Best Norton Library Podcasts (2024)

1
They All Cried Out, "He Made Us" (Confessions, Part 2) 30:09

8d ago30:09

30:09

In Part 2 of our discussion on Augustine's Confessions, translator Peter Constantine discusses his own history with the text and how he came to translate it, the stylistic accomplishment of the Confessions, his translation process, and more. Peter Constantine is the director of the Program in Literary Translation at the University of Connecticut, t…

1
Augustine Gives in to Pear Pressure (Confessions, Part 1) 32:37

8d ago32:37

32:37

In Part 1 of our discussion on Augustine's Confessions, we welcome translator Peter Constantine to discuss the historical context in which Augustine of Hippo wrote the Confessions, the genre of the text, the lasting effect it has had on religious and secular intellectual traditions, and some of the touchstone episodes found in the work. Peter Const…

1
Funny as Hell (Inferno, Part 2) 35:39

1M ago35:39

35:39

In Part 2 of our discussion on Dante's Inferno, translator Michael Palma discusses his own history with the poem and how he came to translate it, the terza rima rhyme scheme Dante employs, and in what ways the Divine Comedy is really a comedy. Michael Palma is the award-winning translator of Diego Valeri and Guido Gozzano, among others. He has publ…

1
Dante's Inferno: A 13th-Century Scared Straight! (Inferno, Part 1) 35:12

1M ago35:12

35:12

In Part 1 of our discussion on Dante's Inferno, we welcome translator Michael Palma to discuss Dante's life and the context in which he wrote the Inferno, the narrative structure of The Divine Comedy, and what makes the Inferno so durably compelling. Michael Palma is the award-winning translator of Diego Valeri and Guido Gozzano, among others, and …

1
How to Read, How to Feel (Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Part 2) 34:43

2M ago34:43

34:43

In Part 2 of our discussion on Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, editor Joshua Bennett discusses the cover of the Norton Library edition, approaching the text as history and as literature, how Douglass teaches us to read, the musicality of the book, a Narrative-inspired playlist, and more! Joshua Bennett is a professor of literature at M…

1
The Hero's Journey (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Part 1) 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

In Part 1 of our discussion on the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, we welcome editor Joshua Bennett to discuss Douglass's Narrative as a type of hero's journey, Douglass's political project in writing the book, and how Douglass closes the Narrative with a statement on true Christianity. Joshua Bennett is a professor of literature at MI…

1
But I Wouldn't Give Myself (The Awakening, Part 2) 30:35

3M ago30:35

30:35

In Part 2 of our discussion on The Awakening, editor Laura Fisher tells us about her first encounter with the novel, discusses her approach to teaching it, explores her favorite line of the text, provides a killer Awakening playlist, and more! Laura R. Fisher is an associate professor of English at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is the author…

1
Don't Nap for Self-Care. Wake up! (The Awakening, Part 1) 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

In Part 1 of our discussion on The Awakening, we welcome editor Laura Fisher to discuss Kate Chopin's writing career, the novel's reception and themes, as well as some of its major characters. Laura R. Fisher is an associate professor of English at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is the author of Reading for Reform: The Social Work of Literatu…

1
It's Okay to be Frustrated with Joyce (Dubliners, Part 2) 34:31

4M ago34:31

34:31

In Part 2 of our discussion on Dubliners, editor Ian Whittington discusses the inspiration for the cover of his Norton Library edition, his favorite lines in the collection, his Dubliners hot take, and some suggestions for a Dubliners playlist. Ian Whittington is an independent scholar whose research and teaching focus on twentieth-century anglopho…

1
You Can File this All Under "A City in Decline" (Dubliners, Part 1) 32:19

5M ago32:19

32:19

In Part 1 of our discussion on Dubliners, we welcome editor Ian Whittington to discuss how this collection of short stories was received by its publisher, by its literary audience, and by the people who made up its subject matter; the Dublin in which Joyce grew up; and, of course, Ian's favorite story. Ian Whittington is an independent scholar whos…

