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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>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:27:08 +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><podcast:guid>a1b82447-2c8b-5cbc-ad26-47671e1d148e</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (Fitzgerald version)-Omar Khayyám</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/rubaiyat-of-omar-khayyam-fitzgerald-version-omar-khayyam--74442104</link><description><![CDATA[The "Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám," in its Fitzgerald version, is a timeless collection of poetic reflections that delve into themes of love, fate, and the fleeting nature of life. Omar Khayyám's verses invite listeners to ponder the joys and sorrows of existence, encouraging a deep appreciation for the present moment. This enduring work resonates with audiences today, as its exploration of existential questions and the pursuit of meaning remains relevant in our fast-paced world. The lyrical beauty and philosophical depth of Khayyám's poetry make it a profound listening experience, reminding us of the universal human experience that transcends time and culture.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74442104</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:05:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74442104/ruba_iya_t_of_omar_khayya_m_fitzgerald_version_omar_khayya_m.mp3" length="67940417" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The "Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám," in its Fitzgerald version, is a timeless collection of poetic reflections that delve into themes of love, fate, and the fleeting nature of life. Omar Khayyám's verses invite listeners to ponder the joys and sorrows of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The "Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám," in its Fitzgerald version, is a timeless collection of poetic reflections that delve into themes of love, fate, and the fleeting nature of life. Omar Khayyám's verses invite listeners to ponder the joys and sorrows of existence, encouraging a deep appreciation for the present moment. This enduring work resonates with audiences today, as its exploration of existential questions and the pursuit of meaning remains relevant in our fast-paced world. The lyrical beauty and philosophical depth of Khayyám's poetry make it a profound listening experience, reminding us of the universal human experience that transcends time and culture.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>8484</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>Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji)-Murasaki Shikibu</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/genji-monogatari-the-tale-of-genji-murasaki-shikibu--74391911</link><description><![CDATA["Genji Monogatari," also known as "The Tale of Genji," is a classic work by Murasaki Shikibu that explores the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman in the Heian period of Japan. The narrative delves into themes of romance, the fleeting nature of life, and the complexities of human emotions, making it a timeless exploration of desire and loss. Its intricate character development and rich portrayal of court life provide listeners with a profound understanding of the human experience, resonating with audiences even today.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74391911</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:05:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74391911/genji_monogatari_the_tale_of_genji_murasaki_shikibu.mp3" length="255865488" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Genji Monogatari," also known as "The Tale of Genji," is a classic work by Murasaki Shikibu that explores the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman in the Heian period of Japan. The narrative delves into themes of romance, the fleeting nature of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Genji Monogatari," also known as "The Tale of Genji," is a classic work by Murasaki Shikibu that explores the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman in the Heian period of Japan. The narrative delves into themes of romance, the fleeting nature of life, and the complexities of human emotions, making it a timeless exploration of desire and loss. Its intricate character development and rich portrayal of court life provide listeners with a profound understanding of the human experience, resonating with audiences even today.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>31951</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>Friendly Road, New Adventures in Contentment-Ray Stannard Baker</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/friendly-road-new-adventures-in-contentment-ray-stannard-baker--74315674</link><description><![CDATA["Friendly Road, New Adventures in Contentment" by Ray Stannard Baker invites listeners on a journey of introspection and discovery, exploring the timeless pursuit of contentment in life. This audiobook delves into the essence of finding joy and satisfaction in everyday experiences, resonating with those who seek meaning in a fast-paced world. Baker's reflections remind us that the quest for happiness is not just a personal endeavor but a shared human experience, making it a relevant and enriching listen today. The themes of simplicity, gratitude, and the importance of community echo through the ages, offering wisdom that continues to inspire and uplift.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74315674</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:04:45 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74315674/friendly_road_new_adventures_in_contentment_ray_stannard_baker.mp3" length="208054415" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Friendly Road, New Adventures in Contentment" by Ray Stannard Baker invites listeners on a journey of introspection and discovery, exploring the timeless pursuit of contentment in life. This audiobook delves into the essence of finding joy and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Friendly Road, New Adventures in Contentment" by Ray Stannard Baker invites listeners on a journey of introspection and discovery, exploring the timeless pursuit of contentment in life. This audiobook delves into the essence of finding joy and satisfaction in everyday experiences, resonating with those who seek meaning in a fast-paced world. Baker's reflections remind us that the quest for happiness is not just a personal endeavor but a shared human experience, making it a relevant and enriching listen today. The themes of simplicity, gratitude, and the importance of community echo through the ages, offering wisdom that continues to inspire and uplift.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25980</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>Amoretti A sonnet sequence-Edmund Spenser</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/amoretti-a-sonnet-sequence-edmund-spenser--74215877</link><description><![CDATA["Amoretti" is a captivating sonnet sequence by Edmund Spenser that explores the themes of love and devotion through a rich tapestry of poetic expression. This collection not only showcases Spenser's masterful command of language but also delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, making it a timeless reflection on the nature of love. The emotional depth and lyrical beauty of these sonnets resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the human experience. As we navigate our own relationships in the modern world, Spenser's insights into passion, longing, and commitment continue to inspire and connect us across centuries.