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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Genius</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/genius--6871043</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6871043/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Romance Stories</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg</url><title>Genius</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/genius--6871043</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:26:44 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Romance Stories</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker22@adfreesounds.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Fiction"/><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>d4cbedd7-39cd-5cf6-a503-1ae9551f21ca</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>France At War On the Frontier of Civilization-Rudyard Kipling</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/france-at-war-on-the-frontier-of-civilization-rudyard-kipling--74427093</link><description><![CDATA["France At War On the Frontier of Civilization" by Rudyard Kipling delves into the profound impact of war on society and the human spirit. Through Kipling's keen observations, the work reflects on the complexities of conflict, the resilience of people, and the moral dilemmas faced during tumultuous times. Its exploration of bravery, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war resonates deeply in today's world, reminding us of the ongoing struggles for civilization and peace. This audiobook is a poignant reminder of history's lessons and the enduring nature of human courage in the face of adversity. Listening to Kipling's insights offers a timeless perspective that continues to be relevant in our modern context.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74427093</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:04:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74427093/france_at_war_on_the_frontier_of_civilization_rudyard_kipling.mp3" length="49187898" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"France At War On the Frontier of Civilization" by Rudyard Kipling delves into the profound impact of war on society and the human spirit. Through Kipling's keen observations, the work reflects on the complexities of conflict, the resilience of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["France At War On the Frontier of Civilization" by Rudyard Kipling delves into the profound impact of war on society and the human spirit. Through Kipling's keen observations, the work reflects on the complexities of conflict, the resilience of people, and the moral dilemmas faced during tumultuous times. Its exploration of bravery, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war resonates deeply in today's world, reminding us of the ongoing struggles for civilization and peace. This audiobook is a poignant reminder of history's lessons and the enduring nature of human courage in the face of adversity. Listening to Kipling's insights offers a timeless perspective that continues to be relevant in our modern context.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6142</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Reveries of a Bachelor-Ik Marvel</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/reveries-of-a-bachelor-ik-marvel--74366602</link><description><![CDATA["Reveries of a Bachelor-Ik Marvel" invites listeners into a contemplative exploration of bachelorhood, reflecting on the joys and sorrows of solitary life. This thought-provoking work delves into the introspective musings of a man navigating his identity and desires, offering timeless insights into the human experience. Its themes of self-discovery and the complexities of love and independence resonate with anyone seeking to understand their place in the world. The enduring nature of these reflections makes this audiobook a compelling listen, encouraging audiences to ponder their own reveries and the beauty found in moments of solitude.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74366602</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:04:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74366602/reveries_of_a_bachelor_ik_marvel.mp3" length="197742807" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Reveries of a Bachelor-Ik Marvel" invites listeners into a contemplative exploration of bachelorhood, reflecting on the joys and sorrows of solitary life. This thought-provoking work delves into the introspective musings of a man navigating his...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Reveries of a Bachelor-Ik Marvel" invites listeners into a contemplative exploration of bachelorhood, reflecting on the joys and sorrows of solitary life. This thought-provoking work delves into the introspective musings of a man navigating his identity and desires, offering timeless insights into the human experience. Its themes of self-discovery and the complexities of love and independence resonate with anyone seeking to understand their place in the world. The enduring nature of these reflections makes this audiobook a compelling listen, encouraging audiences to ponder their own reveries and the beauty found in moments of solitude.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>24693</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Ring and the Book - An Interpretation-Francis Bickford Hornbrooke</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ring-and-the-book-an-interpretation-francis-bickford-hornbrooke--74298721</link><description><![CDATA["Ring and the Book" by An Interpretation-Francis Bickford Hornbrooke invites listeners into a profound exploration of themes that resonate through time. The narrative delves into the intricacies of human experience, revealing the complexities of faith and the quest for understanding in a world filled with challenges. Its enduring appeal lies in the universal truths it uncovers about the human condition, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking insight into their own beliefs and values. As listeners engage with this thought-provoking work, they will find reflections that echo in contemporary discussions about faith, morality, and the nature of existence.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74298721</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:03:47 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74298721/ring_and_the_book_an_interpretation_francis_bickford_hornbrooke.mp3" length="178847844" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Ring and the Book" by An Interpretation-Francis Bickford Hornbrooke invites listeners into a profound exploration of themes that resonate through time. The narrative delves into the intricacies of human experience, revealing the complexities of faith...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Ring and the Book" by An Interpretation-Francis Bickford Hornbrooke invites listeners into a profound exploration of themes that resonate through time. The narrative delves into the intricacies of human experience, revealing the complexities of faith and the quest for understanding in a world filled with challenges. Its enduring appeal lies in the universal truths it uncovers about the human condition, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking insight into their own beliefs and values. As listeners engage with this thought-provoking work, they will find reflections that echo in contemporary discussions about faith, morality, and the nature of existence.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22334</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Three Years In Europe-William Wells Brown</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/three-years-in-europe-william-wells-brown--74192287</link><description><![CDATA["Three Years In Europe" by William Wells Brown offers a unique perspective on the author's experiences and observations during his time abroad. This work captures the essence of cultural exploration, highlighting the contrasts between Europe and America in the 19th century. It resonates today as it encourages listeners to reflect on themes of identity, freedom, and the quest for understanding in a diverse world. Brown's insights into societal norms and personal growth remain relevant, inviting contemporary audiences to appreciate the enduring power of travel and the pursuit of knowledge. His narrative serves as a reminder of the transformative nature of experiences that transcend geographical boundaries.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74192287</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:04:49 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74192287/three_years_in_europe_william_wells_brown.mp3" length="219842748" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Three Years In Europe" by William Wells Brown offers a unique perspective on the author's experiences and observations during his time abroad. This work captures the essence of cultural exploration, highlighting the contrasts between Europe and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Three Years In Europe" by William Wells Brown offers a unique perspective on the author's experiences and observations during his time abroad. This work captures the essence of cultural exploration, highlighting the contrasts between Europe and America in the 19th century. It resonates today as it encourages listeners to reflect on themes of identity, freedom, and the quest for understanding in a diverse world. Brown's insights into societal norms and personal growth remain relevant, inviting contemporary audiences to appreciate the enduring power of travel and the pursuit of knowledge. His narrative serves as a reminder of the transformative nature of experiences that transcend geographical boundaries.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27453</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Alchemist-Ben Jonson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/alchemist-ben-jonson--74132070</link><description><![CDATA["Alchemist-Ben Jonson" delves into the intricate world of alchemy through the lens of the renowned playwright Ben Jonson. This exploration captures the essence of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, as it reflects on the human desire for change and enlightenment. The themes of ambition, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge resonate deeply today, reminding us of our ongoing quest for understanding in an ever-evolving world. Jonson's work invites listeners to reflect on the alchemical processes of their own lives, making this audiobook a timeless piece that encourages self-discovery and intellectual curiosity. Experience the enduring power of Jonson's insights and the art of transformation.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74132070</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:05:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74132070/alchemist_ben_jonson.mp3" length="89735321" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Alchemist-Ben Jonson" delves into the intricate world of alchemy through the lens of the renowned playwright Ben Jonson. This exploration captures the essence of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, as it reflects on the human desire for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Alchemist-Ben Jonson" delves into the intricate world of alchemy through the lens of the renowned playwright Ben Jonson. This exploration captures the essence of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, as it reflects on the human desire for change and enlightenment. The themes of ambition, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge resonate deeply today, reminding us of our ongoing quest for understanding in an ever-evolving world. Jonson's work invites listeners to reflect on the alchemical processes of their own lives, making this audiobook a timeless piece that encourages self-discovery and intellectual curiosity. Experience the enduring power of Jonson's insights and the art of transformation.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11206</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Letters from the West-James Hall</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-from-the-west-james-hall--74090083</link><description><![CDATA["Letters from the West-James Hall" invites listeners into a profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of correspondence. This collection of letters captures the essence of connection, reflection, and the beauty of the written word, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who values communication and introspection. The themes of longing, discovery, and the power of words remain relevant today, reminding us of the importance of sharing our thoughts and feelings in an increasingly digital world. Engaging and thought-provoking, this audiobook offers a chance to reflect on our own relationships and the impact of our words on others.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74090083</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:04:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74090083/letters_from_the_west_james_hall.mp3" length="218986640" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Letters from the West-James Hall" invites listeners into a profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of correspondence. This collection of letters captures the essence of connection, reflection, and the beauty of the written word,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Letters from the West-James Hall" invites listeners into a profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of correspondence. This collection of letters captures the essence of connection, reflection, and the beauty of the written word, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who values communication and introspection. The themes of longing, discovery, and the power of words remain relevant today, reminding us of the importance of sharing our thoughts and feelings in an increasingly digital world. Engaging and thought-provoking, this audiobook offers a chance to reflect on our own relationships and the impact of our words on others.