1
Medea has Pierced Our Hearts (Medea, Part 2) 28:47

5M ago28:47

28:47

In Part 2 of our discussion on Medea, editor Sheila Murnaghan discusses her teaching of the drama, what Medea shows us about the nature of revenge, and her approach to the challenges of translating this tragedy. Sheila Murnaghan is the Alfred Reginald Allen Memorial Professor of Greek at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Disguise…

1
Euripides's Exploration of the Unthinkable and Unnatural (Medea, Part 1) 36:44

6M ago36:44

36:44

In Part 1 of our discussion on Medea, we welcome translator Sheila Murnaghan to discuss the historical and dramatic context in which Euripides wrote the play, its basis in the Medea myth, and the plays most prominent characters. Sheila Murnaghan is the Alfred Reginald Allen Memorial Professor of Greek at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the a…

1
An African American Novel about White People (The Marrow of Tradition, Part 2) 27:01

6M ago27:01

27:01

In Part 2 of our discussion on The Marrow of Tradition, editor Autumn Womack discusses her background with the novel, teaching the novel, her favorite line, and her hot take on The Marrow of Tradition. Autumn Womack is an Assistant Professor in the departments of African American Studies and English at Princeton University, where she specializes in…

1
Carterets, Millers, and Massacres (The Marrow of Tradition, Part 1) 29:36

6M ago29:36

29:36

In Part 1 of our discussion on The Marrow of Tradition, we welcome editor Autumn Womack to discuss Charles W. Chestnut's biography, his ambitions in writing the novel, the historical realities depicted in it, and some of its major characters. Autumn Womack is an Assistant Professor in the departments of African American Studies and English at Princ…

1
Up-to-date with a Vengeance (Dracula, Part 2) 30:59

7M ago30:59

30:59

In Part 2 of our discussion on Dracula, editor Rachel Feder discusses the inspiration for the cover of her Norton Library edition, her favorite line in the novel, how the novel relates to the popular cultural understanding of vampires, and notions of the sublime in Gothic literature. Rachel Feder is an associate professor of English and literary ar…

1
Vampires and Gothic Horror (Dracula, Part 1) 30:30

8M ago30:30

30:30

In Part 1 of our discussion on Dracula, we welcome editor Rachel Feder to discuss whether Bram Stoker's biography is relevant to our interpretations of the novel, Dracula's place in the history of Gothic literature, different types of Gothic literature, and some of the most prominent characters in the novel. Rachel Feder is an associate professor o…

1
A Long and Winding Road to Nowhere (The Canterbury Tales, Part 2) 32:16

8M ago32:16

32:16

In Part 2 of our discussion on The Canterbury Tales, translator and editor Sheila Fisher uncovers her favorite line(s) in the text, tells us how she approaches teaching the Tales, gives us a cross-centuries Chaucer playlist, and reflects on the text's relevance to readers today. Sheila Fisher is Professor of English at Trinity College (Hartford). S…

1
Dr Duffy v Google - A Story of the Underdog. 56:49

9M ago56:49

56:49

David v Goliath. Duffy v Google. Everyone loves a story of the underdog. Usually, Goliath reigns supreme. But sometimes, just sometimes, the underdog gets justice. Today, we are speaking with an inspiring individual who took on one of the world’s largest companies, Google, in a defamation case, and won. Remarkably, she even defeated Google as a sel…

1
Tales and Tellers (The Canterbury Tales, Part 1) 33:29

9M ago33:29

33:29

In Part 1 of our discussion on The Canterbury Tales, we welcome translator and editor Sheila Fisher to discuss Geoffrey Chaucer's life and times, his great accomplishment in crafting these Tales, and the intricacies of Sheila's favorite tale, that of the Wife of Bath. Sheila Fisher is Professor of English at Trinity College (Hartford). She is the a…

1
Ugh, as if I could forgive her! (Emma, Part 2) 32:46

9M ago32:46

32:46

In Part 2 of our discussion on Emma , editor Stephanie Insley Hershinow tells us how she first encountered Jane Austen's work, highlights some of her preferred techniques for teaching Emma, gives her hot take on Austen, and reflects on some of the most affecting adaptations of Emma in popular media. Stephanie Insley Hershinow is an associate profes…

