Can epic poetry revive History?

About this episode

Michael Auslin discusses the intersection of epic poetry and history, lamenting the decline of poetry in exploring significant historical moments.

When combined, as the ancients knew, history and poetry offer an incomparable insight into the human condition. Michael Auslin laments the demise of poetry as a form for exploring great moments in history. Read the essay here: https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/can-epic-poetry-revive-history/ . Image: Hector taking leave of Andromache. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

People in this episode

Host: Engelsberg Ideas

Guest: Michael Auslin

Topics covered

• epic poetry
• history
• human condition
• ancient knowledge
• cultural insight

Keywords

• epic poetry
• history
• human condition
• Michael Auslin
• cultural insight

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Engelsberg Ideas

Books & works: Can epic poetry revive History?

More episodes of The EI Podcast

• Why Armenia’s elections matter · June 11, 2026 · 34 min
• Len Deighton’s spycraft · June 8, 2026 · 33 min
• China's bid for economic supremacy · June 4, 2026 · 48 min
• A Jewish-American dream · June 1, 2026 · 25 min
• Muslims and Jews' shared inheritance · May 28, 2026 · 42 min
• Finding Turkey in Narnia · May 26, 2026 · 18 min