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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>Monk - A Romance</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monk-a-romance--6885656</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6885656/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Fiction Classics</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg</url><title>Monk - A Romance</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monk-a-romance--6885656</link></image><lastBuildDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:33:37 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Fiction Classics</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker27@adfreesounds.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></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><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dramatic-reading-scene-and-story-collection-volume-005-various--73710869</link><description><![CDATA["Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various" offers a captivating selection of dramatic readings that showcase a variety of scenes and stories. This collection invites listeners to immerse themselves in the power of storytelling, where each piece evokes emotion and reflection. The timeless themes of love, conflict, and human connection resonate deeply, making this collection a rich experience for anyone seeking to explore the art of narrative. With its diverse range of voices and styles, this audiobook serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of storytelling in our lives, making it a must-listen for both avid readers and new listeners alike.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73710869</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:04:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73710869/20304_dramatic_reading_scene_and_story_collection_volume_005_various.mp3" length="174099545" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various" offers a captivating selection of dramatic readings that showcase a variety of scenes and stories. This collection invites listeners to immerse themselves in the power of storytelling,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various" offers a captivating selection of dramatic readings that showcase a variety of scenes and stories. This collection invites listeners to immerse themselves in the power of storytelling, where each piece evokes emotion and reflection. The timeless themes of love, conflict, and human connection resonate deeply, making this collection a rich experience for anyone seeking to explore the art of narrative. With its diverse range of voices and styles, this audiobook serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of storytelling in our lives, making it a must-listen for both avid readers and new listeners alike.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>21739</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>History of King Lear-Nahum Tate</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/history-of-king-lear-nahum-tate--73688753</link><description><![CDATA["History of King Lear" by Nahum Tate reimagines the classic tale of familial betrayal and tragic downfall, presenting a version that emphasizes themes of redemption and reconciliation. This adaptation diverges from Shakespeare’s original, offering a more optimistic conclusion that resonates with contemporary audiences seeking hope amidst turmoil. The exploration of familial dynamics and the quest for understanding remain relevant today, as listeners reflect on the complexities of relationships and the enduring need for forgiveness. Tate's interpretation invites us to consider the power of love and loyalty in the face of adversity, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire and provoke thought.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73688753</guid><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:04:24 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73688753/history_of_king_lear_nahum_tate.mp3" length="76325858" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"History of King Lear" by Nahum Tate reimagines the classic tale of familial betrayal and tragic downfall, presenting a version that emphasizes themes of redemption and reconciliation. This adaptation diverges from Shakespeare’s original, offering a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["History of King Lear" by Nahum Tate reimagines the classic tale of familial betrayal and tragic downfall, presenting a version that emphasizes themes of redemption and reconciliation. This adaptation diverges from Shakespeare’s original, offering a more optimistic conclusion that resonates with contemporary audiences seeking hope amidst turmoil. The exploration of familial dynamics and the quest for understanding remain relevant today, as listeners reflect on the complexities of relationships and the enduring need for forgiveness. Tate's interpretation invites us to consider the power of love and loyalty in the face of adversity, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire and provoke thought.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9531</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stories of Don Quixote written anew for young people-James Baldwin</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stories-of-don-quixote-written-anew-for-young-people-james-baldwin--73663209</link><description><![CDATA["Stories of Don Quixote written anew for young people" by James Baldwin presents a fresh retelling of the classic tale, making it accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Baldwin's interpretation captures the essence of Don Quixote's adventures, emphasizing themes of imagination, idealism, and the pursuit of dreams. This timeless story resonates today as it invites listeners to reflect on the power of belief and the courage to challenge the status quo. By presenting these enduring themes through a youthful lens, Baldwin encourages a new generation to embrace their own quests for meaning and adventure, making it a worthwhile listen for anyone seeking inspiration and insight.