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74215877</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:06:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74215877/amoretti_a_sonnet_sequence_edmund_spenser.mp3" length="53763461" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Amoretti" is a captivating sonnet sequence by Edmund Spenser that explores the themes of love and devotion through a rich tapestry of poetic expression. This collection not only showcases Spenser's masterful command of language but also delves into...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Amoretti" is a captivating sonnet sequence by Edmund Spenser that explores the themes of love and devotion through a rich tapestry of poetic expression. This collection not only showcases Spenser's masterful command of language but also delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, making it a timeless reflection on the nature of love. The emotional depth and lyrical beauty of these sonnets resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the human experience. As we navigate our own relationships in the modern world, Spenser's insights into passion, longing, and commitment continue to inspire and connect us across centuries.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6713</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>Love-at-Arms-Rafael Sabatini</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-at-arms-rafael-sabatini--74155214</link><description><![CDATA["Love-at-Arms" by Rafael Sabatini is a captivating tale that intertwines themes of passion, honor, and the complexities of love against a backdrop of conflict. As the characters navigate their emotional landscapes, listeners will find themselves drawn into a world where loyalty and desire clash, revealing the timeless struggle between duty and the heart's true calling. This story remains relevant today as it explores the enduring nature of love and sacrifice, reminding us that the quest for connection often comes with trials and tribulations. With Sabatini's masterful storytelling, "Love-at-Arms" invites you to experience a romance that transcends time and resonates with the human experience.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74155214</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:06:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74155214/love_at_arms_rafael_sabatini.mp3" length="285532723" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Love-at-Arms" by Rafael Sabatini is a captivating tale that intertwines themes of passion, honor, and the complexities of love against a backdrop of conflict. As the characters navigate their emotional landscapes, listeners will find themselves drawn...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Love-at-Arms" by Rafael Sabatini is a captivating tale that intertwines themes of passion, honor, and the complexities of love against a backdrop of conflict. As the characters navigate their emotional landscapes, listeners will find themselves drawn into a world where loyalty and desire clash, revealing the timeless struggle between duty and the heart's true calling. This story remains relevant today as it explores the enduring nature of love and sacrifice, reminding us that the quest for connection often comes with trials and tribulations. With Sabatini's masterful storytelling, "Love-at-Arms" invites you to experience a romance that transcends time and resonates with the human experience.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35656</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>Woman and War-Olive Schreiner</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/woman-and-war-olive-schreiner--74105618</link><description><![CDATA["Woman and War" by Olive Schreiner is a profound exploration of the impact of war on women and society, delving into themes of gender, conflict, and the human spirit. Schreiner's insights into the struggles and resilience of women during tumultuous times resonate deeply today, as discussions around gender equality and the effects of war continue to shape our world. This work invites listeners to reflect on the enduring strength of women and the broader implications of war, making it a timeless addition to the literary canon. Engaging with Schreiner's thought-provoking narrative offers a window into the complexities of human experience, reminding us of the vital roles women play in both peace and conflict.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74105618</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:06:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74105618/woman_and_war_olive_schreiner.mp3" length="24927473" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Woman and War" by Olive Schreiner is a profound exploration of the impact of war on women and society, delving into themes of gender, conflict, and the human spirit. Schreiner's insights into the struggles and resilience of women during tumultuous...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Woman and War" by Olive Schreiner is a profound exploration of the impact of war on women and society, delving into themes of gender, conflict, and the human spirit. Schreiner's insights into the struggles and resilience of women during tumultuous times resonate deeply today, as discussions around gender equality and the effects of war continue to shape our world. This work invites listeners to reflect on the enduring strength of women and the broader implications of war, making it a timeless addition to the literary canon. Engaging with Schreiner's thought-provoking narrative offers a window into the complexities of human experience, reminding us of the vital roles women play in both peace and conflict.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3113</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--74058155</link><description><![CDATA["Hermann and Dorothea" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a lyrical narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and the interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of a time of conflict, the story unfolds the romance between the titular characters as they navigate the complexities of their world. This timeless tale resonates today, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring nature of human connection and the struggles faced in the pursuit of happiness amidst external challenges.