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27346</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Somme Battle Stories-Alec John Dawson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/somme-battle-stories-alec-john-dawson--74038079</link><description><![CDATA["Somme Battle Stories" by Alec John Dawson delves into the poignant narratives surrounding one of World War I's most significant battles, offering a gripping exploration of the human experience amidst the chaos of war. This audiobook captures the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought, revealing the profound impact of their stories on our understanding of conflict and courage. As we reflect on the enduring themes of sacrifice and heroism, these tales resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the complexities of human nature in times of strife. Dawson's work serves as a vital reminder of the past, ensuring that the voices of those who lived through the Somme are not forgotten.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74038079</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:05:24 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74038079/somme_battle_stories_alec_john_dawson.mp3" length="88228689" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Somme Battle Stories" by Alec John Dawson delves into the poignant narratives surrounding one of World War I's most significant battles, offering a gripping exploration of the human experience amidst the chaos of war. This audiobook captures the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Somme Battle Stories" by Alec John Dawson delves into the poignant narratives surrounding one of World War I's most significant battles, offering a gripping exploration of the human experience amidst the chaos of war. This audiobook captures the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought, revealing the profound impact of their stories on our understanding of conflict and courage. As we reflect on the enduring themes of sacrifice and heroism, these tales resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the complexities of human nature in times of strife. Dawson's work serves as a vital reminder of the past, ensuring that the voices of those who lived through the Somme are not forgotten.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11017</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Emperor of Portugallia-Selma Lagerlöf</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/emperor-of-portugallia-selma-lagerlof--73986749</link><description><![CDATA["Emperor of Portugallia" by Selma Lagerlöf is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of imagination. The story delves into the profound bond between a father and his daughter, revealing how dreams can shape our realities and provide solace in times of despair. Lagerlöf's lyrical prose invites listeners to reflect on the enduring themes of devotion and the human spirit's resilience. This timeless tale resonates today as it encourages us to embrace our dreams and find strength in our connections with others, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human experience.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73986749</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:05:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73986749/emperor_of_portugallia_selma_lagerlo_f.mp3" length="207082356" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Emperor of Portugallia" by Selma Lagerlöf is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of imagination. The story delves into the profound bond between a father and his daughter, revealing how dreams can shape our realities and provide...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Emperor of Portugallia" by Selma Lagerlöf is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of imagination. The story delves into the profound bond between a father and his daughter, revealing how dreams can shape our realities and provide solace in times of despair. Lagerlöf's lyrical prose invites listeners to reflect on the enduring themes of devotion and the human spirit's resilience. This timeless tale resonates today as it encourages us to embrace our dreams and find strength in our connections with others, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human experience.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25859</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/four-noncanonical-sherlock-holmes-short-stories-sir-arthur-conan-doyle--73937915</link><description><![CDATA["Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" presents a collection of intriguing tales featuring the legendary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories, while not part of the original canon, capture the essence of Holmes's brilliant deductive reasoning and the complex world he navigates. They offer listeners a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and themes of mystery, intelligence, and the pursuit of truth that continue to resonate today. Engaging with these tales not only celebrates the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes but also invites reflection on the timeless nature of human curiosity and the quest for understanding in an ever-evolving world.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73937915</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:05:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73937915/four_noncanonical_sherlock_holmes_short_stories_sir_arthur_conan_doyle.mp3" length="47656455" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" presents a collection of intriguing tales featuring the legendary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories, while not part of the original canon, capture the essence of Holmes's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" presents a collection of intriguing tales featuring the legendary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories, while not part of the original canon, capture the essence of Holmes's brilliant deductive reasoning and the complex world he navigates. They offer listeners a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and themes of mystery, intelligence, and the pursuit of truth that continue to resonate today. Engaging with these tales not only celebrates the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes but also invites reflection on the timeless nature of human curiosity and the quest for understanding in an ever-evolving world.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5951</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Green Carnation-Robert Smythe Hichens</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/green-carnation-robert-smythe-hichens--73881389</link><description><![CDATA["Green Carnation" by Robert Smythe Hichens delves into themes of identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of beauty, exploring the complexities of human nature through its vivid narrative. This compelling work invites listeners to reflect on the timeless struggle between individuality and conformity, making it a relevant choice for today's audience. Hichens' exploration of the artistic spirit and the quest for self-expression resonates deeply in a world where authenticity often clashes with societal expectations. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its rich prose and thought-provoking insights, encouraging listeners to contemplate the essence of creativity and the human experience.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73881389</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:07:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73881389/green_carnation_robert_smythe_hichens.mp3" length="140753217" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Green Carnation" by Robert Smythe Hichens delves into themes of identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of beauty, exploring the complexities of human nature through its vivid narrative. This compelling work invites listeners to reflect on the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Green Carnation" by Robert Smythe Hichens delves into themes of identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of beauty, exploring the complexities of human nature through its vivid narrative. This compelling work invites listeners to reflect on the timeless struggle between individuality and conformity, making it a relevant choice for today's audience. Hichens' exploration of the artistic spirit and the quest for self-expression resonates deeply in a world where authenticity often clashes with societal expectations. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its rich prose and thought-provoking insights, encouraging listeners to contemplate the essence of creativity and the human experience.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17577</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Backwater (Pilgrimage, Vol. 2)-Dorothy Richardson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/backwater-pilgrimage-vol-2-dorothy-richardson--73787257</link><description><![CDATA["Backwater," the second volume of Dorothy Richardson's "Pilgrimage," continues the introspective journey of its protagonist as she navigates the complexities of life and self-discovery. This poignant exploration of consciousness and identity delves into the intricacies of human experience, making it a timeless reflection on the pursuit of understanding oneself and one's place in the world. Richardson's lyrical prose and keen observations resonate deeply, inviting listeners to ponder their own paths and the nuances of existence. With themes of introspection and personal growth, "Backwater" remains a powerful reminder of the enduring quest for meaning in our lives, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking connection and insight.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73787257</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:02:53 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73787257/backwater_pilgrimage_vol_2_dorothy_richardson.mp3" length="157472568" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Backwater," the second volume of Dorothy Richardson's "Pilgrimage," continues the introspective journey of its protagonist as she navigates the complexities of life and self-discovery. This poignant exploration of consciousness and identity delves...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Backwater," the second volume of Dorothy Richardson's "Pilgrimage," continues the introspective journey of its protagonist as she navigates the complexities of life and self-discovery. This poignant exploration of consciousness and identity delves into the intricacies of human experience, making it a timeless reflection on the pursuit of understanding oneself and one's place in the world. Richardson's lyrical prose and keen observations resonate deeply, inviting listeners to ponder their own paths and the nuances of existence. With themes of introspection and personal growth, "Backwater" remains a powerful reminder of the enduring quest for meaning in our lives, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking connection and insight.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>19664</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>An Essay on Criticism</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-essay-on-criticism--73751354</link><description><![CDATA["An Essay on Criticism" delves into the nature of literary criticism, exploring the principles that govern the art of evaluating and understanding literature. This timeless work emphasizes the importance of reason, taste, and moral integrity in both the creation and appreciation of art. Its enduring themes of intellectual humility and the pursuit of knowledge resonate strongly today, reminding us that true genius lies not only in talent but also in the ability to critique and learn from others. As listeners engage with this classic text, they will uncover insights that remain relevant in our contemporary discussions about creativity and the role of criticism in shaping artistic expression.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73751354</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:02:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73751354/an_essay_on_criticism.mp3" length="21756952" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"An Essay on Criticism" delves into the nature of literary criticism, exploring the principles that govern the art of evaluating and understanding literature. This timeless work emphasizes the importance of reason, taste, and moral integrity in both...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["An Essay on Criticism" delves into the nature of literary criticism, exploring the principles that govern the art of evaluating and understanding literature. This timeless work emphasizes the importance of reason, taste, and moral integrity in both the creation and appreciation of art. Its enduring themes of intellectual humility and the pursuit of knowledge resonate strongly today, reminding us that true genius lies not only in talent but also in the ability to critique and learn from others. As listeners engage with this classic text, they will uncover insights that remain relevant in our contemporary discussions about creativity and the role of criticism in shaping artistic expression.