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73663209</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:45:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73663209/stories_of_don_quixote_written_anew_for_young_people_james_baldwin.mp3" length="134742500" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Stories of Don Quixote written anew for young people" by James Baldwin presents a fresh retelling of the classic tale, making it accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Baldwin's interpretation captures the essence of Don Quixote's adventures,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Stories of Don Quixote written anew for young people" by James Baldwin presents a fresh retelling of the classic tale, making it accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Baldwin's interpretation captures the essence of Don Quixote's adventures, emphasizing themes of imagination, idealism, and the pursuit of dreams. This timeless story resonates today as it invites listeners to reflect on the power of belief and the courage to challenge the status quo. By presenting these enduring themes through a youthful lens, Baldwin encourages a new generation to embrace their own quests for meaning and adventure, making it a worthwhile listen for anyone seeking inspiration and insight.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16826</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Life and Adventures of Jack Engle An AutoBiography-Walt Whitman</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-and-adventures-of-jack-engle-an-autobiography-walt-whitman--73639891</link><description><![CDATA["Life and Adventures of Jack Engle: An Autobiography" by Walt Whitman offers a glimpse into the life of a character shaped by the trials and triumphs of the human experience. This narrative captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery, reflecting themes of individuality and personal growth that resonate deeply with readers today. Whitman's unique voice and perspective invite listeners to explore the complexities of life, making it a timeless work that encourages reflection on one's own journey. Engle's story serves as a reminder of the enduring quest for identity and belonging, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking inspiration and connection in their own adventures.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73639891</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:17:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73639891/life_and_adventures_of_jack_engle_an_autobiography_walt_whitman.mp3" length="118992467" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Life and Adventures of Jack Engle: An Autobiography" by Walt Whitman offers a glimpse into the life of a character shaped by the trials and triumphs of the human experience. This narrative captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Life and Adventures of Jack Engle: An Autobiography" by Walt Whitman offers a glimpse into the life of a character shaped by the trials and triumphs of the human experience. This narrative captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery, reflecting themes of individuality and personal growth that resonate deeply with readers today. Whitman's unique voice and perspective invite listeners to explore the complexities of life, making it a timeless work that encourages reflection on one's own journey. Engle's story serves as a reminder of the enduring quest for identity and belonging, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking inspiration and connection in their own adventures.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>14859</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Hermann and Dorothea-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/hermann-and-dorothea-johann-wolfgang-von-goethe--73598680</link><description><![CDATA["Hermann and Dorothea" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a poignant exploration of love, community, and the human spirit set against the backdrop of a time of social upheaval. This lyrical narrative captures the essence of romantic ideals and the struggles of individuals seeking connection amidst chaos. Goethe's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of devotion and resilience, making it a timeless work that resonates with readers today. The exploration of personal and societal challenges continues to reflect our own quests for love and belonging, ensuring that this classic remains relevant and compelling for contemporary audiences. Experience the beauty and depth of Goethe's vision as it unfolds in this enduring tale.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73598680</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:59:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73598680/hermann_and_dorothea_johann_wolfgang_von_goethe.mp3" length="71920116" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Hermann and Dorothea" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a poignant exploration of love, community, and the human spirit set against the backdrop of a time of social upheaval. This lyrical narrative captures the essence of romantic ideals and the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Hermann and Dorothea" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a poignant exploration of love, community, and the human spirit set against the backdrop of a time of social upheaval. This lyrical narrative captures the essence of romantic ideals and the struggles of individuals seeking connection amidst chaos. Goethe's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of devotion and resilience, making it a timeless work that resonates with readers today. The exploration of personal and societal challenges continues to reflect our own quests for love and belonging, ensuring that this classic remains relevant and compelling for contemporary audiences. Experience the beauty and depth of Goethe's vision as it unfolds in this enduring tale.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>8981</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Tales of 1928 A Selection of Folktales, Fables, and Legends from Books Published in 1928-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/tales-of-1928-a-selection-of-folktales-fables-and-legends-from-books-published-in-1928-various--73561219</link><description><![CDATA["Tales of 1928" is a captivating collection that brings together a variety of folktales, fables, and legends from books published in the year 1928. This anthology showcases the rich tapestry of storytelling from that era, reflecting timeless themes of morality, human nature, and the complexities of life. The tales resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the enduring power of narrative to convey wisdom and cultural heritage. As these stories traverse the boundaries of time and place, they invite us to explore the values and lessons that remain relevant in our contemporary world, making this selection a treasure trove for both history enthusiasts and lovers of classic literature.