https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-john-ruskin-library--7270629
From the stones of Venice to the clouds above the Alps, from the hand of the craftsman to the conscience of society, these readings invite you into one of the nineteenth century’s most searching and distinctive minds. Listen closely, and learn again how to see.]]>enDesignPublic domainhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0c170aa6c94e5b021a70a1e88efc1f65.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-john-ruskin-library--7270629Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:30:17 +0000John RuskinGood Old Classicsfeeds@spreaker.comEnter a library in which art, nature, architecture, labour, beauty, and the duties of human life are examined with uncommon intensity. The John Ruskin Library presents Ruskin’s books in full, giving his arguments room to unfold as he intended:...
From the stones of Venice to the clouds above the Alps, from the hand of the craftsman to the conscience of society, these readings invite you into one of the nineteenth century’s most searching and distinctive minds. Listen closely, and learn again how to see.]]>falsed46ebda6-9025-5f20-966d-0b03ceaa972aserialhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-preface-part-1--74320616https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320616Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:38:49 +0000John RuskinIn which a mature mind reflects upon the evolution of his thoughts, offering clarifications and corrections on earlier works whilst emphasising the value of choosing literature wisely and treating books as treasured possessions. He imparts earnest...727false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-preface-part-2--74320621https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320621Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the thoughtful reader is gently guided to cultivate self-awareness and daily improvement through honest reflection and practical service, especially in small, useful tasks that beautify and aid the lives of others. The instruction proceeds...858false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-preface-part-3--74320624https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320624Sun, 23 Aug 2026 18:30:06 +0000John RuskinIn which a thoughtful reflection on the virtues and shortcomings of women’s roles is gently unfolded, interwoven with an earnest letter from a French lady lamenting the perils of luxury and extravagance that have beleaguered her own society and may...606false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-i-of-kings-treasuries-part-1--74320631https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320631Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the lecturer invites us to contemplate the true treasures concealed within books, distinguishing the fleeting talk of the hour from the enduring wisdom inscribed for all time, and reflects on the common human pursuit of advancement through...784false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-i-of-kings-treasuries-part-2--74320636https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320636Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the reader is gently entreated to approach books with the reverence and earnestness due to a court of timeless intellects, requiring love, labour, and a patient unveiling of meaning beneath their surface. Words are shown to be vessels of...1603false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-i-of-kings-treasuries-part-3--74320638https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320638Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the reader is invited to ponder the solemn office of true episcopal care as envisioned by Milton, distinguishing it sharply from the wrong ambitions of false clergy who seek power through creeping, intruding, or climbing. There unfolds a...895false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-i-of-kings-treasuries-part-4--74320643https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320643Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which John Ruskin meditates upon the vital importance of sensation as the noblest distinction of humanity, cautioning against the dullness and callousness that breed vulgarity and injustice in both individuals and nations. He proceeds to lament the...1076false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-i-of-kings-treasuries-part-5--74320645https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320645Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the nation’s superficial embrace of Art is lamented as mere commerce and display, lacking true appreciation or care for its deeper beauty, while the ravages upon Nature are lamented as desecrations of sacred scenes for fleeting amusement....1165false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-i-of-kings-treasuries-part-6--74320649https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320649Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the restless spirit of our nation is portrayed as a great child, reckless and untrained, who strikes away the sacred teachings of the past and seeks false honours instead of true greatness of heart and mind. The writer gently exhorts us to...965false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-ii-of-queens-gardens-part-1--74320653https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320653Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the discourse gently unfolds the noble and harmonious relations between the faculties and duties of women and men, proposing that true queenly power arises not from shadow or servitude but from steadfast wisdom and moral strength that...989false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-ii-of-queens-gardens-part-2--74320658https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320658Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the sacred and noble relation between lover and mistress is tenderly examined through the lens of chivalry and poetic ideal, revealing a devotion marked by selfless service and spiritual subjection that ennobles the man’s very soul. The...865false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-ii-of-queens-gardens-part-3--74320662https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320662Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the nature and dignity of woman are delicately examined, emphasising the vital necessity of health, joy, and harmonious education as the foundation of true beauty and character. The discourse gently urges a measured cultivation of the...878false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-ii-of-queens-gardens-part-4--74320665https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320665Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:30:05 +0000John RuskinIn which we are gently reminded that a girl’s education flourishes best when nurtured with freedom, noble teachers, and a reverence for both art and nature’s quiet splendours—without the frivolity imposed by society's shallow conventions. And, as...931false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-ii-of-queens-gardens-part-5--74320669https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320669Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the innate desire for power within the human heart is examined with a gentle yet unyielding gaze, urging women to wield such power not selfishly but with justice, mercy, and beneficence for the sake of society at large. It unfolds that true...770false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-iii-of-the-mystery-of-life-part-1--74320673https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320673Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the speaker reflects upon the transient and mysterious nature of human life, likening it to the shifting and inscrutable forms of clouds, and laments the apparent futility in the labour of even the greatest artistic geniuses when confronted...929false115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-iii-of-the-mystery-of-life-part-2--74320679https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320679Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the profound necessity of noble motive in the arts is delicately pondered, alongside the puzzling apathy of mankind toward the great estate of the soul and the mysteries of the afterlife. The works of mighty poets like Homer, Shakespeare,...919false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-iii-of-the-mystery-of-life-part-3--74320685https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320685Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the perplexities of human faith, toil, and artistry are gently pondered through a dream and careful observation, revealing the restless striving and quiet labours of mankind amidst the conflict of hope and despair. And it is softly suggested...975false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-iii-of-the-mystery-of-life-part-4--74320692https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320692Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the contemplation of ancient and modern arts reveals a profound lesson: true beauty and happiness arise from a humble recognition of our own imperfections and a steadfast striving towards honourable labour. And thus, through reflection on the...870false118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sesame-and-lilies-lecture-iii-of-the-mystery-of-life-part-5--74320695https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320695Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which we are tenderly reminded that our brief lives, though fleeting as vapour, are not meant for idle or selfish pursuits but for the earnest work of men—work that demands daily judgement, self-sacrifice, and a resolute turning from vain desires...1040false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-of-the-golden-river-preface--74320703https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320703Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000John RuskinIn which the origins and nature of a charming fairy tale are delicately revealed, presenting a glimpse into the young author’s life and the gentle inspiration drawn from a child’s cheerful request. This preface carefully sets the scene for a simple...410false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-of-the-golden-river-chapter-1--74320706https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320706Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:30:05 +0000John RuskinIn which the story unfolds in a verdant valley known as the Treasure Valley, where two stern and miserly brothers cultivate wealth through harsh and uncharitable means, opposite their gentle youngest sibling, little Gluck. On a stormy day, a peculiar...1393false22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-of-the-golden-river-chapter-2--74320710https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320710Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the parched Treasure Valley becomes barren under the neglect of the cruel West Winds, compelling the three brothers to abandon their ancestral land and take up a failing trade in goldsmithing, while young Gluck is left to tend a precious,...884false23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-of-the-golden-river-chapter-3--74320716https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320716Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which the two quarrelsome brothers, Hans and Schwartz, set off with a flask of holy water on a perilous journey to seek the source of the Golden River, battling natural hardships and their own exhaustion along the way. Amidst dazzling mountains and...802false24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-of-the-golden-river-chapter-4--74320720https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74320720Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:30:03 +0000John RuskinIn which poor Gluck, left alone and full of anxious concern, labours diligently to free his brother from trouble and seeks aid from an untrustworthy ally, whose own heart grows colder as he ascends into the wild and foreboding mountains. The sky...369false25full