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2717</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Soren Kierkegaard, Various Readings-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/soren-kierkegaard-various-readings-various--73722306</link><description><![CDATA[Soren Kierkegaard's "Various Readings-Various" offers a collection of insights from one of philosophy's most profound thinkers, delving into themes of existence, faith, and the complexities of the human condition. Kierkegaard's exploration of individuality and the nature of truth remains strikingly relevant today, as it challenges listeners to confront their own beliefs and the essence of personal authenticity. His reflections on anxiety, despair, and the leap of faith resonate in an age marked by uncertainty and existential questioning. Engaging with Kierkegaard's thoughts encourages a deeper understanding of the self and the world, making this audiobook a timeless resource for anyone seeking to navigate life's profound dilemmas.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73722306</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:03:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73722306/soren_kierkegaard_various_readings_various.mp3" length="128630190" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Soren Kierkegaard's "Various Readings-Various" offers a collection of insights from one of philosophy's most profound thinkers, delving into themes of existence, faith, and the complexities of the human condition. Kierkegaard's exploration of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Soren Kierkegaard's "Various Readings-Various" offers a collection of insights from one of philosophy's most profound thinkers, delving into themes of existence, faith, and the complexities of the human condition. Kierkegaard's exploration of individuality and the nature of truth remains strikingly relevant today, as it challenges listeners to confront their own beliefs and the essence of personal authenticity. His reflections on anxiety, despair, and the leap of faith resonate in an age marked by uncertainty and existential questioning. Engaging with Kierkegaard's thoughts encourages a deeper understanding of the self and the world, making this audiobook a timeless resource for anyone seeking to navigate life's profound dilemmas.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16062</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians-John Calvin</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/commentary-on-the-epistle-of-paul-the-apostle-to-the-galatians-john-calvin--73699423</link><description><![CDATA[John Calvin's "Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians" offers a profound exploration of the theological themes presented in Galatians, emphasizing the concepts of grace, faith, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Calvin meticulously analyzes Paul's arguments against legalism and advocates for the freedom believers have in Christ, making this work not only a significant theological treatise but also a timeless guide for understanding Christian doctrine. The insights provided in this commentary resonate deeply in today's discussions on faith and spirituality, reminding listeners of the enduring importance of grace over works.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73699423</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:03:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73699423/commentary_on_the_epistle_of_paul_the_apostle_to_the_galatians_john_calvin.mp3" length="194386279" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>John Calvin's "Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians" offers a profound exploration of the theological themes presented in Galatians, emphasizing the concepts of grace, faith, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Calvin...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[John Calvin's "Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians" offers a profound exploration of the theological themes presented in Galatians, emphasizing the concepts of grace, faith, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Calvin meticulously analyzes Paul's arguments against legalism and advocates for the freedom believers have in Christ, making this work not only a significant theological treatise but also a timeless guide for understanding Christian doctrine. The insights provided in this commentary resonate deeply in today's discussions on faith and spirituality, reminding listeners of the enduring importance of grace over works.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>24274</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/four-noncanonical-sherlock-holmes-short-stories-sir-arthur-conan-doyle--73675937</link><description><![CDATA[Delve into "Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a collection that explores the legendary detective's adventures beyond the original tales. These stories showcase Holmes's unparalleled intellect and keen observation, inviting listeners to experience the thrill of deduction and mystery. The themes of curiosity, logic, and the quest for truth resonate deeply, reminding us of the timeless allure of detective fiction. As we navigate a world filled with complexities and enigmas, these stories serve as a testament to the enduring nature of Sherlock Holmes, whose methods and insights continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73675937</guid><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:02:51 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73675937/four_noncanonical_sherlock_holmes_short_stories_sir_arthur_conan_doyle.mp3" length="47656455" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Delve into "Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a collection that explores the legendary detective's adventures beyond the original tales. These stories showcase Holmes's unparalleled intellect and keen...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Delve into "Four Noncanonical Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a collection that explores the legendary detective's adventures beyond the original tales. These stories showcase Holmes's unparalleled intellect and keen observation, inviting listeners to experience the thrill of deduction and mystery. The themes of curiosity, logic, and the quest for truth resonate deeply, reminding us of the timeless allure of detective fiction. As we navigate a world filled with complexities and enigmas, these stories serve as a testament to the enduring nature of Sherlock Holmes, whose methods and insights continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5951</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Study in Scarlet (Version 7 Dramatic Reading)-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/study-in-scarlet-version-7-dramatic-reading-sir-arthur-conan-doyle--73650763</link><description><![CDATA["Study in Scarlet" is a masterful work by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that introduces readers to the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson. This dramatic reading brings to life the gripping tale of mystery and deduction as Holmes unravels a complex murder case. Its themes of logic, observation, and the battle between good and evil resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking in a world filled with information. The enduring appeal of this classic lies in its intricate plotting and the timeless nature of its characters, making it a must-listen for fans of detective fiction and those seeking a captivating story.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73650763</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:02:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73650763/study_in_scarlet_version_7_dramatic_reading_sir_arthur_conan_doyle.mp3" length="138659020" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Study in Scarlet" is a masterful work by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that introduces readers to the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson. This dramatic reading brings to life the gripping tale of mystery and deduction...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Study in Scarlet" is a masterful work by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that introduces readers to the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson. This dramatic reading brings to life the gripping tale of mystery and deduction as Holmes unravels a complex murder case. Its themes of logic, observation, and the battle between good and evil resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking in a world filled with information. The enduring appeal of this classic lies in its intricate plotting and the timeless nature of its characters, making it a must-listen for fans of detective fiction and those seeking a captivating story.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17315</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Town is Drowning-C. M. Kornbluth, Frederik Pohl</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/town-is-drowning-c-m-kornbluth-frederik-pohl--73617600</link><description><![CDATA["Town is Drowning" by C. M. Kornbluth and Frederik Pohl presents a thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human society and the consequences of our actions. As the title suggests, the story captures a community grappling with impending disaster, reflecting themes of survival, responsibility, and the human condition. This enduring tale resonates today as it prompts listeners to consider the fragility of societal structures and the importance of collective action in the face of adversity. With its rich commentary on human nature and societal dynamics, this audiobook invites reflection on how we navigate challenges, making it a timeless exploration of resilience and morality.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73617600</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:42:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73617600/town_is_drowning_c_m_kornbluth_frederik_pohl.mp3" length="132353313" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Town is Drowning" by C. M. Kornbluth and Frederik Pohl presents a thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human society and the consequences of our actions. As the title suggests, the story captures a community grappling with...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Town is Drowning" by C. M. Kornbluth and Frederik Pohl presents a thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human society and the consequences of our actions. As the title suggests, the story captures a community grappling with impending disaster, reflecting themes of survival, responsibility, and the human condition. This enduring tale resonates today as it prompts listeners to consider the fragility of societal structures and the importance of collective action in the face of adversity. With its rich commentary on human nature and societal dynamics, this audiobook invites reflection on how we navigate challenges, making it a timeless exploration of resilience and morality.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16527</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Virgin Soil Volume 1-Ivan Turgenev</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/virgin-soil-volume-1-ivan-turgenev--73579023</link><description><![CDATA["Virgin Soil Volume 1" by Ivan Turgenev explores the complexities of Russian society and the lives of its youth during a time of great change. This novel delves into themes of idealism, social responsibility, and the struggle for personal identity, making it a rich tapestry of human experience that resonates with readers today. Turgenev's keen insights into the aspirations and disillusionments of his characters reflect timeless questions about purpose and belonging. The story's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of how individuals navigate the shifting landscapes of their lives, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of personal and societal transformation.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73579023</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:37:40 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73579023/virgin_soil_volume_1_ivan_turgenev.mp3" length="146291331" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Virgin Soil Volume 1" by Ivan Turgenev explores the complexities of Russian society and the lives of its youth during a time of great change. This novel delves into themes of idealism, social responsibility, and the struggle for personal identity,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Virgin Soil Volume 1" by Ivan Turgenev explores the complexities of Russian society and the lives of its youth during a time of great change. This novel delves into themes of idealism, social responsibility, and the struggle for personal identity, making it a rich tapestry of human experience that resonates with readers today. Turgenev's keen insights into the aspirations and disillusionments of his characters reflect timeless questions about purpose and belonging. The story's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of how individuals navigate the shifting landscapes of their lives, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of personal and societal transformation.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>18268</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Late Mattia Pascal-Luigi Pirandello</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/late-mattia-pascal-luigi-pirandello--73540862</link><description><![CDATA["Late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello explores the profound themes of identity, existence, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent. The story follows Mattia Pascal, a man who fakes his own death in order to escape the burdens of his life, only to confront the complexities of living in a new identity. This timeless narrative resonates today as it delves into the universal struggle for self-definition and the quest for authenticity in an increasingly fragmented society. Pirandello's exploration of the fluidity of identity and the nature of reality continues to captivate listeners, making this audiobook a compelling reflection on what it means to truly be oneself.