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73561219</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:15:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73561219/tales_of_1928_a_selection_of_folktales_fables_and_legends_from_books_published_in_1928_various.mp3" length="94490060" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Tales of 1928" is a captivating collection that brings together a variety of folktales, fables, and legends from books published in the year 1928. This anthology showcases the rich tapestry of storytelling from that era, reflecting timeless themes of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Tales of 1928" is a captivating collection that brings together a variety of folktales, fables, and legends from books published in the year 1928. This anthology showcases the rich tapestry of storytelling from that era, reflecting timeless themes of morality, human nature, and the complexities of life. The tales resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the enduring power of narrative to convey wisdom and cultural heritage. As these stories traverse the boundaries of time and place, they invite us to explore the values and lessons that remain relevant in our contemporary world, making this selection a treasure trove for both history enthusiasts and lovers of classic literature.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11799</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Further Adventures of Zorro (Dramatic Reading)-Johnston McCulley</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/further-adventures-of-zorro-dramatic-reading-johnston-mcculley--73524056</link><description><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the thrilling escapades of "Further Adventures of Zorro," a dramatic reading of Johnston McCulley's timeless classic. This captivating tale follows the legendary masked hero as he continues to fight for justice and defend the oppressed in a world rife with corruption and tyranny. The themes of bravery, honor, and the struggle against injustice resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the enduring appeal of a hero who stands up for the voiceless. As Zorro's adventures unfold, listeners will be drawn into a world of swashbuckling action and romance, celebrating the spirit of resistance and the quest for truth that remains relevant across generations.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73524056</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:16:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73524056/further_adventures_of_zorro_dramatic_reading_johnston_mcculley.mp3" length="221986197" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Immerse yourself in the thrilling escapades of "Further Adventures of Zorro," a dramatic reading of Johnston McCulley's timeless classic. This captivating tale follows the legendary masked hero as he continues to fight for justice and defend the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the thrilling escapades of "Further Adventures of Zorro," a dramatic reading of Johnston McCulley's timeless classic. This captivating tale follows the legendary masked hero as he continues to fight for justice and defend the oppressed in a world rife with corruption and tyranny. The themes of bravery, honor, and the struggle against injustice resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the enduring appeal of a hero who stands up for the voiceless. As Zorro's adventures unfold, listeners will be drawn into a world of swashbuckling action and romance, celebrating the spirit of resistance and the quest for truth that remains relevant across generations.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27720</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>023 - Chapter XII</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/023-chapter-xii--70165478</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165478</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165478/monk_12_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="26515127" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bce09be1-6f81-4e45-8235-b0098f617491/bce09be1-6f81-4e45-8235-b0098f617491.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bce09be1-6f81-4e45-8235-b0098f617491/bce09be1-6f81-4e45-8235-b0098f617491.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/bce09be1-6f81-4e45-8235-b0098f617491/bce09be1-6f81-4e45-8235-b0098f617491.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3315</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>022 - Chapter XI part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/022-chapter-xi-part-2--70165477</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165477</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165477/monk_11b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="26733937" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/92ca5093-65c0-455a-8e0b-c95af5ff01d6/92ca5093-65c0-455a-8e0b-c95af5ff01d6.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/92ca5093-65c0-455a-8e0b-c95af5ff01d6/92ca5093-65c0-455a-8e0b-c95af5ff01d6.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/92ca5093-65c0-455a-8e0b-c95af5ff01d6/92ca5093-65c0-455a-8e0b-c95af5ff01d6.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3342</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>021 - Chapter XI part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/021-chapter-xi-part-1--70165476</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165476</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:45 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165476/monk_11a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="19853911" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/776f2dff-c00c-4360-b691-589ebb648be0/776f2dff-c00c-4360-b691-589ebb648be0.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/776f2dff-c00c-4360-b691-589ebb648be0/776f2dff-c00c-4360-b691-589ebb648be0.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/776f2dff-c00c-4360-b691-589ebb648be0/776f2dff-c00c-4360-b691-589ebb648be0.