About this episode
This episode discusses the complex legacy of Roald Dahl and other literary geniuses who were morally compromised, exploring how we should approach their work.
For tickets to our live recording with Jon Meacham in Philadelphia, click here and register. Use code TFP for a 20 percent discount. Roald Dahl gave the world Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He was also a vicious antisemite. A Broadway play about Dahl’s legacy; the new Michael Jackson biopic; Kanye West’s attempted redemption arc; all of these have the culture asking again: How do we approach brilliant art produced by morally compromised artists? Throughout history, some of the world’s preeminent literary geniuses have also been deeply bigoted, even monstrous people. In this episode, Shilo is joined by Eli Lake, host of Breaking History, for a conversation about these geniuses, from Voltaire to Norman Mailer, and why we should read their work despite their odious prejudices. Old School is proudly brought to you by the Jack Miller Center. If you believe in the importance of civic education and want to help prepare the next generation to carry on our democracy, join us at JackMillerCenter.org. Become a paid subscriber to The Free Press today to enjoy exclusive bonus episodes and reduced ads. Click here to subscribe. Learn more about your…
People in this episode
Host: Eli Lake
Guest: Jon Meacham
Topics covered
- Roald Dahl
- literary geniuses
- bigotry in art
- cultural legacy
- morally compromised artists
- civic education
Keywords
- Roald Dahl
- bigotry
- literature
- art
- cultural criticism
- Jon Meacham
- Eli Lake
- Jack Miller Center
Sponsors
Jack Miller Center
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Free Press
Books & works: Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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