author of Spoiled Distinctions
NYU
Episode: 7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Joshua Landy
Stanford professor and author of The World According to Proust
Stanford University
Episode: 7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Alex Ross
Music critic at The New Yorker and author of Wagnerism
The New Yorker
Episode: 7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Christine Smallwood
Author of La Captive from Fireflies Press
Fireflies Press
Episode: 7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Rick Moody
Author of The Ice Storm
Episode: 7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Katherine Bowers
Professor of Russian Literature at the University of British Columbia and author of Writing Fear, Russian Literature and the Gothic
University of British Columbia
Episode: 6.5 Karamazov Season: Where Parallels Converge
Hearty White
Host of Miracle Nutrition on WFMU
WFMU
Episode: 6.5 Karamazov Season: Where Parallels Converge
Andrew Martin
Author of 'Cool for America', a book of short stories
Episode: 6.4 Karamazov Season: Math Dreams
Garth Risk Hallberg
Author of the novel 'City on Fire'
Episode: 6.4 Karamazov Season: Math Dreams

Host

Adam Coleman
Host of The Cosmic Library

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 32 ratings
  • A stimulating look at the books that matter

    Whatever this show tackles, it tackles well, so I’m excited for the upcoming Proust season. A rewarding listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scooter1910
    United Statesa month ago
  • Is a podcast about Finnegan’s Wake listenable?

    A joyous yes! As a reader, I’ve always stood timorously before the literary Everest that is Finnegan’s Wake. Unsure whether my past reading experiences had sufficiently prepared me, I could neither begin the ascent nor put aside the desire to make the climb. After listening to the first episode of F&F, I finally feel up to the challenge. My newly found confidence stems from the fact that the deeply-skilled host Adam Colman will be the one leading the Everest expedition. Onwards, ever onwards!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cisco Bananas
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the thoughtful exploration of complex literary works, finding discussions stimulating and rewarding.
Feedback highlights the show's ability to make challenging texts approachable and engaging, often leading to newfound confidence among listeners tackling difficult literature.

Top Books Podcasts

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Catholic Bible Study
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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Q: What does music represent in Proust's novel?
Music expresses the deepest personality of the composer and re-enchants the world, providing a model for understanding the shape of one's life aesthetically.
7.1 In Search of Lost Time: Imaginary Music
Q: How do you describe Proust's style?
Proust's style is unusual; it often features long, convoluted sentences that start and then interrupt themselves, making it lyrical yet rational. It requires patience to appreciate but ultimately makes sense.
6.1 Karamazov Season: The Radio Play
Q: What are the distinct modes of thinking these characters pose against one another?
Dmitri is the romantic hero, Ivan the thinker, and Alyosha an effort of creating a real good man by Dostoevsky.
6.1 Karamazov Season: The Radio Play
Q: Do you get a sense of the narrative running away from its own author?
Yes, but there's an intuitive thing that happens that overrides reason a little bit.
5.1 The Short Story in the U.S.: Introduction
Q: What do you find to be the difference between a short story and just a short version of a novel?
There's a big difference in terms of what you're trying to capture and how quickly you're trying to get there and how complicated it can be.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cosmic Library

What is The Cosmic Library about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the vast landscapes of classic literature, this podcast focuses on monumental texts that challenge readers with their complexity. The discussions aim to unravel these seemingly daunting works by offering accessible insights, allowing listeners to engage deeply with themes, characters, and philosophical inquiries. Noteworthy seasons have delved into diverse narratives ranging from the intricacies of 'Finnegans Wake' to the rich narrative layers of 'The Brothers Karamazov', incorporating expert perspectives and engaging storytelling techniques. Each episode invites listeners into a broader understanding of literature's profound impact on life and thought.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Cosmic Library:

1. If Books Could Kill
2. Pop Culture Happy Hour
3. The Ancients
4. The Rest Is Politics: US

How many episodes of The Cosmic Library are there?

The Cosmic Library launched 5 years ago and published 39 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Cosmic Library?

Recent guests on The Cosmic Library include:

1. Hannah Freed-Thall
2. Joshua Landy
3. Alex Ross
4. Christine Smallwood
5. Rick Moody
6. Katherine Bowers
7. Hearty White
8. Andrew Martin

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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