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73540862</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:44:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73540862/late_mattia_pascal_luigi_pirandello.mp3" length="250721942" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello explores the profound themes of identity, existence, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent. The story follows Mattia Pascal, a man who fakes his own death in order to...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello explores the profound themes of identity, existence, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent. The story follows Mattia Pascal, a man who fakes his own death in order to escape the burdens of his life, only to confront the complexities of living in a new identity. This timeless narrative resonates today as it delves into the universal struggle for self-definition and the quest for authenticity in an increasingly fragmented society. Pirandello's exploration of the fluidity of identity and the nature of reality continues to captivate listeners, making this audiobook a compelling reflection on what it means to truly be oneself.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>31309</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>On the Trail of The Immigrant-Edward A. Steiner</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-the-trail-of-the-immigrant-edward-a-steiner--73502822</link><description><![CDATA["On the Trail of The Immigrant" by Edward A. Steiner delves into the experiences and challenges faced by immigrants as they navigate their new lives in a foreign land. This poignant exploration highlights the resilience and determination that define the immigrant journey, themes that continue to resonate in today's world as we confront ongoing discussions about identity, belonging, and the pursuit of the American dream. Steiner's insightful observations remind us of the universal struggle for acceptance and the quest for a better life, making this work a timeless reflection on the human spirit.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73502822</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:59:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73502822/on_the_trail_of_the_immigrant_edward_a_steiner.mp3" length="258420142" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"On the Trail of The Immigrant" by Edward A. Steiner delves into the experiences and challenges faced by immigrants as they navigate their new lives in a foreign land. This poignant exploration highlights the resilience and determination that define...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["On the Trail of The Immigrant" by Edward A. Steiner delves into the experiences and challenges faced by immigrants as they navigate their new lives in a foreign land. This poignant exploration highlights the resilience and determination that define the immigrant journey, themes that continue to resonate in today's world as we confront ongoing discussions about identity, belonging, and the pursuit of the American dream. Steiner's insightful observations remind us of the universal struggle for acceptance and the quest for a better life, making this work a timeless reflection on the human spirit.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>32270</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>103 - L'envoi</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/103-l-envoi--69830856</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830856</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830856/103_l_envoi.mp3" length="4529664" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>567</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>102 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 29</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/102-book-3-revolt-chapter-29--69830854</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830854</guid><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830854/102_book_3_revolt_chapter_29.mp3" length="2250240" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>282</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>101 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 28</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/101-book-3-revolt-chapter-28--69830853</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830853</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830853/101_book_3_revolt_chapter_28.mp3" length="12203520" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1526</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>100 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 27</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/100-book-3-revolt-chapter-27--69830852</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830852</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830852/100_book_3_revolt_chapter_27.mp3" length="18226176" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2279</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>099 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 26</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/099-book-3-revolt-chapter-26--69830851</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830851</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830851/099_book_3_revolt_chapter_26.mp3" length="14769664" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1847</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>098 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 25</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/098-book-3-revolt-chapter-25--69830850</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830850</guid><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830850/098_book_3_revolt_chapter_25.mp3" length="11105280" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1389</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>097 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 24</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/097-book-3-revolt-chapter-24--69830849</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830849</guid><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830849/097_book_3_revolt_chapter_24.mp3" length="12210176" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1527</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>096 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 23</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/096-book-3-revolt-chapter-23--69830848</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830848</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830848/096_book_3_revolt_chapter_23.mp3" length="8658432" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1083</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>095 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 22</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/095-book-3-revolt-chapter-22--69830847</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830847</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830847/095_book_3_revolt_chapter_22.mp3" length="15905280" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1988</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>094 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 21</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/094-book-3-revolt-chapter-21--69830846</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830846</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830846/094_book_3_revolt_chapter_21.mp3" length="9849856" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1232</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>093 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 20</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/093-book-3-revolt-chapter-20--69830845</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830845</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830845/093_book_3_revolt_chapter_20.mp3" length="5035008" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>630</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>092 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 19</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/092-book-3-revolt-chapter-19--69830844</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830844</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830844/092_book_3_revolt_chapter_19.mp3" length="14905856" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1864</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>091 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 18</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/091-book-3-revolt-chapter-18--69830843</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830843</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830843/091_book_3_revolt_chapter_18.mp3" length="8257536" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1033</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>090 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 17</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/090-book-3-revolt-chapter-17--69830842</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830842</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830842/090_book_3_revolt_chapter_17.mp3" length="8209920" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1027</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>089 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 16</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/089-book-3-revolt-chapter-16--69830841</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830841</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830841/089_book_3_revolt_chapter_16.mp3" length="4266496" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>534</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>088 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 15</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/088-book-3-revolt-chapter-15--69830840</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830840</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830840/088_book_3_revolt_chapter_15.mp3" length="9506304" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1189</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>087 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 14</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/087-book-3-revolt-chapter-14--69830839</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830839</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830839/087_book_3_revolt_chapter_14.mp3" length="16290304" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2037</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>086 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 13</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/086-book-3-revolt-chapter-13--69830837</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830837</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830837/086_book_3_revolt_chapter_13.mp3" length="12650496" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1582</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>085 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 12</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/085-book-3-revolt-chapter-12--69830835</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830835</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830835/085_book_3_revolt_chapter_12.mp3" length="14153728" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1770</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>084 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 11</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/084-book-3-revolt-chapter-11--69830833</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830833</guid><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830833/084_book_3_revolt_chapter_11.mp3" length="14521344" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1815</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>083 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 10</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/083-book-3-revolt-chapter-10--69830832</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830832</guid><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830832/083_book_3_revolt_chapter_10.mp3" length="15633408" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1955</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>082 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 9</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/082-book-3-revolt-chapter-9--69830831</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830831</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830831/082_book_3_revolt_chapter_9.mp3" length="13731840" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1717</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>081 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 8</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/081-book-3-revolt-chapter-8--69830829</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830829</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830829/081_book_3_revolt_chapter_8.mp3" length="11194368" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1400</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>080 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 7</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/080-book-3-revolt-chapter-7--69830828</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830828</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830828/080_book_3_revolt_chapter_7.mp3" length="9177600" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6b79b898-f892-40bf-be43-442e3c815bc2/6b79b898-f892-40bf-be43-442e3c815bc2.