We trace the evolution of European literature as it emerged from the medieval period. This episode covers the heroic sagas of the Anglo-Saxons and Norse, Dante’s divine journey in the Inferno, the universal stage of Shakespeare, and the rise of the novel and individual consciousness during the Enlightenment.
This episode journeys into the vibrant world of the Islamic Golden Age. We’ll explore the profound influence of the Quran as a literary text, the epic scope of the Persian Shahnameh, the mystical poetry of Rumi and Hafez, and the global travels of the enchanting collection, One Thousand and One Nights.
Focusing on the interconnected traditions of China, Japan, and Korea, this episode explores a literature where poetry, philosophy, and governance are deeply intertwined. We’ll discuss the wisdom of Confucius, the breathtaking beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry, and the creation of the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji in Japan.
This episode dives into the immensely rich and ancient literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. We explore the spiritual depth of the Vedas and the Upanishads, and unravel the sprawling narratives and profound moral questions of the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which continue to influence billions of lives today.
We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric.
This episode travels back to the dawn of writing in Mesopotamia. We explore the world’s first known literary work, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discuss how ancient civilizations in the Near East used cuneiform script not just for records, but to wrestle with the fundamental human questions of life, death, friendship, and the divine.
Listen to an author reflect on their literary prize nomination. A great exercise for TOEFL/IELTS, with script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz to test your comprehension of personal storytelling.
This piece explores the art of finding meaning in life by viewing our existence through the lens of a story. Delve into philosophical nuggets on free will, destiny, and memory to question whether you’re the author or the character in your own epic.
Challenge the traditional definition of literature. Explore the literary merits of graphic novels like Maus, prestige TV like The Sopranos, and cinematic video games like The Last of Us.
How do stories change us? Go beyond plot summaries and character analysis with a guide to reflective reading, exploring the deep, personal questions that great narratives ask of you, long after the final page is turned.
Test your listening skills with a passionate review of a fictional sci-fi novel. Perfect for IELTS and TOEFL prep, this post includes a full audio script, key vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz.
Discover the hidden science of reading. Learn how literary fiction enhances brain connectivity, boosts empathy (Theory of Mind), and sharpens your problem-solving skills. Get tips for a better brain.
