Frank Snowden on Naples in the Time of Cholera

Naples In the Time of Cholera

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Our latest episode features Frank Snowden, author of Naples in the Time of Cholera, on what we can learn from a late-19th century pandemic.

April 27, 2020
James Shapiro on Shakespeare and Plagues

James Shapiro on Shakespeare and Plagues

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Our latest episode features James Shapiro talking about a major theme in Shakespeare’s work and life: the plagues that ravaged London throughout his career.

March 30, 2020
The Octavian 2019 Holiday Book List

The Octavian 2019 Holiday Book List

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We are pleased to announce the Octavian 2019 holiday book List. The list makes great year-end reading wherever you may be — and great gifts, if you are still looking.

December 10, 2019
The vibrant, fascinating history of fado

Soul Singer

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Contemporary fado star Cristina Branco explains what fado is and why this mysterious folk music from Portugal is so powerful.

Vol 5, Fall 2019 / September 19, 2019
  Mario Vargas Lllosa on culture and democracy

The Storyteller

An Interview with Mario Vargas Llosa

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The Nobel Prize-winning novelist spoke with us about how the erosion of culture means the erosion of political liberty.

Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
  Deborah Lipstadt on how anti-Semites go mainstream

Scapegoats

An Interview with Deborah Lipstadt

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A leading historian explains how the oldest hatred has captured more and more minds in our polarized era.

Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
  Brian Jay Jones on Dr. Seuss and kids of all ages

Pure Nonsense

An Interview with Brian Jay Jones

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What made Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss? His biographer Brian Jay Jones explains how hard work, creativity, and respect for kids changed Ted Geisel into an icon.

Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019