Episodes

  • Expressman and the Detective-Allan Pinkerton

    Expressman and the Detective-Allan Pinkerton
    Aug 10 2026
    Elizabeth Drury, daughter of Donne's patron, Sir Robert Drury, died in 1610. A year later Donne laments her hyperbolically as the soul of the created universe. In "An Anatomy of the World: The First Anniversary," he poetically scrutinizes that year-old corpse, the world, as if he were performing an autopsy (an "anatomy"). He finds it corrupt in every part, the dead woman having carried with her every spark of goodness it once contained. To commemorate the second anniversary of Miss Drury's death, Donne's "Progress of the Soul" (1612) celebrates her liberation from this world, urges readers to follow her example, and performs a cheerful spiritual meditation upon the process of death, burial, and corruption—cheerful because death frees us from the inconveniences of this life and serves as a portal to the next. Each poem is introduced by an encomium that, though purporting to be written by another hand, appears to be the poet's own work. (Summary by Thomas Copeland)
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    7 hrs and 24 mins
  • Fathers and Sons-Ivan Turgenev

    Fathers and Sons-Ivan Turgenev
    Aug 10 2026
    Elizabeth Drury, daughter of Donne's patron, Sir Robert Drury, died in 1610. A year later Donne laments her hyperbolically as the soul of the created universe. In "An Anatomy of the World: The First Anniversary," he poetically scrutinizes that year-old corpse, the world, as if he were performing an autopsy (an "anatomy"). He finds it corrupt in every part, the dead woman having carried with her every spark of goodness it once contained. To commemorate the second anniversary of Miss Drury's death, Donne's "Progress of the Soul" (1612) celebrates her liberation from this world, urges readers to follow her example, and performs a cheerful spiritual meditation upon the process of death, burial, and corruption—cheerful because death frees us from the inconveniences of this life and serves as a portal to the next. Each poem is introduced by an encomium that, though purporting to be written by another hand, appears to be the poet's own work. (Summary by Thomas Copeland)
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    9 hrs and 16 mins
  • Leda-Aldous Huxley

    Leda-Aldous Huxley
    Aug 9 2026
    Leda-Aldous Huxley
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Extant Works of St. Pacian of Barcelona-Pacian of Barcelona

    Extant Works of St. Pacian of Barcelona-Pacian of Barcelona
    Aug 8 2026
    The "Extant Works of St. Pacian of Barcelona" presents a collection of writings from one of the early Church Fathers, offering insights into the theological and pastoral concerns of his time. Pacian's works delve into the nature of faith, the importance of community, and the role of the Church, themes that continue to resonate in today's spiritual discourse. His eloquent expressions of devotion and moral guidance invite listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the enduring significance of faith in contemporary society. Engaging with Pacian's writings not only enriches one's understanding of early Christian thought but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the timeless questions of existence and spirituality.
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    2 hrs and 23 mins
  • Astrophel and Stella - Sir Philip Sidney

    Astrophel and Stella - Sir Philip Sidney
    Aug 1 2026
    Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sidney is a remarkable collection of sonnets that explores the depths of love, desire, and longing through the lens of the poet's affection for Stella. This timeless work delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the interplay between passion and pain, making it a profound reflection on the human experience. The themes of love's trials and the quest for beauty continue to resonate today, reminding listeners of the enduring nature of romantic longing and the artistic expression it inspires. Sidney's eloquent verse and emotional depth offer a rich listening experience that invites contemplation and connection across the ages.
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Anniversary Poems - John Donne

    Anniversary Poems - John Donne
    May 20 2026
    Elizabeth Drury, daughter of Donne's patron, Sir Robert Drury, died in 1610. A year later Donne laments her hyperbolically as the soul of the created universe. In "An Anatomy of the World: The First Anniversary," he poetically scrutinizes that year-old corpse, the world, as if he were performing an autopsy (an "anatomy"). He finds it corrupt in every part, the dead woman having carried with her every spark of goodness it once contained. To commemorate the second anniversary of Miss Drury's death, Donne's "Progress of the Soul" (1612) celebrates her liberation from this world, urges readers to follow her example, and performs a cheerful spiritual meditation upon the process of death, burial, and corruption—cheerful because death frees us from the inconveniences of this life and serves as a portal to the next. Each poem is introduced by an encomium that, though purporting to be written by another hand, appears to be the poet's own work. (Summary by Thomas Copeland)
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    1 hr and 10 mins