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6b79b898-f892-40bf-be43-442e3c815bc2/6b79b898-f892-40bf-be43-442e3c815bc2.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6b79b898-f892-40bf-be43-442e3c815bc2/6b79b898-f892-40bf-be43-442e3c815bc2.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1148</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>079 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 6</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/079-book-3-revolt-chapter-6--69830827</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830827</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830827/079_book_3_revolt_chapter_6.mp3" length="10954240" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/943f0362-b192-46b3-a0e0-272d07dd7684/943f0362-b192-46b3-a0e0-272d07dd7684.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/943f0362-b192-46b3-a0e0-272d07dd7684/943f0362-b192-46b3-a0e0-272d07dd7684.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/943f0362-b192-46b3-a0e0-272d07dd7684/943f0362-b192-46b3-a0e0-272d07dd7684.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1370</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>078 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 5</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/078-book-3-revolt-chapter-5--69830826</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830826</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830826/078_book_3_revolt_chapter_5.mp3" length="9057280" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7a02b669-fbfc-4adf-a11a-8c46fe498eeb/7a02b669-fbfc-4adf-a11a-8c46fe498eeb.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7a02b669-fbfc-4adf-a11a-8c46fe498eeb/7a02b669-fbfc-4adf-a11a-8c46fe498eeb.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7a02b669-fbfc-4adf-a11a-8c46fe498eeb/7a02b669-fbfc-4adf-a11a-8c46fe498eeb.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1133</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>077 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 4</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/077-book-3-revolt-chapter-4--69830824</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830824</guid><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830824/077_book_3_revolt_chapter_4.mp3" length="10489856" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ba2c00e4-6d9e-4957-aa6b-c6e95420afdc/ba2c00e4-6d9e-4957-aa6b-c6e95420afdc.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ba2c00e4-6d9e-4957-aa6b-c6e95420afdc/ba2c00e4-6d9e-4957-aa6b-c6e95420afdc.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ba2c00e4-6d9e-4957-aa6b-c6e95420afdc/ba2c00e4-6d9e-4957-aa6b-c6e95420afdc.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1312</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>076 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/076-book-3-revolt-chapter-3--69830823</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830823</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830823/076_book_3_revolt_chapter_3.mp3" length="7251968" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bf901830-f718-4ea7-b5fb-3cd1138175f2/bf901830-f718-4ea7-b5fb-3cd1138175f2.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bf901830-f718-4ea7-b5fb-3cd1138175f2/bf901830-f718-4ea7-b5fb-3cd1138175f2.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bf901830-f718-4ea7-b5fb-3cd1138175f2/bf901830-f718-4ea7-b5fb-3cd1138175f2.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>907</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>075 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/075-book-3-revolt-chapter-2--69830820</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830820</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830820/075_book_3_revolt_chapter_2.mp3" length="9946624" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5bea68db-f629-4f82-9590-440062695e27/5bea68db-f629-4f82-9590-440062695e27.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5bea68db-f629-4f82-9590-440062695e27/5bea68db-f629-4f82-9590-440062695e27.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5bea68db-f629-4f82-9590-440062695e27/5bea68db-f629-4f82-9590-440062695e27.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1244</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>074 - Book 3 - Revolt - Chapter 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/074-book-3-revolt-chapter-1--69830817</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830817</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830817/074_book_3_revolt_chapter_1.mp3" length="12850688" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2e18e140-f60a-40d6-8437-c984a234c568/2e18e140-f60a-40d6-8437-c984a234c568.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2e18e140-f60a-40d6-8437-c984a234c568/2e18e140-f60a-40d6-8437-c984a234c568.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2e18e140-f60a-40d6-8437-c984a234c568/2e18e140-f60a-40d6-8437-c984a234c568.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1607</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>073 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 44</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/073-book-2-struggle-chapter-44--69830814</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830814</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830814/073_book_2_struggle_chapter_44.mp3" length="6636032" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2888a092-d946-4f40-a849-fdedbb652b13/2888a092-d946-4f40-a849-fdedbb652b13.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2888a092-d946-4f40-a849-fdedbb652b13/2888a092-d946-4f40-a849-fdedbb652b13.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2888a092-d946-4f40-a849-fdedbb652b13/2888a092-d946-4f40-a849-fdedbb652b13.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>830</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>072 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 43</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/072-book-2-struggle-chapter-43--69830812</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830812</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830812/072_book_2_struggle_chapter_43.mp3" length="11123200" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1b73824f-68a5-4e8e-95fd-046d7008a93c/1b73824f-68a5-4e8e-95fd-046d7008a93c.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1b73824f-68a5-4e8e-95fd-046d7008a93c/1b73824f-68a5-4e8e-95fd-046d7008a93c.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1b73824f-68a5-4e8e-95fd-046d7008a93c/1b73824f-68a5-4e8e-95fd-046d7008a93c.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1391</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>071 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 42</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/071-book-2-struggle-chapter-42--69830809</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830809</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830809/071_book_2_struggle_chapter_42.mp3" length="10377728" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/aeb41584-f3f3-4b1d-8f59-07a81395fe42/aeb41584-f3f3-4b1d-8f59-07a81395fe42.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/aeb41584-f3f3-4b1d-8f59-07a81395fe42/aeb41584-f3f3-4b1d-8f59-07a81395fe42.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/aeb41584-f3f3-4b1d-8f59-07a81395fe42/aeb41584-f3f3-4b1d-8f59-07a81395fe42.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1298</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>070 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 41</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/070-book-2-struggle-chapter-41--69830808</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830808</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830808/070_book_2_struggle_chapter_41.mp3" length="3698688" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5a36b562-bb69-461a-a347-05798f4a5d20/5a36b562-bb69-461a-a347-05798f4a5d20.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5a36b562-bb69-461a-a347-05798f4a5d20/5a36b562-bb69-461a-a347-05798f4a5d20.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5a36b562-bb69-461a-a347-05798f4a5d20/5a36b562-bb69-461a-a347-05798f4a5d20.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>463</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>069 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 40</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/069-book-2-struggle-chapter-40--69830807</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830807</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830807/069_book_2_struggle_chapter_40.mp3" length="8667136" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e181782c-ff08-4456-8b49-71bd1564f198/e181782c-ff08-4456-8b49-71bd1564f198.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e181782c-ff08-4456-8b49-71bd1564f198/e181782c-ff08-4456-8b49-71bd1564f198.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e181782c-ff08-4456-8b49-71bd1564f198/e181782c-ff08-4456-8b49-71bd1564f198.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1084</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>068 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 39</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/068-book-2-struggle-chapter-39--69830806</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830806</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830806/068_book_2_struggle_chapter_39.mp3" length="10545664" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d3d150ea-42fa-4d93-849e-9bb04e022bac/d3d150ea-42fa-4d93-849e-9bb04e022bac.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d3d150ea-42fa-4d93-849e-9bb04e022bac/d3d150ea-42fa-4d93-849e-9bb04e022bac.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d3d150ea-42fa-4d93-849e-9bb04e022bac/d3d150ea-42fa-4d93-849e-9bb04e022bac.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1319</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>067 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 38</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/067-book-2-struggle-chapter-38--69830804</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830804</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830804/067_book_2_struggle_chapter_38.mp3" length="12715520" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e60b372c-d987-4c04-bce2-59e930f60c47/e60b372c-d987-4c04-bce2-59e930f60c47.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e60b372c-d987-4c04-bce2-59e930f60c47/e60b372c-d987-4c04-bce2-59e930f60c47.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e60b372c-d987-4c04-bce2-59e930f60c47/e60b372c-d987-4c04-bce2-59e930f60c47.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1590</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>066 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 37</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/066-book-2-struggle-chapter-37--69830803</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830803</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830803/066_book_2_struggle_chapter_37.mp3" length="10074112" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3d1deeb7-bf4f-49b1-8d7b-cae7dd40f26e/3d1deeb7-bf4f-49b1-8d7b-cae7dd40f26e.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3d1deeb7-bf4f-49b1-8d7b-cae7dd40f26e/3d1deeb7-bf4f-49b1-8d7b-cae7dd40f26e.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3d1deeb7-bf4f-49b1-8d7b-cae7dd40f26e/3d1deeb7-bf4f-49b1-8d7b-cae7dd40f26e.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1260</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>065 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 36</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/065-book-2-struggle-chapter-36--69830802</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830802</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830802/065_book_2_struggle_chapter_36.mp3" length="14778368" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ed0b08df-b013-4fdb-a694-e1ddd345cab6/ed0b08df-b013-4fdb-a694-e1ddd345cab6.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ed0b08df-b013-4fdb-a694-e1ddd345cab6/ed0b08df-b013-4fdb-a694-e1ddd345cab6.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ed0b08df-b013-4fdb-a694-e1ddd345cab6/ed0b08df-b013-4fdb-a694-e1ddd345cab6.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1848</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>064 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 35</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/064-book-2-struggle-chapter-35--69830801</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830801</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830801/064_book_2_struggle_chapter_35.mp3" length="6722560" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/52cec0ce-cd77-4657-9cfb-213b312b9b8d/52cec0ce-cd77-4657-9cfb-213b312b9b8d.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/52cec0ce-cd77-4657-9cfb-213b312b9b8d/52cec0ce-cd77-4657-9cfb-213b312b9b8d.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/52cec0ce-cd77-4657-9cfb-213b312b9b8d/52cec0ce-cd77-4657-9cfb-213b312b9b8d.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>841</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>063 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 34</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/063-book-2-struggle-chapter-34--69830800</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830800</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830800/063_book_2_struggle_chapter_34.mp3" length="8195584" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d3d9141e-94a7-4b06-9a57-c1d838be24fd/d3d9141e-94a7-4b06-9a57-c1d838be24fd.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d3d9141e-94a7-4b06-9a57-c1d838be24fd/d3d9141e-94a7-4b06-9a57-c1d838be24fd.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d3d9141e-94a7-4b06-9a57-c1d838be24fd/d3d9141e-94a7-4b06-9a57-c1d838be24fd.