Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

From the very first book publication in 1920 to the recent film release of Death on the Nile, this investigation into Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot celebrates a century of probably the world’s favourite fictional detective. This book tells his story decade-by-decade, exploring his...

In a remarkable feat of biography, Matthew Hollis reconstructs the intellectual creation of the poem and brings the material reality of its charged times vividly to life. Presenting a mosaic of historical fragments, diaries, dynamic literary criticism and illuminating new research, he reveals the cultural and personal trauma that forged The Waste Land through the lives of its protagonists.

What is it about Middle-Earth and its inhabitants that has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world? And why does Tolkien's creation continue to fascinate and inspire us eighty-five years on from its first appearance? Beginning with Tolkien's earliest influences and drawing on key moments from his life, Twenty-First-Century Tolkien is an engaging and radical reinterpretation of the beloved author's work. Not only does it trace the genesis of the original books, it also explores the later adaptations and reworkings that cemented his reputation as a cultural phenomenon.

Why the ongoing fascination with the ancient world? This witty, approachable book asks why—for better or (sometimes) worse—antiquity continues to exert such a powerful hold on the contemporary imagination. Recalling a formative childhood encounter with a four-thousand-year-old piece of bread in a museum, Beard introduces the idea of thauma, or wonder, that kick-started a lifetime engaging with classics.

The literary podcast that has been giving new life to old books since 2015. For show notes visit backlisted.fm and get an extra two shows a month by supporting the pod at patreon.com/backlisted

'A rollicking, brilliant book' GARETH RUSSELL, author of Queen James 'A very fine piece of biographical work, erudite but accessible' JOHN STUBBS, author of Jonathan Swift A rollicking narrative history set during the extraordinary summer of 1726 when Jonathan Swift arrived in London from Dublin...

A selection of the lively letters between one of the world’s greatest literary critics and the poets, novelists, and scholars he most admired Bringing together a collection of Harold Bloom’s letters to and from eight of his favorite contemporary writers, Heather Cass White provides an...

Lord Byron was the most celebrated of all the Romantic poets. Troubled, handsome, sexually fluid, disabled, and transgressive, he wrote his way to international fame—and scandal—before finding a kind of redemption in the Greek Revolution. He also left behind the vast trove of thrilling letters (to friends, relatives, lovers, and more) that form the core of this remarkable biography.

Set in English society before the 1832 Reform Bill, Wives and Daughters centers on the story of youthful Molly Gibson, brought up from childhood by her father. When he remarries, a new stepsister enters Molly's quiet life, the loveable, but worldly and troubling, Cynthia. The narrative traces the development of the two girls into womanhood within the gossiping and watchful society of Hollingford.

Step into the eerie world of Varney, the Vampyre, the first volume in a thrilling three-part series. Originally published as a penny dreadful from 1845 to 1847, this groundbreaking tale paved the way for iconic vampire narratives like Dracula. The story unfolds as Flora Bannersworth is mysteriously attacked in her bedroom during the witching hour. Though her assailant appears to be shot dead, the body mysteriously vanishes. With two telltale bite marks on Floras neck, her family friend Mr. Marchdale concludes that a vampire is at large. As Flora recuperates, her brother Henry and Mr. Marchdale...

Romance, Erotica, a sexy voice, humor and artful storytelling. Everything you need to feel great.

When Mr. Henry Dashwood passes away, his estate is left to his son and grandson, leaving his wife and three daughters to navigate a life of reduced circumstances. At their new home, Barton Cottage, the two elder sisters, Elinor and Marianne, find themselves entangled in a world of romance and heartache. Will they ultimately discover the true meaning of love? (Introduction by Karen Savage)

We're friends and academics who take classic literature off its pedestal by making fun of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a weekly podcast of funny stories for kids. There are side-splitting versions of my own fractured fairy tales. Also short stories from some of my best-selling books, featuring characters from 'The Adventures of Nanny Piggins' and 'Friday Barnes, Girl Detective'. The stories are perfect for bedtime, long car rides or even if you're just stuck waiting a really long time at the doctor's office. They're written for 7-11 year olds but these are tales the whole family can enjoy. The silliness is ageless. I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I enjoy recording it. After years of being...

Stories of the Tudors by Historical Fiction author Tony Riches. For more information visit www.tonyriches.com

The Book of Enoch, is an ancient, non-canonical Jewish work. Estimates vary on the actual dates of authorship. However, Enoch was alive during the Antediluvian period as recorded in the Hebrew Bible. Fragments of the text, were discovered in cave 4 of the Qumran caves in 1948.View our entire collection of podcasts at www.solgood.org

Hello there!! Welcome to Alberts Bookshelf. Albert loves books and here is his book shelf full of his favourite books read by Alberts Dad. From The Gruffalo to The Wonkey Donkey, from reading to listening we sat down and recorded some of his favourite books as a birthday present to him. For the times when Mum and Dad are at work, having this page means we’re always in his earshot and he loves them. So much so, we decided to put them out there for other children and parents to enjoy listening and reading along to. There lots of books you can listen to, if not now, maybe another time. Thanks ...

Taking an analytical approach to Hogwarts's irascible, protective Potions professor, author Lorrie Kim presents a closer look at how Dumbledore's double agent operates behind the scenes throughout the Harry Potter series. By examining the story from Snape's point of view, this in-depth exploration pierces the defenses of the wizarding world's famed Occlumens, revealing the man for who he truly is: one of pop culture's most memorable heroes.

VOL. 2: THE UPSTART CROW. Ambitious Actor and Poet. (c. 1590 - Midsummer Night's Dream) Peter Ackroyd's insightful new biography positions Shakespeare in the close context of his world. In this way, Ackroyd not only richly conjures up the texture of Shakespeare's life, but also imparts an...

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