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The History of Literature

721 Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (The #23 Greatest Book of All Time)

The History of Literature

Jacke Wilson

History, Books, Arts

4.61.2K Ratings

🗓️ 31 July 2025

⏱️ 89 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Jacke continues his journey through the list of the 25 Greatest Books of All Time with a look at Flaubert's "perfect novel," Madame Bovary (1856-57). Telling the story of the bored wife of a provincial doctor who enters into a series of infidelities, Flaubert's debut caused an immediate sensation - and changed the way we've come to view both novels and novelists. In this episode, Jacke talks about the book and its impact; passes along three Madame Bovary tidbits from Mike Palindrome (who is currently slow-reading the novel as part of the Bluesky Together project); and revisits his experience with Madame Bovary in Tibet, which first ran in 2017. Special Announcement: 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. Find out more by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

The History of Literature Podcast is a member of the Podglomerate Network and Lit Hub Radio.

0:09.0

Hey folks, it's Jack here to promote something that's a little special, not a thing and not a service,

0:15.1

an opportunity for you to have an experience. The History of Literature podcast is going on the road,

0:24.1

and you can join us. Our first stop is Literary England, the land of Dr. Johnson and Jane

0:30.0

Austin and Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Oh, and Dickens. Oh, and Shakespeare. Perhaps you've

0:36.7

heard of him. This isn't a trip where you

0:39.2

march from site to site, checking off boxes. Seen it, seen it, seen it, seen it. This is a week,

0:44.9

plus a little more traveling with me and Emma in a group of other fans of literature. All of us

0:51.1

enjoying our conversations, our chance to learn and grow and be inspired by

0:56.5

these writers and their works that we love so much.

1:00.1

With special visits along the way from past guests of the show, your favorites, who will

1:04.3

deepen our appreciation for what we're seeing.

1:07.4

So please consider it.

1:08.9

We would love to have you.

1:12.3

You can learn more by going to John Shores Travel, that's S-H-O-R-S, and look for the upcoming trip to England with Jack Wilson,

1:19.1

or reach out to us at history of literature.com, and we will tell you all the details. It's going to be

1:25.4

in May of 2026, but act now to secure your spot.

1:29.8

Space is limited. And let's all spend some quality time together, enjoying literature and enjoying life.

1:39.1

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And the best bit, it's free. Search for Adobe Express to find out more and get started

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