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1025</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>062 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 33</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/062-book-2-struggle-chapter-33--69830798</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830798</guid><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830798/062_book_2_struggle_chapter_33.mp3" length="7465984" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2c4ff477-bcd5-49e7-98cb-2e6e85463428/2c4ff477-bcd5-49e7-98cb-2e6e85463428.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2c4ff477-bcd5-49e7-98cb-2e6e85463428/2c4ff477-bcd5-49e7-98cb-2e6e85463428.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2c4ff477-bcd5-49e7-98cb-2e6e85463428/2c4ff477-bcd5-49e7-98cb-2e6e85463428.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>934</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>061 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 32</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/061-book-2-struggle-chapter-32--69830797</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830797</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830797/061_book_2_struggle_chapter_32.mp3" length="10570752" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3ba37f3e-7af6-4b06-8ff2-73d2de9dad0c/3ba37f3e-7af6-4b06-8ff2-73d2de9dad0c.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3ba37f3e-7af6-4b06-8ff2-73d2de9dad0c/3ba37f3e-7af6-4b06-8ff2-73d2de9dad0c.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3ba37f3e-7af6-4b06-8ff2-73d2de9dad0c/3ba37f3e-7af6-4b06-8ff2-73d2de9dad0c.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1322</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>060 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 31</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/060-book-2-struggle-chapter-31--69830796</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830796</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830796/060_book_2_struggle_chapter_31.mp3" length="6706176" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/861174c9-8b4c-4a33-abcd-e7f0a2029e8e/861174c9-8b4c-4a33-abcd-e7f0a2029e8e.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/861174c9-8b4c-4a33-abcd-e7f0a2029e8e/861174c9-8b4c-4a33-abcd-e7f0a2029e8e.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/861174c9-8b4c-4a33-abcd-e7f0a2029e8e/861174c9-8b4c-4a33-abcd-e7f0a2029e8e.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>839</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>059 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 30</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/059-book-2-struggle-chapter-30--69830795</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830795</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830795/059_book_2_struggle_chapter_30.mp3" length="8290816" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/959fe688-c867-42cf-99cd-a8aa855e8a83/959fe688-c867-42cf-99cd-a8aa855e8a83.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/959fe688-c867-42cf-99cd-a8aa855e8a83/959fe688-c867-42cf-99cd-a8aa855e8a83.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/959fe688-c867-42cf-99cd-a8aa855e8a83/959fe688-c867-42cf-99cd-a8aa855e8a83.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1037</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>058 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 29</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/058-book-2-struggle-chapter-29--69830794</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830794</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830794/058_book_2_struggle_chapter_29.mp3" length="8985600" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c8bd3c18-3d88-4456-a5cf-aa3599937601/c8bd3c18-3d88-4456-a5cf-aa3599937601.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c8bd3c18-3d88-4456-a5cf-aa3599937601/c8bd3c18-3d88-4456-a5cf-aa3599937601.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c8bd3c18-3d88-4456-a5cf-aa3599937601/c8bd3c18-3d88-4456-a5cf-aa3599937601.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1124</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>057 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 28</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/057-book-2-struggle-chapter-28--69830793</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830793</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830793/057_book_2_struggle_chapter_28.mp3" length="10090496" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bd0613dc-cca5-44f6-b2e0-de84c9bc3906/bd0613dc-cca5-44f6-b2e0-de84c9bc3906.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bd0613dc-cca5-44f6-b2e0-de84c9bc3906/bd0613dc-cca5-44f6-b2e0-de84c9bc3906.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bd0613dc-cca5-44f6-b2e0-de84c9bc3906/bd0613dc-cca5-44f6-b2e0-de84c9bc3906.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1262</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>056 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 27</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/056-book-2-struggle-chapter-27--69830792</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830792</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830792/056_book_2_struggle_chapter_27.mp3" length="7042560" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/add60ee8-9f14-4c11-a7f8-40b6accad7ab/add60ee8-9f14-4c11-a7f8-40b6accad7ab.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/add60ee8-9f14-4c11-a7f8-40b6accad7ab/add60ee8-9f14-4c11-a7f8-40b6accad7ab.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/add60ee8-9f14-4c11-a7f8-40b6accad7ab/add60ee8-9f14-4c11-a7f8-40b6accad7ab.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>881</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>055 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 26</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/055-book-2-struggle-chapter-26--69830791</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830791</guid><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:00:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830791/055_book_2_struggle_chapter_26.mp3" length="12201472" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6297ebbf-8ef8-44ee-834c-d152414f06b4/6297ebbf-8ef8-44ee-834c-d152414f06b4.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6297ebbf-8ef8-44ee-834c-d152414f06b4/6297ebbf-8ef8-44ee-834c-d152414f06b4.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6297ebbf-8ef8-44ee-834c-d152414f06b4/6297ebbf-8ef8-44ee-834c-d152414f06b4.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1526</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>054 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 25</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/054-book-2-struggle-chapter-25--69830790</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830790</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830790/054_book_2_struggle_chapter_25.mp3" length="9770496" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/0f57ec03-b2d1-4de3-8355-38bca1a8a19f/0f57ec03-b2d1-4de3-8355-38bca1a8a19f.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/0f57ec03-b2d1-4de3-8355-38bca1a8a19f/0f57ec03-b2d1-4de3-8355-38bca1a8a19f.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/0f57ec03-b2d1-4de3-8355-38bca1a8a19f/0f57ec03-b2d1-4de3-8355-38bca1a8a19f.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1222</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>053 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 24</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/053-book-2-struggle-chapter-24--69830789</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830789</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830789/053_book_2_struggle_chapter_24.mp3" length="8977920" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bb231681-4531-4040-b96b-eeae505e1392/bb231681-4531-4040-b96b-eeae505e1392.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bb231681-4531-4040-b96b-eeae505e1392/bb231681-4531-4040-b96b-eeae505e1392.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bb231681-4531-4040-b96b-eeae505e1392/bb231681-4531-4040-b96b-eeae505e1392.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1123</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>052 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 23</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/052-book-2-struggle-chapter-23--69830788</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830788</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830788/052_book_2_struggle_chapter_23.mp3" length="8514048" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f8219281-2ecf-4408-afe0-2397282e9444/f8219281-2ecf-4408-afe0-2397282e9444.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f8219281-2ecf-4408-afe0-2397282e9444/f8219281-2ecf-4408-afe0-2397282e9444.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f8219281-2ecf-4408-afe0-2397282e9444/f8219281-2ecf-4408-afe0-2397282e9444.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1065</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>051 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 22</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/051-book-2-struggle-chapter-22--69830787</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830787</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830787/051_book_2_struggle_chapter_22.mp3" length="12594176" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7089edb9-bbf1-4df5-bcc6-0b1ada0ee0e9/7089edb9-bbf1-4df5-bcc6-0b1ada0ee0e9.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7089edb9-bbf1-4df5-bcc6-0b1ada0ee0e9/7089edb9-bbf1-4df5-bcc6-0b1ada0ee0e9.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7089edb9-bbf1-4df5-bcc6-0b1ada0ee0e9/7089edb9-bbf1-4df5-bcc6-0b1ada0ee0e9.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1575</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>050 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 21</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/050-book-2-struggle-chapter-21--69830786</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830786</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830786/050_book_2_struggle_chapter_21.mp3" length="7753216" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2f74da1f-fd36-43a6-9ed6-4a4e742b7a8c/2f74da1f-fd36-43a6-9ed6-4a4e742b7a8c.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2f74da1f-fd36-43a6-9ed6-4a4e742b7a8c/2f74da1f-fd36-43a6-9ed6-4a4e742b7a8c.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2f74da1f-fd36-43a6-9ed6-4a4e742b7a8c/2f74da1f-fd36-43a6-9ed6-4a4e742b7a8c.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>969</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>049 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 20</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/049-book-2-struggle-chapter-20--69830785</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830785</guid><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830785/049_book_2_struggle_chapter_20.mp3" length="9626112" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/84e9aa4d-bf2e-46c9-a442-5824956520c7/84e9aa4d-bf2e-46c9-a442-5824956520c7.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/84e9aa4d-bf2e-46c9-a442-5824956520c7/84e9aa4d-bf2e-46c9-a442-5824956520c7.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/84e9aa4d-bf2e-46c9-a442-5824956520c7/84e9aa4d-bf2e-46c9-a442-5824956520c7.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1204</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>048 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 19</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/048-book-2-struggle-chapter-19--69830784</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830784</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830784/048_book_2_struggle_chapter_19.mp3" length="10471424" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e6d48062-fe09-4cd0-abe1-3d6378386671/e6d48062-fe09-4cd0-abe1-3d6378386671.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e6d48062-fe09-4cd0-abe1-3d6378386671/e6d48062-fe09-4cd0-abe1-3d6378386671.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/e6d48062-fe09-4cd0-abe1-3d6378386671/e6d48062-fe09-4cd0-abe1-3d6378386671.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1309</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>047 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 18</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/047-book-2-struggle-chapter-18--69830783</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830783</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830783/047_book_2_struggle_chapter_18.mp3" length="10106368" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ca89f7c9-0bfb-4dc4-a849-c9dc2c669791/ca89f7c9-0bfb-4dc4-a849-c9dc2c669791.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ca89f7c9-0bfb-4dc4-a849-c9dc2c669791/ca89f7c9-0bfb-4dc4-a849-c9dc2c669791.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ca89f7c9-0bfb-4dc4-a849-c9dc2c669791/ca89f7c9-0bfb-4dc4-a849-c9dc2c669791.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1264</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>046 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 17</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/046-book-2-struggle-chapter-17--69830782</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830782</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830782/046_book_2_struggle_chapter_17.mp3" length="6616576" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f4344c49-83d0-4488-933b-1b6ebdf4c7e9/f4344c49-83d0-4488-933b-1b6ebdf4c7e9.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f4344c49-83d0-4488-933b-1b6ebdf4c7e9/f4344c49-83d0-4488-933b-1b6ebdf4c7e9.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f4344c49-83d0-4488-933b-1b6ebdf4c7e9/f4344c49-83d0-4488-933b-1b6ebdf4c7e9.