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74058155</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:06:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74058155/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 lyrical narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and the interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of a time of conflict, the story unfolds the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Hermann and Dorothea" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a lyrical narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and the interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of a time of conflict, the story unfolds the romance between the titular characters as they navigate the complexities of their world. This timeless tale resonates today, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring nature of human connection and the struggles faced in the pursuit of happiness amidst external challenges.]]></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>Foxe's Book of Martyrs Vol 2: Lives and Deaths of Early Christian and Protestant Martyrs-Forbush, Foxe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/foxe-s-book-of-martyrs-vol-2-lives-and-deaths-of-early-christian-and-protestant-martyrs-forbush-foxe--74008476</link><description><![CDATA["Foxe's Book of Martyrs Vol 2" delves into the lives and deaths of early Christian and Protestant martyrs, illuminating their unwavering faith in the face of persecution. This volume captures the profound sacrifices made by individuals who stood firm in their beliefs, offering a powerful testament to the strength of conviction and the human spirit. The stories of these martyrs resonate today as they remind us of the ongoing struggles for religious freedom and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. Their enduring legacies encourage reflection on faith, resilience, and the impact of individual courage in challenging times, making this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in history and spirituality.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74008476</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:07:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74008476/foxe_s_book_of_martyrs_vol_2_lives_and_deaths_of_early_christian_and_protestant_martyrs_forbush_foxe.mp3" length="274822740" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Foxe's Book of Martyrs Vol 2" delves into the lives and deaths of early Christian and Protestant martyrs, illuminating their unwavering faith in the face of persecution. This volume captures the profound sacrifices made by individuals who stood firm...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Foxe's Book of Martyrs Vol 2" delves into the lives and deaths of early Christian and Protestant martyrs, illuminating their unwavering faith in the face of persecution. This volume captures the profound sacrifices made by individuals who stood firm in their beliefs, offering a powerful testament to the strength of conviction and the human spirit. The stories of these martyrs resonate today as they remind us of the ongoing struggles for religious freedom and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. Their enduring legacies encourage reflection on faith, resilience, and the impact of individual courage in challenging times, making this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in history and spirituality.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34318</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>Prose Edda (Brodeur Translation)-Snorri Sturleson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/prose-edda-brodeur-translation-snorri-sturleson--73956720</link><description><![CDATA["Prose Edda (Brodeur Translation)" by Snorri Sturluson is a foundational work of Norse mythology and poetry that captures the rich tapestry of ancient Scandinavian lore. This collection of tales not only recounts the exploits of gods and heroes but also serves as a vital source for understanding the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Norse people. Its themes of fate, honor, and the struggle between chaos and order resonate profoundly, reminding us of the timeless human experience. As listeners delve into these epic narratives, they will discover the enduring power of storytelling that has shaped literary traditions for centuries, making it a captivating experience for both new and seasoned fans of mythology.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73956720</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:06:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73956720/prose_edda_brodeur_translation_snorri_sturleson.mp3" length="183066115" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Prose Edda (Brodeur Translation)" by Snorri Sturluson is a foundational work of Norse mythology and poetry that captures the rich tapestry of ancient Scandinavian lore. This collection of tales not only recounts the exploits of gods and heroes but...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Prose Edda (Brodeur Translation)" by Snorri Sturluson is a foundational work of Norse mythology and poetry that captures the rich tapestry of ancient Scandinavian lore. This collection of tales not only recounts the exploits of gods and heroes but also serves as a vital source for understanding the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Norse people. Its themes of fate, honor, and the struggle between chaos and order resonate profoundly, reminding us of the timeless human experience. As listeners delve into these epic narratives, they will discover the enduring power of storytelling that has shaped literary traditions for centuries, making it a captivating experience for both new and seasoned fans of mythology.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22860</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>Short Plays from Dickens-Horace Baker Browne</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/short-plays-from-dickens-horace-baker-browne--73902234</link><description><![CDATA["Short Plays from Dickens-Horace Baker Browne" brings to life the theatrical adaptations of Charles Dickens' beloved tales, showcasing the wit and social commentary that have made his work timeless. These short plays capture the essence of Dickens' storytelling, reflecting on themes of morality, class struggle, and the human condition that resonate just as strongly today. The clever dialogue and vivid characters invite listeners to explore the complexities of society and the enduring nature of hope and redemption. This collection not only celebrates Dickens' literary genius but also serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience across generations.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73902234</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:08:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73902234/short_plays_from_dickens_horace_baker_browne.mp3" length="190012074" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Short Plays from Dickens-Horace Baker Browne" brings to life the theatrical adaptations of Charles Dickens' beloved tales, showcasing the wit and social commentary that have made his work timeless. These short plays capture the essence of Dickens'...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Short Plays from Dickens-Horace Baker Browne" brings to life the theatrical adaptations of Charles Dickens' beloved tales, showcasing the wit and social commentary that have made his work timeless. These short plays capture the essence of Dickens' storytelling, reflecting on themes of morality, class struggle, and the human condition that resonate just as strongly today. The clever dialogue and vivid characters invite listeners to explore the complexities of society and the enduring nature of hope and redemption. This collection not only celebrates Dickens' literary genius but also serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience across generations.