Arts

English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English Speaking World

by William J. Long

Claiming needs an RSS feed. Contact us.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Recently ranked · United States

Last recorded placements from this show’s chart history. These are not current rankings.

Not on the United States charts we track today.

If you like English Literature: Its History and Its…, try…

English Conversation podcast

Latest episodes

Introduction to The Philosophy of History-Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

October 25, 2026 · 4 hr 36 min

"Introduction to The Philosophy of History" by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel delves into the intricate relationship between history and philosophy, exploring how historical events shape human consciousness and societal development. Hegel…
Growth of a Soul-August Strindberg

October 24, 2026

"Growth of a Soul" by August Strindberg delves into the profound journey of self-discovery and personal evolution. This exploration of the human spirit resonates deeply with contemporary themes of identity and transformation, making it a…
Manfred-George Gordon, Lord Byron

October 18, 2026 · 1 hr 35 min

"Manfred-George Gordon, Lord Byron" delves into the life and works of one of the most significant figures in English literature, Lord Byron. This exploration highlights Byron's profound impact on poetry and his embodiment of the Romantic…
Problem of Truth-Herbert Wildon Carr

October 17, 2026 · 2 hr 54 min

"Problem of Truth" by Herbert Wildon Carr delves into the complexities surrounding the nature of truth, exploring philosophical inquiries that challenge our understanding of reality and knowledge. This thought-provoking work remains…
Heroides-Publius (Ovid) Ovidius Naso

October 11, 2026 · 5 hr 15 min

"Heroides-Publius" by Ovidius Naso is a compelling exploration of love and longing, presented through a series of poetic letters from mythical heroines to their absent lovers. This work delves into the emotional depths of desire, betrayal…

Show 7 more episodesShow fewer episodes

Foxe's Book of Martyrs Vol 2: Lives and Deaths of Early Christian and Protestant Martyrs-Forbush, Foxe

October 10, 2026

"Foxe's Book of Martyrs Vol 2" delves into the lives and deaths of early Christian and Protestant martyrs, chronicling their unwavering faith and the sacrifices they made in the face of persecution. This powerful narrative captures the…
History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 5, Chapter 25)-Thomas Babington Macaulay

October 4, 2026 · 3 hr 8 min

"History of England, from the Accession of James II" by Thomas Babington Macaulay offers a detailed exploration of the pivotal events and transformations that shaped England during a crucial period. This chapter delves into the political…
Elegiac Sonnets and Other Poems-Charlotte Turner Smith

October 3, 2026 · 3 hr 6 min

Elegiac Sonnets and Other Poems by Charlotte Turner Smith is a poignant collection that captures the essence of human emotion and the beauty of nature through the lens of grief and reflection. Smith's work resonates with themes of loss…
From the Foundation of the City Vol. 01-Titus Livius

September 27, 2026

"From the Foundation of the City Vol. 01-Titus Livius" delves into the rich tapestry of Roman history as chronicled by the esteemed historian Titus Livius. This work captures the essence of Rome's origins, exploring the themes of…
Theological Tractates-Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius

September 26, 2026 · 1 hr 41 min

Theological Tractates by Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius delves into profound philosophical and theological discussions that explore the nature of God, the soul, and the interplay between fate and free will. This work is a cornerstone…
Histories, Volume 1-Polybius

September 20, 2026

Histories, Volume 1-Polybius offers a profound exploration of the rise of the Roman Republic and the intricate dynamics of power, politics, and war. Polybius meticulously documents the events and influences that shaped Rome's expansion…
John Donne's Satires-John Donne

September 19, 2026 · 1 hr 23 min

John Donne's Satires offers a profound exploration of human nature and morality through sharp wit and incisive commentary. This collection of satirical poems reflects Donne's keen observations on the complexities of faith, society, and the…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

This book, which presents the whole splendid history of English literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the close of the Victorian Era, has three specific aims. The first is to create or to encourage in every student the desire to read the best books, and to know literature itself rather than what has been written about literature. The second is to interpret literature both personally and historically, that is, to show how a great book generally reflects not only the author's life and thought but also the spirit of the age and the ideals of the nation's history. The third aim is to show, by a study of each successive period, how our literature has steadily developed from its first simple songs and stories to its present complexity in prose and poetry. (From the Preface by William J. Long) This show includes AI-generated content.