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2482</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>020 - Chapter X part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/020-chapter-x-part-2--70165475</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165475</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165475/monk_10b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="14492329" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5aa508df-cb43-4642-9e36-8edcfafee8ec/5aa508df-cb43-4642-9e36-8edcfafee8ec.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5aa508df-cb43-4642-9e36-8edcfafee8ec/5aa508df-cb43-4642-9e36-8edcfafee8ec.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5aa508df-cb43-4642-9e36-8edcfafee8ec/5aa508df-cb43-4642-9e36-8edcfafee8ec.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1812</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>019 - Chapter X part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/019-chapter-x-part-1--70165474</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165474</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165474/monk_10a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="19978462" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8da68ece-1191-4b31-be9b-1cc8b6c7ef64/8da68ece-1191-4b31-be9b-1cc8b6c7ef64.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8da68ece-1191-4b31-be9b-1cc8b6c7ef64/8da68ece-1191-4b31-be9b-1cc8b6c7ef64.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8da68ece-1191-4b31-be9b-1cc8b6c7ef64/8da68ece-1191-4b31-be9b-1cc8b6c7ef64.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2498</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>018 - Chapter IX part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/018-chapter-ix-part-2--70165473</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165473</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165473/monk_09b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="18024294" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/214b5456-1616-40a1-8d98-476dcd2a0c9e/214b5456-1616-40a1-8d98-476dcd2a0c9e.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/214b5456-1616-40a1-8d98-476dcd2a0c9e/214b5456-1616-40a1-8d98-476dcd2a0c9e.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/214b5456-1616-40a1-8d98-476dcd2a0c9e/214b5456-1616-40a1-8d98-476dcd2a0c9e.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2253</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>017 - Chapter IX part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/017-chapter-ix-part-1--70165472</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165472</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:40 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165472/monk_09a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="22232307" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/111ae9d9-bb85-4a44-9969-fdfd4f79756e/111ae9d9-bb85-4a44-9969-fdfd4f79756e.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/111ae9d9-bb85-4a44-9969-fdfd4f79756e/111ae9d9-bb85-4a44-9969-fdfd4f79756e.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/111ae9d9-bb85-4a44-9969-fdfd4f79756e/111ae9d9-bb85-4a44-9969-fdfd4f79756e.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2779</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>016 - Chapter VIII</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/016-chapter-viii--70165471</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165471</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165471/monk_08_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="24122103" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/04c0e240-d1d7-4d97-b6e9-0b8b9e606c12/04c0e240-d1d7-4d97-b6e9-0b8b9e606c12.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/04c0e240-d1d7-4d97-b6e9-0b8b9e606c12/04c0e240-d1d7-4d97-b6e9-0b8b9e606c12.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/04c0e240-d1d7-4d97-b6e9-0b8b9e606c12/04c0e240-d1d7-4d97-b6e9-0b8b9e606c12.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3016</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>015 - Chapter VII</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/015-chapter-vii--70165470</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165470</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165470/monk_07_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="25658520" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8fb3f2f4-8f0b-4614-a75d-aafc50b6271a/8fb3f2f4-8f0b-4614-a75d-aafc50b6271a.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8fb3f2f4-8f0b-4614-a75d-aafc50b6271a/8fb3f2f4-8f0b-4614-a75d-aafc50b6271a.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/8fb3f2f4-8f0b-4614-a75d-aafc50b6271a/8fb3f2f4-8f0b-4614-a75d-aafc50b6271a.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3208</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>014 - Chapter VI part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/014-chapter-vi-part-2--70165469</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165469</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165469/monk_06b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="11917493" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5abd2dc2-fb2f-4a13-b78e-d0579ba308e0/5abd2dc2-fb2f-4a13-b78e-d0579ba308e0.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5abd2dc2-fb2f-4a13-b78e-d0579ba308e0/5abd2dc2-fb2f-4a13-b78e-d0579ba308e0.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5abd2dc2-fb2f-4a13-b78e-d0579ba308e0/5abd2dc2-fb2f-4a13-b78e-d0579ba308e0.