1
"The Words of Cesar Chavez" with historian Miriam Pawl 35:53

9M ago35:53

35:53

Born in Yuma, Arizona, César Chávez began his working life as a manual laborer. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Chávez moved to California to join an organization that helped laborers register to vote. This week's guest is historian Miriam Pawl. He later began organizing strikes among farm workers, calling for better pay and working conditions. Chá…

1
Handsome, Clever, and Rich (Emma, Part 1) 32:20

10M ago32:20

32:20

In the first of our two episodes on Emma , we welcome editor Stephanie Insley Hershinow to discuss what popular conceptions of Jane Austen get right and get wrong about her, how Austen is both similar to and different from the titular protagonist of the novel, Austen's place in the history of marriage stories, and some of the novel's most memorable…

1
"Free to Choose" Milton & Rose Friedman with Prof. Mark Skousen 28:59

9M ago28:59

28:59

Milton Friedman was a 1976 Nobel Prize-winning American economist and advisor to President Ronald Reagan and conservative British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, among others. This week, a conversation with his friend and a Professor at Chapman University, Mark Skousen. In 1980, Friedman partnered with his wife, Rose, to create a 10-part televisi…

1
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston w/ Prof. Gary Richards 24:15

10M ago24:15

24:15

Zora Neale Hurston brings to life a Southern love story that explores race, gender roles, and identity, which influenced African-American and women's literature. In this episode, we speak with English Professor Gary Richards of The University of Mary Washington. The book is considered a classic of the Harlem Renaissance. Learn more about your ad ch…

1
A Nose for Absurdity (Selected Tales of Gogol, Part 2) 29:40

10M ago29:40

29:40

In part 2 of our discussion on the short fiction of Nikolai Gogol (as selected in the recently published Norton Library edition), translator Michael Katz and introducer Kate Holland tell us their favorite lines from Gogol's work and highlight the qualities of his unique style and voice that have captured readers across the centuries. Michael R. Kat…

1
"My Antonia" by Willa Cather w/ Historian Richard Norton Smith 24:31

10M ago24:31

24:31

Willa Cather's novel, My Ántonia, evokes the Nebraska prairie life of her childhood and pays tribute to the spirit and courage of immigrant pioneers in America. Historian Richard Norton Smith discusses Cather's works, including My Antonia, which was written in 1918. The book tells the story of a girl who arrives on the frontier as part of a family …

1
The Life of Mark Twain w/ Professor Matt Seybold 35:27

10M ago35:27

35:27

Our guest this week is Elmira College Professor Matt Seybold, who shares insights and introspections into the life of Mark Twain. Named among the great American novels, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been known internationally since its first printing in 1884 and remains popular yet controversial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho…

1
"The Common Law" by Oliver Wendell Holmes w/ Historian Stephen Budiansky 29:08

10M ago29:08

29:08

Our guest this week is historian Stephen Budianksy, who shares his insights into the late Justice's life and work. After serving in the Civil War, during which he was wounded, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. became a scholar and jurist, eventually rising to the U.S. Supreme Court after being nominated by President Theodore Roosevelt. While practicing la…

1
Life of Frederick Douglass w/ Prof. David Blight 36:37

11M ago36:37

36:37

Our guest this week is Pultizer-Prize-winning Yale Professor David Blight. He expounds on the life of Frederick Douglas, when he learned to read and write, and his relationship with President Abraham Lincoln. Born into slavery in Maryland, Frederick Douglass went on to become a writer, orator, statesman, and key leader in the abolitionist movement.…

1
The Strange, Wonderful Worlds of Nikolai Gogol (Selected Tales, Part 1) 31:56

11M ago31:56

31:56

In this episode of the Norton Library Podcast, we welcome translator Michael R. Katz and scholar of Russian literature Kate Holland to chat about one of the most celebrated figures in all of Russian literature: Nikolai Gogol. We discuss the influence of Gogol's Ukrainian background on his acclaimed short fiction as well as the challenges—and deligh…

