809 Robert Browning | The Dutch Roots of Washington Irving (with Elisabeth Paling Funk)

About this episode

This episode explores the life and work of Robert Browning and features a discussion with Elisabeth Paling Funk about Washington Irving's literary contributions.

Robert Browning (1812-1889) is often considered one of the greatest of the Victorian poets. Two developments established Browning as an indispensable figure in the history of literature: first, his early taste for Shelleyan knockoffs and lengthy, impenetrable historical narratives gave way to his use of the dramatic monologue, a highly successful and adaptable form he used to striking effect; and second, his marriage to fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett (Moulton-Barrett) Browning, which became one of the greatest literary love stories of all time. In this episode, Jacke offers some reasons to love the poet who gave us "My Last Duchess" and many other voice-driven poems. PLUS author and Washington Irving expert Elisabeth Paling Funk joins Jacke for a conversation about her book The Dutch World of Washington Irving: Knickerbocker's History of New York and the Hudson Valley Folktales, which tells an alternative origin story of American literary culture. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Help support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/literature⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or…

People in this episode

Host: Jacke Wilson

Guest: Elisabeth Paling Funk

Topics covered

• Victorian poetry
• Robert Browning
• Washington Irving
• literary history
• dramatic monologue
• American literary culture

Keywords

• Robert Browning
• Victorian poets
• dramatic monologue
• Washington Irving
• literary love stories
• American literature
• Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Podglomerate

Books & works: My Last Duchess, The Dutch World of Washington Irving: Knickerbocker's History of New York and the Hudson Valley Folktales

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