About this episode

The episode explores the life and influence of John Williams, focusing on his novels and the impact of Yvor Winters.

In which we go deep into the life of John Williams: oil booms, abandonment, tall tales about WW2, booze, women, and three “perfect” novels. In this clip, I get into the influence of Yvor Winters’ odd brand of classicism on one of the 20th Century’s greatest novelists. Get access to the full episode at madmethodpod.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: Method and Madness

Topics covered

• John Williams
• literature
• 20th Century novels
• Yvor Winters
• classicism
• oil booms
• WW2

Keywords

• John Williams
• BUTCHER’S CROSSING
• Yvor Winters
• classicism
• novels
• literature
• WW2
• oil booms

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Yvor Winters

Books & works: BUTCHER’S CROSSING

More episodes of Method and Madness

• Melee - Getting Lit · April 24, 2026
• Melee - Paul Heron on The End of History · April 20, 2026
• Ep. 16.1 - BUTCHER’S CROSSING by John Williams w/Lake Markham · April 10, 2026
• Melee - David Simmons on ERADICATOR · April 7, 2026
• Melee - Tom Will on RHYMES · March 31, 2026
• Melee - Grant Wamack on THE SCARECROWS WILL WATCH OVER US · March 25, 2026

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