1
Journals of Lewis and Clark w/ Author Lanny Jones 22:23

11M ago22:23

22:23

Our guest this week is author, historian, and magazine editor Lanny Jones. He is the author of "William Clark and the Shaping of the West. His latest work is Celebrity Nation. Shortly after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore and map the newly acquired territory and to s…

1
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton & John Jay "The Federalist Papers" 33:53

11M ago33:53

33:53

Colleen Sheehan, Arizona State University Professor, discusses the early life and times of the Federalist's three authors. She explains how their lives challenged their writing and thinking. Plus their lasting legacy today. In September 1787, the newly drafted Constitution of the United States was sent to the states for ratification. Responding to …

1
Call Me Ishmael, But Don't Call Moby-Dick "Boring" (Moby-Dick, Part 2) 30:53

11M ago30:53

30:53

In part 2 of our conversation on Moby-Dick, editor Jeffrey Insko breaks down his favorite lines and highlights the pleasures of uncovering the novel's endless layers of humor and meaning—even (especially?) in the dreaded Cetology chapter... Jeffrey Insko is Professor of English at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where he teaches courses …

1
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine (1776) w/ Professor Richard Bell 28:43

11M ago28:43

28:43

Richard Bell, a University of Maryland history professor discusses Thomas Paine's life, and what led him to publish Common Sense. Common Sense written by Thomas Paine is a 47-page pamphlet advocating for independence from Great Britain, it was published in 1776. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
TRAILER: Books That Shaped America 1:42

12M ago1:42

1:42

A companion podcast to the 10-episode C-SPAN television series, Books that Shaped America, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress created the Books That Shaped America list to explore key works of literature from American history that have had a major impact on society. The 10 iconic books featured in the seri…

1
The Ultimate Semester at Sea (Moby-Dick, Part 1) 32:53

12M ago32:53

32:53

In the first of our two-part episodes on Moby-Dick, editor Jeffrey Insko highlights the (sometimes-polarizing) delights of Herman Melville's outlandish nautical epic and describes how this iconic American novel was born from from the author's early adventures on the high seas. Jeffrey Insko is Professor of English at Oakland University in Rochester…

1
Dismantling the Hype: An Unfiltered Look at the Arcade 1-Up Time Crisis Cab and the Future of Home Arcade 26:38

1y ago26:38

26:38

Ready to dismantle the hype? The latest Arcade 1-Up Time Crisis cab leaves much to be desired and I'm here to lay out the details. I give you an unfiltered evaluation on this pricey addition to the arcade world, from its mini 17-inch monitor to the lackluster gun design. You'll learn why you might be better off building your own cab, rather than sp…

1
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Home Arcade Market 19:19

1y ago19:19

19:19

Ready to unlock the mysteries of the home arcade market? Buckle up as we plunge into an astute dissection of the latest turn of events in this fascinating industry. We delve into the startling downsizing of Arcade One Up and the rumors of its CEO planning a sale. We examine the evolving tastes of arcade enthusiasts, shifting from three-quarter scal…

1
Shakeup in the Home Arcade Community: John D's Departure and the Future of Arcade 1Up 6:44

1y ago6:44

6:44

The home arcade community is buzzing with the latest drama, and we're right in the thick of it. With John D's sudden exit from Arcade 1Up, there's a big question mark hanging in the air. Who's going to fill his shoes? There's a gaping hole in the licensing department and we're all eager to see who steps up to the plate. Amid the whispers of John D'…

1
Unveiling the Shocker: John D's Departure, Trademark Purchase, and Controversy 7:15

1y ago7:15

7:15

Unveiling the news that's setting the arcade gaming streets on fire! Could it be true that John D has left Arcade One Up and swept up iiR in his wake? This episode of Arcade Unplugged trawls through the chatter, dissecting the potential implications of John D's recent trademark purchase for a game store under his very own name. You'll get to be a f…

