
Where rhyme gets its reason! In a historical survey of English literature, I take a personal and philosophical approach to the major texts of the tradition in order to not only situate the poems, prose, and plays in their own contexts, but also to show their relevance to our own. This show is for the general listener: as a teacher of high school literature and philosophy, I am less than a scholar ... more
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 107 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | EducationBooksArts | |||

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Alexander Pope, whom some critics regard as the most important poet of the early 18th century, set out to comprehensively explain the rules that governed art, poetry, and humanity itself. And, it turns out, they're all the same rul... more
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While many may think of Swift's magnificent octopus as a mere children's adventure tale, it is, in fact, one of the darkest and most troubling satires in the English language. Written as the Enlightenment began asserting rationalit... more
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I hope you've brought your appetite, because today we're looking at some of Dr. Swift's shorter prose satires (along with a couple of poems) and he certainly gives us plenty to chew on.
"A Description of the Morning": www.p... more
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One of the most theologically and liturgically important Christmas carols may contain coded messages against the Throne of England!
Additional Music: "Adeste Fidelis" by Bing Crosby with The Max Terr choir; John Scott Trotter and his or... more
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This is one of my favorite new podcasts. I wish any of my English classes had been as fun, interesting, and informative as these podcasts. I’m definitely filling in some gaps from my high school in college English classes! I highly recommend this podcast!
I’ve just finished the two episodes on Milton’s Paradise Lost. Without dumbing down, the themes are explained in our modern vernacular. I envy Mr. McDonough’s students the opportunity they have been given to have such an excellent teacher. I hope they appreciate him!
I just finished teaching Hamlet at a high school level and can’t wait to get back to it because this opened my eyes to so many aspects I feel I missed! Will definitely be looking into many of the points mentioned because they were so interesting!
For over a year now I’ve been going to sleep with Doug and Literature and History . I even give him some $$ every month. But you are giving him a good run for his money. I’ve gone to bed with Classic English Literature for several nights now and I like it. ☑️j tJust saw I have a new review to take to bed. I loved your analysis of Macbeth and I’m anxious to hear what you have to say about Lear
You are the best. I have always loved Donne, and you hit upon all of my favorites. Thank you
Lots of fascinating literary insight entertainingly delivered.
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A rigorously accessible deep-dive into classic English literature, analyzing novels, poetry, and plays through historical context, philosophical themes, and cultural critique. Episodes highlight satire, human nature, and literary innovations from Swift to Defoe to Restoration drama, often reframing works to reveal their relevance for modern readers and students. A distinctive strength is the teacherly, Socratic approach that invites curiosity without dumbing down, making dense materials feel approachable for a general audience and for classrooms alike.
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5. The LRB Podcast
The Classic English Literature Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 107 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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Recent guests on The Classic English Literature Podcast include:
1. Gretel le Maître
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