742 Edgar Allan Poe (with Richard Kopley) | Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (#12 GBOAT) | My Last Book with Christopher Herbert

Oct 20, 2025

In a compelling discussion, distinguished Poe scholar Richard Kopley shares insights from his biography, detailing Edgar Allan Poe's struggles with poverty, alcoholism, and the trauma of personal losses. They explore how these hardships influenced his works and shattered contemporary myths about his social isolation. The conversation also touches on Virginia Woolf's admiration for Jane Austen's narrative genius. Meanwhile, Christopher Herbert reflects on his choice of the Bible as his last read, emphasizing the profound impact of its passages, particularly those about Mary Magdalene.

01:17:41

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insights

INSIGHT

Poe's Lasting Literary Innovations

Edgar Allan Poe combined macabre subject matter with genuine literary innovation.
He influenced detective fiction, early science fiction, and literary criticism.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Discovery Of Flora Lapham Mack's Letters

Richard Copley recounts discovering Flora Lapham Mack's letters that preserved McKenzie family stories about Poe.
Those letters revealed previously unknown episodes and inspired Copley's new biography.

insights

INSIGHT

Assessing New Primary Sources

Copley vetted Mack's accounts against dates and other sources and found them largely credible.
She relied on firsthand McKenzie-family testimony, giving her material high evidentiary value.

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Why October Is Perfect for Edgar Allan Poe

02:09 • 3min

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Why Pride and Prejudice Remains Influential

05:17 • 3min

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What Did Virginia Woolf Admire in Jane Austen?

08:24 • 6min

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How Pride and Prejudice Changed Public Perception of Jane Austen

14:51 • 5min

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How Austen’s Public Reputation Became Formidable

20:05 • 1min

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Jane Austen Tour Promotion and Announcement

21:23 • 3min

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What Makes Poe a Literary Genius?

Why Poe Believed in His Own Genius

29:36 • 2min

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How Poe’s Drinking Affected Friendships and Reputation

31:14 • 2min

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How Fame Changed Poe’s Everyday Life

33:23 • 32sec

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How Poe Struggled Financially Despite Success

33:55 • 2min

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Does a Writer’s Life Illuminate Their Work?

36:18 • 5min

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Who Was Flora Lappamack and Why Her Letters Matter

40:57 • 3min

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Can Flora Lappamack’s Accounts Be Trusted?

43:45 • 4min

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What Surprising New Facts Emerged from the Letters?

48:05 • 3min

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Who Were Poe’s Birth Parents?

50:57 • 4min

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How Poe Remembered and Revered His Mother

54:35 • 3min

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What Was Poe’s Relationship with the Allens Like?

57:19 • 4min

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How Did Poe View Slavery and His Foster-Father’s Involvement?

01:01:08 • 4min

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Was Poe Isolated or Socially Connected?

01:05:06 • 3min

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Do We Know What Happened in Poe’s Final Days?

01:08:23 • 1min

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What Misconceptions About Poe Should Readers Reconsider?

01:09:34 • 2min

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What Would Be Your Last Book to Read?

01:11:40 • 49sec

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Why Choose the Bible and Book of Common Prayer?

01:12:29 • 1min

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Would Jane Austen Be a Last-Book Choice If Not Allowed Scripture?

01:13:34 • 1min

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Which Biblical Passages Would He Revisit?

01:14:35 • 2min

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Why the Small Gospel Detail About Mary Magdalene Resonates

• Mentioned in 264 episodes

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.

#10

• Mentioned in 458 episodes

The Bible

Various Authors

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.

#668

• Mentioned in 50 episodes

Book of Common Prayer

Church of England Staff

The Book of Common Prayer is a foundational liturgical text of the Anglican Communion. First published in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI, it was compiled primarily by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. The book includes complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship, such as Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, Holy Communion, and services for baptism, confirmation, marriage, visitation of the sick, and burial. It has undergone several revisions, notably in 1552, 1559, 1604, and 1662, with the 1662 version remaining the standard for most Anglican churches. The book is known for its beautiful language and its role in shaping Anglican doctrine and worship.

#24196

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Edgar Allan Poe

A Life

Richard Kopley

This biography delves into Poe's fascinating life, including his personal struggles and literary achievements. It combines a biographical narrative with close readings of his works, offering new insights through previously unavailable archival materials.

#2813

• Mentioned in 16 episodes

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

Frederick Douglass

Published in 1845, this narrative provides a firsthand account of the harsh realities of slavery and the pervasive racism of 19th-century America. Douglass recounts his early life on a Maryland plantation, his determination to educate himself despite the odds, and his eventual escape to freedom. The book exposes the dehumanizing effects of slavery and challenges prevailing notions about race and equality. It remains a vital piece of American literature, fostering discussions on issues of race, equality, and the pursuit of freedom.

Jane Austen's Favourite Brother, Henry

Christopher Herbert

It's October, the perfect month to celebrate the master of mystery and the macabre. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Richard Kopley about his book Edgar Allan Poe: A Life, a comprehensive critical biography that combines a narrative of Poe's enduring challenges (including his difficult foster father, poverty, alcoholism, depression, and his numerous personal losses) with close readings of his works. PLUS we look at Virginia Woolf's view of what made Jane Austen so great even at the age of 15, and Christopher Herbert (Jane Austen's Favourite Brother, Henry) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read.

Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Or visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Help support the show at ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/literature ⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com/donate ⁠⁠⁠. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature⁠⁠.

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