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1490</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>013 - Chapter VI part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/013-chapter-vi-part-1--70165468</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165468</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165468/monk_06a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="22091246" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2762</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>012 - Chapter V part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/012-chapter-v-part-2--70165467</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165467</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165467/monk_05b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="15305051" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1914</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>011 - Chapter V part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/011-chapter-v-part-1--70165466</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165466</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165466/monk_05a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="17217841" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2153</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>010 - Chapter IV part 3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/010-chapter-iv-part-3--70165465</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165465</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165465/monk_04c_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="13657875" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1708</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>009 - Chapter IV part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/009-chapter-iv-part-2--70165464</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165464</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:30 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165464/monk_04b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="21107788" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2639</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>008 - Chapter IV part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/008-chapter-iv-part-1--70165463</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165463</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165463/monk_04a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="28278296" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3535</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>007 - Chapter III part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/007-chapter-iii-part-2--70165462</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165462</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:27 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165462/monk_03b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="19581193" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2448</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>006 - Chapter III part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/006-chapter-iii-part-1--70165461</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165461</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165461/monk_03a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="16289347" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2037</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>005 - Chapter II part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/005-chapter-ii-part-2--70165460</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165460</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165460/monk_02b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="27106129" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3389</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>004 - Chapter II part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/004-chapter-ii-part-1--70165459</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165459</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165459/monk_02a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="28067018" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3509</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>003 - Chapter I part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/003-chapter-i-part-2--70165458</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165458</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165458/monk_01b_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="12714122" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1590</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>002 - Chapter I part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/002-chapter-i-part-1--70165457</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165457</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165457/monk_01a_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="20098834" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2513</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>001 - IntroductionPrefaceAdvertisement</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/001-introductionprefaceadvertisement--70165456</link><description><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70165456</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:50:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70165456/monk_00_lewis_64kb.mp3" length="18306432" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Matthew Gregory Lewiss The Monk A Romance weaves a captivating tale of frustrated and unrequited desire between mentor and pupil, enriched by supernatural elements. This narrative is laced with provocative subplots, including themes of rape, torture, and incest, presenting an age-old battle of good versus evil where, intriguingly, evil triumphs. Upon its initial release in 1795, the book garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike, prompting a second edition the following year. However, by the third year, it faced mounting criticism for its perceived immorality. The controversy surrounding The Monk was so intense that Lewis was compelled to issue a revised edition, stripping away much of the originals scandalous content to salvage his family’s reputation and his political standing. Straddling the realms of Gothicism and Decadence, the work also incorporates elements of Romanticism and challenges traditional gender roles—especially through the character of Rosario/Matilda. The intense sexual tension between Ambrosio and this character, culminating in a revelation of true identity, serves as an early exploration of same-sex love, marking The Monk as a significant contribution to LGBT literature. Despite the backlash, the novel remained a bestseller well into the 19th century. In this reading, I will present the unexpurgated version, complete with all the original “scandal and immorality.” (Introduction by James K. White)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2289</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>desire,gothic,identity,lgbt,literature,morality,romance,scandal,supernatural,unrequited</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/fde9aa6480a9361b8409ecc4c494eaa1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