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>23726</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>As You Like It (version 3)-William Shakespeare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/as-you-like-it-version-3-william-shakespeare--73807326</link><description><![CDATA["As You Like It" by William Shakespeare is a timeless exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of the Forest of Arden. This enchanting tale invites listeners to immerse themselves in its themes of romance, the contrast between court life and pastoral simplicity, and the transformative power of nature. Shakespeare's witty dialogue and memorable characters continue to resonate, reflecting the enduring nature of love and the quest for self-discovery. With its rich language and profound insights, this version of "As You Like It" remains a captivating experience that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, making it a must-hear for audiences today.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73807326</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:03:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73807326/as_you_like_it_version_3_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="81168387" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"As You Like It" by William Shakespeare is a timeless exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of the Forest of Arden. This enchanting tale invites listeners to immerse themselves in its...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["As You Like It" by William Shakespeare is a timeless exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of the Forest of Arden. This enchanting tale invites listeners to immerse themselves in its themes of romance, the contrast between court life and pastoral simplicity, and the transformative power of nature. Shakespeare's witty dialogue and memorable characters continue to resonate, reflecting the enduring nature of love and the quest for self-discovery. With its rich language and profound insights, this version of "As You Like It" remains a captivating experience that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, making it a must-hear for audiences today.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>10136</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>Science and the Modern World-Alfred North Whitehead</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-and-the-modern-world-alfred-north-whitehead--73770339</link><description><![CDATA["Science and the Modern World" by Alfred North Whitehead delves into the profound relationship between scientific advancements and the evolution of human thought. Whitehead examines how the developments in science have reshaped our understanding of reality, offering insights that remain relevant today as we navigate the complexities of modern life. His exploration of the interplay between science and philosophy invites listeners to reflect on the implications of scientific discovery on culture and belief systems. This enduring work challenges us to consider the foundational ideas that continue to influence our worldview, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersections of knowledge and existence.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73770339</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:03:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73770339/science_and_the_modern_world_alfred_north_whitehead.mp3" length="219089251" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Science and the Modern World" by Alfred North Whitehead delves into the profound relationship between scientific advancements and the evolution of human thought. Whitehead examines how the developments in science have reshaped our understanding of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Science and the Modern World" by Alfred North Whitehead delves into the profound relationship between scientific advancements and the evolution of human thought. Whitehead examines how the developments in science have reshaped our understanding of reality, offering insights that remain relevant today as we navigate the complexities of modern life. His exploration of the interplay between science and philosophy invites listeners to reflect on the implications of scientific discovery on culture and belief systems. This enduring work challenges us to consider the foundational ideas that continue to influence our worldview, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersections of knowledge and existence.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27359</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>Burston Rebellion-Thomas George Higdon</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/burston-rebellion-thomas-george-higdon--73736688</link><description><![CDATA["Burston Rebellion" by Thomas George Higdon delves into the complexities of resistance and the human spirit's drive for justice. This compelling narrative captures the essence of rebellion, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to challenge the status quo. Its themes of courage, perseverance, and the quest for freedom resonate powerfully in today's world, reminding listeners of the timeless nature of the fight against oppression. As listeners engage with Higdon's vivid storytelling, they will find themselves reflecting on the enduring impact of rebellion and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, making this audiobook a poignant experience for anyone seeking inspiration and insight.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73736688</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:03:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73736688/19136_burston_rebellion_thomas_george_higdon.mp3" length="108343335" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Matthew Lewis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Burston Rebellion" by Thomas George Higdon delves into the complexities of resistance and the human spirit's drive for justice. This compelling narrative captures the essence of rebellion, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Burston Rebellion" by Thomas George Higdon delves into the complexities of resistance and the human spirit's drive for justice. This compelling narrative captures the essence of rebellion, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to challenge the status quo. Its themes of courage, perseverance, and the quest for freedom resonate powerfully in today's world, reminding listeners of the timeless nature of the fight against oppression. As listeners engage with Higdon's vivid storytelling, they will find themselves reflecting on the enduring impact of rebellion and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, making this audiobook a poignant experience for anyone seeking inspiration and insight.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>13529</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>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>