1
Unraveling the Scandalous Downfall of Jong Gaming Empire and a Look Inside Our Podcast Journey 16:52

1y ago16:52

16:52

Unearth the shocking truth of Jong first bankruptcy and the collapse of his gaming empire, iiR. Dive into a web of deception with false claims of a 10 million dollar investment yield, a dubious PPP loan application, and allegations of document forgery. As we unravel this intricate tale of promises unkept and financial mismanagement, you'll discover…

1
Inside the Evolving Universe of iiR Modding 10:12

1y ago10:12

10:12

Ready to unlock the fascinating world of modding in the iiR community? Welcome to the first episode of the iiR podcast, where you'll get insider information on how to transform your gaming experience with innovative projects like the third round of Mystery Encoder boards. Join me, your host Rudy Norton, as I delve into how encoder boards can be use…

1
Jane Eyre Has Emotional Motion Sickness (Jane Eyre, Part 2) 31:21

1y ago31:21

31:21

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sharon Marcus, we chat about popular adaptations of Jane Eyre and why the best one—which hasn't been written yet—would feature Phoebe Bridgers, PJ Harvey, and Sarah Vaughan on the soundtrack. Sharon Marcus is the Orlando Harriman Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University and editor of …

1
The Madwoman in the Mirror (Jane Eyre, Part 1) 31:19

1y ago31:19

31:19

This week on the podcast, Sharon Marcus introduces us to one of the most enduringly popular coming-of-age novels in all of English literature—Charlotte Brontë's 1847 Gothic thriller, Jane Eyre. Sharon Marcus is the Orlando Harriman Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University and editor of the Norton Library edition of Jan…

1
Blind Eyes and Open Ears (Oedipus Tyrannos, Part 2) 31:22

1y ago31:22

31:22

In Part 2 of our series on Oedipus Tyrannos, Emily Wilson highlights the delights and challenges of translating Greek tragedy into English, the play's long history of adaptation and live staging, and the ways in which Oedipus Tyrannos has continued to resonate with audiences over millennia. What can the titular tyrant's ill-fated mistakes still tea…

1
The Twist Is in the Title (Oedipus Tyrannos, Part 1) 32:52

1y ago32:52

32:52

On this week's episode of the Norton Library Podcast, we welcome Emily Wilson, acclaimed translator of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad, to discuss her recent translation of Sophocles's Oedipus Tyrannos. Emily Wilson is Professor of Classical Studies and Graduate Chair of the Program in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Penns…

1
Du Bois and the Ongoing Project of Black Identity (The Souls of Black Folk, Part 2) 31:31

1y ago31:31

31:31

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse McCarthy, we discuss the spiritual and intellectual underpinnings of The Souls of Black Folk and break down common misperceptions about the work. Jesse also explains why he always teaches The Souls of Black Folk with music. Jesse McCarthy is the editor of the Norton Library edition of The Souls of Black Folk…

1
The Unorthodox Collection of Essays that Became a Masterpiece (The Souls of Black Folk, Part 1) 35:19

1+ y ago35:19

35:19

In this episode of the Norton Library Podcast, we welcome Jesse McCarthy to discuss who W. E. B. Du Bois was and how The Souls of Black Folk came to be. We also explore Souls' most enduring ideas and how these still resonate today with a variety of underrepresented groups. McCarthy is the editor of the Norton Library edition of The Souls of Black F…

1
What the Movies Get Wrong about Frankenstein (Frankenstein, Part 2) 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

In Part 2 of our conversation with Michael Bérubé, we discuss the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein—how a cautionary tale about reckless experimentation and radicalization speaks just as forcefully to our present moment as it did to readers in 1818. Michael Bérubé is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Literature at Penn State University an…

1
The Teenager Who Won a Legendary Ghost-Story Competition (Frankenstein, Part 1) 31:39

1+ y ago31:39

31:39

In this episode of the Norton Library Podcast, we welcome Michael Bérubé to discuss the origins of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the radical (and enduring) questions the novel poses about science, religion, and humanity. Michael Bérubé is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Literature at Penn State University and the editor of the Norton Library editi…

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