798.5 Thinking Through Shakespeare (with David Womersley) | My Last Book with Ramie Targoff

The History of Literature

Jacke Wilson

History, Arts, Books

4.6 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 6 May 2026

⏱️ 50 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Is there such a thing as a general human nature? And if so, does Shakespeare serve as a "faithful mirror" to it, as Dr. Johnson claimed? In this episode, Jacke talks to Oxford University's David Womersley about his book Thinking Through Shakespeare, which explores how Shakespeare's plays think through--and invite us to think through--deep human questions of lasting importance. PLUS Ramie Targoff (Shakespeare's Sisters: How Women Wrote the Renaissance) discusses her choice for the last book she will ever read. 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.
0:09.9	Head to the coast in Abercrombie's latest summer drop.
0:13.6	It's dress season.
0:14.7	From minis to maxis, there's a dress for every summer plan.
0:18.5	And Abercrombie's new linen blend matching sets are so light and
0:22.9	breathable, perfect for brunch or rooftop happy hours. Dress like you're on holiday. Shop Abercrombie
0:29.6	in the app, online, and in stores. Hello, do you ever wish you could step away from the noise of the world for a little while?
0:41.5	Stories from the village of nothing much takes you there.
0:45.4	Each episode invites you into the village, a soothing place where life moves gently.
0:50.3	From the Inn on the Lake to the downtown bookshop, from the farmer's market to a cabin in the woods,
0:55.9	you'll hear warm, family-friendly stories designed to help you slow down, breathe easier, and feel at home.
1:02.9	It's a bit like a grown-up version of Mr. Rogers' neighborhood, gentle, thoughtful, and full of everyday magic.
1:09.6	From the creator of the internationally beloved podcast,
1:12.6	Nothing Much Happens.
1:14.1	This series expands the village into a rich, ongoing world.
1:18.1	It's not about falling asleep.
1:19.9	It's about comfort, calm, and the joy of a good story.
1:24.4	If you're new, try episode 84, all-animal edition. It's a delightful introduction to the
1:29.8	village's gentle pace and whimsy. You can listen to stories from the village of nothing much
1:35.0	wherever you get your podcasts. Hello, we are running a bonus episode this week because Emma, the show's producer, and I,
1:47.5	are headed to England for our first ever History of Literature podcast tour. And today's guest,
1:53.9	the wonderful David Walmersley of Oxford University, is going to be one of the special people
	...

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