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>827</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>045 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 16</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/045-book-2-struggle-chapter-16--69830781</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830781</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830781/045_book_2_struggle_chapter_16.mp3" length="4625920" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/56b2e7f2-eafa-4d1f-8924-ce386e5612fa/56b2e7f2-eafa-4d1f-8924-ce386e5612fa.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/56b2e7f2-eafa-4d1f-8924-ce386e5612fa/56b2e7f2-eafa-4d1f-8924-ce386e5612fa.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/56b2e7f2-eafa-4d1f-8924-ce386e5612fa/56b2e7f2-eafa-4d1f-8924-ce386e5612fa.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>579</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>044 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 15</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/044-book-2-struggle-chapter-15--69830780</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830780</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830780/044_book_2_struggle_chapter_15.mp3" length="11555328" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2321ea64-e41a-43e0-b100-a6ed5d407745/2321ea64-e41a-43e0-b100-a6ed5d407745.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2321ea64-e41a-43e0-b100-a6ed5d407745/2321ea64-e41a-43e0-b100-a6ed5d407745.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2321ea64-e41a-43e0-b100-a6ed5d407745/2321ea64-e41a-43e0-b100-a6ed5d407745.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1445</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>043 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 14</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/043-book-2-struggle-chapter-14--69830779</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830779</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830779/043_book_2_struggle_chapter_14.mp3" length="8405504" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5ba2e73f-6ee9-4b39-b522-420d551593e0/5ba2e73f-6ee9-4b39-b522-420d551593e0.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5ba2e73f-6ee9-4b39-b522-420d551593e0/5ba2e73f-6ee9-4b39-b522-420d551593e0.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5ba2e73f-6ee9-4b39-b522-420d551593e0/5ba2e73f-6ee9-4b39-b522-420d551593e0.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1051</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>042 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 13</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/042-book-2-struggle-chapter-13--69830778</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830778</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830778/042_book_2_struggle_chapter_13.mp3" length="4897792" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/cc1f32b1-2b93-434a-8097-bf31481faca6/cc1f32b1-2b93-434a-8097-bf31481faca6.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/cc1f32b1-2b93-434a-8097-bf31481faca6/cc1f32b1-2b93-434a-8097-bf31481faca6.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/cc1f32b1-2b93-434a-8097-bf31481faca6/cc1f32b1-2b93-434a-8097-bf31481faca6.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>613</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>041 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 12</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/041-book-2-struggle-chapter-12--69830777</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830777</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830777/041_book_2_struggle_chapter_12.mp3" length="5962240" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2b306a95-3674-472b-9e12-1adddf132395/2b306a95-3674-472b-9e12-1adddf132395.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2b306a95-3674-472b-9e12-1adddf132395/2b306a95-3674-472b-9e12-1adddf132395.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2b306a95-3674-472b-9e12-1adddf132395/2b306a95-3674-472b-9e12-1adddf132395.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>746</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>040 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 11 Part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/040-book-2-struggle-chapter-11-part-2--69830776</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830776</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830776/040_book_2_struggle_chapter_11_part_2.mp3" length="10290176" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/9405288c-cd8f-4111-999a-909116a0c928/9405288c-cd8f-4111-999a-909116a0c928.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/9405288c-cd8f-4111-999a-909116a0c928/9405288c-cd8f-4111-999a-909116a0c928.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/9405288c-cd8f-4111-999a-909116a0c928/9405288c-cd8f-4111-999a-909116a0c928.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1287</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>039 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 11 Part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/039-book-2-struggle-chapter-11-part-1--69830775</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830775</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830775/039_book_2_struggle_chapter_11_part_1.mp3" length="8026112" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/4c952935-0285-4b20-ac80-52d36c7b84c3/4c952935-0285-4b20-ac80-52d36c7b84c3.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/4c952935-0285-4b20-ac80-52d36c7b84c3/4c952935-0285-4b20-ac80-52d36c7b84c3.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/4c952935-0285-4b20-ac80-52d36c7b84c3/4c952935-0285-4b20-ac80-52d36c7b84c3.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1004</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>038 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 10</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/038-book-2-struggle-chapter-10--69830774</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830774</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830774/038_book_2_struggle_chapter_10.mp3" length="7058432" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/53432f7b-9255-4493-87ba-1f2e22a1b78d/53432f7b-9255-4493-87ba-1f2e22a1b78d.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/53432f7b-9255-4493-87ba-1f2e22a1b78d/53432f7b-9255-4493-87ba-1f2e22a1b78d.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/53432f7b-9255-4493-87ba-1f2e22a1b78d/53432f7b-9255-4493-87ba-1f2e22a1b78d.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>883</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>037 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 9</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/037-book-2-struggle-chapter-9--69830773</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830773</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830773/037_book_2_struggle_chapter_9.mp3" length="5161984" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/45e520fb-e627-4baf-9262-d4a5b53419dc/45e520fb-e627-4baf-9262-d4a5b53419dc.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/45e520fb-e627-4baf-9262-d4a5b53419dc/45e520fb-e627-4baf-9262-d4a5b53419dc.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/45e520fb-e627-4baf-9262-d4a5b53419dc/45e520fb-e627-4baf-9262-d4a5b53419dc.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>646</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>036 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 8</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/036-book-2-struggle-chapter-8--69830772</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830772</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830772/036_book_2_struggle_chapter_8.mp3" length="10114048" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8503f8a8-ef84-4fad-b0d7-9dce19bb202e/8503f8a8-ef84-4fad-b0d7-9dce19bb202e.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8503f8a8-ef84-4fad-b0d7-9dce19bb202e/8503f8a8-ef84-4fad-b0d7-9dce19bb202e.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8503f8a8-ef84-4fad-b0d7-9dce19bb202e/8503f8a8-ef84-4fad-b0d7-9dce19bb202e.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1265</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>035 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 7</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/035-book-2-struggle-chapter-7--69830771</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830771</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830771/035_book_2_struggle_chapter_7.mp3" length="7161856" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2e4ac55f-1a37-4c75-9aed-02e2e5d7d6f5/2e4ac55f-1a37-4c75-9aed-02e2e5d7d6f5.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2e4ac55f-1a37-4c75-9aed-02e2e5d7d6f5/2e4ac55f-1a37-4c75-9aed-02e2e5d7d6f5.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2e4ac55f-1a37-4c75-9aed-02e2e5d7d6f5/2e4ac55f-1a37-4c75-9aed-02e2e5d7d6f5.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>896</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>034 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 6</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/034-book-2-struggle-chapter-6--69830770</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830770</guid><pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830770/034_book_2_struggle_chapter_6.mp3" length="6538240" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/16927301-1859-4dfc-a013-e764b1d23d3e/16927301-1859-4dfc-a013-e764b1d23d3e.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/16927301-1859-4dfc-a013-e764b1d23d3e/16927301-1859-4dfc-a013-e764b1d23d3e.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/16927301-1859-4dfc-a013-e764b1d23d3e/16927301-1859-4dfc-a013-e764b1d23d3e.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>818</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>033 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 5</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/033-book-2-struggle-chapter-5--69830769</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830769</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830769/033_book_2_struggle_chapter_5.mp3" length="9890304" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1dc8c7ab-acd2-4ebb-a920-91c78f8a9613/1dc8c7ab-acd2-4ebb-a920-91c78f8a9613.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1dc8c7ab-acd2-4ebb-a920-91c78f8a9613/1dc8c7ab-acd2-4ebb-a920-91c78f8a9613.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1dc8c7ab-acd2-4ebb-a920-91c78f8a9613/1dc8c7ab-acd2-4ebb-a920-91c78f8a9613.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1237</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>032 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 4</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/032-book-2-struggle-chapter-4--69830768</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830768</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830768/032_book_2_struggle_chapter_4.mp3" length="5978112" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/dc268518-b537-40a6-b332-fdc6c0b1d380/dc268518-b537-40a6-b332-fdc6c0b1d380.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/dc268518-b537-40a6-b332-fdc6c0b1d380/dc268518-b537-40a6-b332-fdc6c0b1d380.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/dc268518-b537-40a6-b332-fdc6c0b1d380/dc268518-b537-40a6-b332-fdc6c0b1d380.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>748</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>031 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/031-book-2-struggle-chapter-3--69830767</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830767</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830767/031_book_2_struggle_chapter_3.mp3" length="9058304" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/447d3acd-1111-4ced-a6af-f191f720263c/447d3acd-1111-4ced-a6af-f191f720263c.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/447d3acd-1111-4ced-a6af-f191f720263c/447d3acd-1111-4ced-a6af-f191f720263c.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/447d3acd-1111-4ced-a6af-f191f720263c/447d3acd-1111-4ced-a6af-f191f720263c.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1133</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>030 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/030-book-2-struggle-chapter-2--69830766</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830766</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830766/030_book_2_struggle_chapter_2.mp3" length="10994176" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/304f5a94-25d8-4d5e-8a65-56e4c0aaa601/304f5a94-25d8-4d5e-8a65-56e4c0aaa601.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/304f5a94-25d8-4d5e-8a65-56e4c0aaa601/304f5a94-25d8-4d5e-8a65-56e4c0aaa601.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/304f5a94-25d8-4d5e-8a65-56e4c0aaa601/304f5a94-25d8-4d5e-8a65-56e4c0aaa601.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1375</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>029 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/029-book-2-struggle-chapter-1--69830764</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830764</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830764/029_book_2_struggle_chapter_1.mp3" length="7962112" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/358cd7b8-96a8-46c5-98aa-e4df9a21c2ec/358cd7b8-96a8-46c5-98aa-e4df9a21c2ec.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/358cd7b8-96a8-46c5-98aa-e4df9a21c2ec/358cd7b8-96a8-46c5-98aa-e4df9a21c2ec.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/358cd7b8-96a8-46c5-98aa-e4df9a21c2ec/358cd7b8-96a8-46c5-98aa-e4df9a21c2ec.