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 but more than a buff. I hope to edify and entertain!

Here is 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe in its entirety as a weekly podcast. Widely regarded as marking the start of the english novel, this book is a grand and moving adventure. If your impression of this story comes from a movie, perhaps you should listen. The book is much better. For more audio from CandlelightStories.com, try the Sound Story Club at our web site. You can also listen to a pirate novel at the 'Pirate Jack' podcast.

Love the idea of reading the classics but never seem to have the time? This podcast makes it easy. In about 30 minutes, each episode gives you a clear and engaging summary of a major work of Western or world literature—along with the background and historical significance that make it timeless. From Homer to Shakespeare to global masterpieces, you'll hear not just great fiction but also influential works of non-fiction, religion, philosophy, politics, and more. You'll get the stories, the bi ...

The History of the Plague in London is a historical novel offering an account of the dismal events caused by the Great Plague, which mercilessly struck the city of London in 1665. First published in 1722, the novel illustrates the social disorder triggered by the outbreak, while focusing on human suffering and the mere devastation occupying London at the time. Defoe opens his book with the introduction of his fictional character H.F., a middle-class man who decides to wait out the destructio ...

Telling stories of authors, storytellers, and people and companies important to publishing. From historically important authors to modern best sellers, from editors and agents to publishers and the companies that make up book publishing, join us for the stories that shed light on the business of books.

English history and literature topics taken from "Time Machines", vol 1, CIDEB - Read by Maria Grazia Tundo. This podcasting site is for nonprofit educational purposes.