Commonplace

Katie Marshall speaks to Harry Donoghue (@harryspoetryy), a classic literature enthusiast, about his journey from studying classics at Oxford to becoming a popular social media figure. He discusses the relevance of ancient texts in modern times, using social media to communicate ancient ideas, and the value of learning dead languages like Latin and Ancient Greek. The conversation also touches on N...

Katie Marshall speaks to Dr Christopher Harding about the significance of the Edo period, the role of the geisha and the samurai as an intellectual class, the syncretism and cultural values in Japanese religion, and the forms and evolution of Japanese poetry. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the psychological novel 'The Tale of Genji,' the impact of World War II on Japanes...

Katie Marshall chats to Sienna Wells, a medieval manuscript dealer and historian. Sienna shares her journey into the world of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, shedding light on the misconceptions and the rich history of these objects. She also discusses the tactile and personal nature of these books, the involvement of women in the book trade, and the changing attitudes towards handling these...

Katie Marshall chats to Professor Benjamin Saltzman about his new book 'Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture'. Exploring how averting one's gaze in the face of suffering, grief and shame has been depicted and interpreted from the ancient world to the modern day. Do we still have agency to choose to 'turn away' in the age of social media and what lessons can we learn from the ancient int...

Katie Marshall is joined by Meg Kobza to discuss her new book 'The Masquerade: A History of Extravagance and Intrigue', modern celebrity culture, women's history, inspiring philosophies, as well as the contents of her personal commonplace book. Key Topics: Origins of masquerades in European courts The role of masquerades in social and political diplomacy Gender and race dynamics in 18th-century ma...

Katie Marshall is joined by Tudor historian Dr Joanne Paul to discuss her high-acclaimed new book on Sir Thomas More, Utopia, history's lessons for today and the contents of her personal commonplace book. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joanne Paul and Her Work 06:44 The Controversy Around Thomas More 13:12 The Writing of Utopia 23:04 Thomas More's Attitudes Towards Education 29:45 Understanding Hu...

Katie Marshall is joined by academic Catherine Clarke, author of A History of England in 25 Poems (Radio 4 Book of the Week) to discuss the history of emotions, poetry and nationalism, recovering women's voices, and the contents of her personal Commonplace book.

In this episode of Commonplace, Katie Marshall speaks with acclaimed Tudor Art historian and New Generation Thinker, Christina Faraday, about her work and the contents of her personal commonplace book.

Rooted in the Renaissance tradition of Commonplace books, this podcast explores the personal and poignant aspects of our lives. Join Katie Marshall and a host of academics, writers and creatives to discuss their work and the personal treasures that hold meaning for them. First episode coming soon!