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>996</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>028 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 28</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/028-book-1-youth-chapter-28--69830763</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830763</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830763/028_book_1_youth_chapter_28.mp3" length="8842240" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8c93b16f-cd9a-4e15-ba84-d61d754fa9ef/8c93b16f-cd9a-4e15-ba84-d61d754fa9ef.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8c93b16f-cd9a-4e15-ba84-d61d754fa9ef/8c93b16f-cd9a-4e15-ba84-d61d754fa9ef.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8c93b16f-cd9a-4e15-ba84-d61d754fa9ef/8c93b16f-cd9a-4e15-ba84-d61d754fa9ef.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1106</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>027 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 27</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/027-book-1-youth-chapter-27--69830762</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830762</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830762/027_book_1_youth_chapter_27.mp3" length="7331840" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d89a61f5-b3d1-4ffc-ba8d-63fc7595e291/d89a61f5-b3d1-4ffc-ba8d-63fc7595e291.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d89a61f5-b3d1-4ffc-ba8d-63fc7595e291/d89a61f5-b3d1-4ffc-ba8d-63fc7595e291.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d89a61f5-b3d1-4ffc-ba8d-63fc7595e291/d89a61f5-b3d1-4ffc-ba8d-63fc7595e291.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>917</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>026 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 26</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/026-book-1-youth-chapter-26--69830761</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830761</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830761/026_book_1_youth_chapter_26.mp3" length="10465280" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f442358c-6443-4421-b909-d334a924b47f/f442358c-6443-4421-b909-d334a924b47f.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f442358c-6443-4421-b909-d334a924b47f/f442358c-6443-4421-b909-d334a924b47f.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f442358c-6443-4421-b909-d334a924b47f/f442358c-6443-4421-b909-d334a924b47f.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1309</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>025 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 25</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/025-book-1-youth-chapter-25--69830760</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830760</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830760/025_book_1_youth_chapter_25.mp3" length="10674688" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a59c1b5b-3a81-4785-a824-17b18495deb6/a59c1b5b-3a81-4785-a824-17b18495deb6.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a59c1b5b-3a81-4785-a824-17b18495deb6/a59c1b5b-3a81-4785-a824-17b18495deb6.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a59c1b5b-3a81-4785-a824-17b18495deb6/a59c1b5b-3a81-4785-a824-17b18495deb6.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1335</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>024 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 24</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/024-book-1-youth-chapter-24--69830759</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830759</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830759/024_book_1_youth_chapter_24.mp3" length="6755328" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>845</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>023 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 23</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/023-book-1-youth-chapter-23--69830758</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830758</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830758/023_book_1_youth_chapter_23.mp3" length="7217664" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>903</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>022 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 22</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/022-book-1-youth-chapter-22--69830757</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830757</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830757/022_book_1_youth_chapter_22.mp3" length="6257664" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>783</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>021 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 21</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/021-book-1-youth-chapter-21--69830756</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830756</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830756/021_book_1_youth_chapter_21.mp3" length="7993856" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1000</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>020 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 20</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/020-book-1-youth-chapter-20--69830755</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830755</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830755/020_book_1_youth_chapter_20.mp3" length="10202112" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1276</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>019 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 19</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/019-book-1-youth-chapter-19--69830754</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830754</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830754/019_book_1_youth_chapter_19.mp3" length="6450688" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>807</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>018 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 18</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/018-book-1-youth-chapter-18--69830752</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830752</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:52:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830752/018_book_1_youth_chapter_18.mp3" length="10384896" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1298</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>017 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 17</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/017-book-1-youth-chapter-17--69830751</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830751</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830751/017_book_1_youth_chapter_17.mp3" length="10467328" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1309</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>016 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 16</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/016-book-1-youth-chapter-16--69830750</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830750</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830750/016_book_1_youth_chapter_16.mp3" length="6650368" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>832</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>015 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 15</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/015-book-1-youth-chapter-15--69830749</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830749</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830749/015_book_1_youth_chapter_15.mp3" length="5970432" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>747</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>014 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 14</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/014-book-1-youth-chapter-14--69830748</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830748</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:53 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830748/014_book_1_youth_chapter_14.mp3" length="6130176" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>767</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>013 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 13</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/013-book-1-youth-chapter-13--69830746</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830746</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:50 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830746/013_book_1_youth_chapter_13.mp3" length="6874112" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>860</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>012 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 12</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/012-book-1-youth-chapter-12--69830745</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830745</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830745/012_book_1_youth_chapter_12.mp3" length="6489600" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>812</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>011 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 11</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/011-book-1-youth-chapter-11--69830744</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830744</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830744/011_book_1_youth_chapter_11.mp3" length="7577088" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>947</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>010 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 10</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/010-book-1-youth-chapter-10--69830743</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830743</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830743/010_book_1_youth_chapter_10.mp3" length="5161984" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>646</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>009 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 9</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/009-book-1-youth-chapter-9--69830742</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830742</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830742/009_book_1_youth_chapter_9.mp3" length="7033344" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>880</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>008 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 8</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/008-book-1-youth-chapter-8--69830741</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830741</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830741/008_book_1_youth_chapter_8.mp3" length="5722624" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>716</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>007 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 7</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/007-book-1-youth-chapter-7--69830740</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830740</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830740/007_book_1_youth_chapter_7.mp3" length="8058368" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1008</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>006 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 6</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/006-book-1-youth-chapter-6--69830739</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830739</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830739/006_book_1_youth_chapter_6.mp3" length="8450048" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1057</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>005 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 5</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/005-book-1-youth-chapter-5--69830738</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830738</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830738/005_book_1_youth_chapter_5.mp3" length="4417536" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>553</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>004 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 4</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/004-book-1-youth-chapter-4--69830737</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830737</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830737/004_book_1_youth_chapter_4.mp3" length="11443200" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1431</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>003 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/003-book-1-youth-chapter-3--69830736</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830736</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:29 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830736/003_book_1_youth_chapter_3.mp3" length="6673920" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>835</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>002 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/002-book-1-youth-chapter-2--69830735</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830735</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830735/002_book_1_youth_chapter_2.mp3" length="13954048" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1745</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>001 - Book 1 - Youth - Chapter 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/001-book-1-youth-chapter-1--69830734</link><description><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830734</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:51:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69830734/001_book_1_youth_chapter_1.mp3" length="13641728" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Theodore Dreiser</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1706</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>art,autobiography,chicago,desire,dreiser,fidelity,marriage,new york,relationships,struggle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/41bfd11ec5535990593c1501c839a00e.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
