Did you know superheroes existed long before Superman? Our latest podcast dives into the mysterious Radium Age, revealing proto-supermen and untold literary treasures! Plus, we’re talking must-read book discoveries and even brainstorming a holiday stream idea. What literary era captivates you the most?
Delve into the fascinating world of literary culture as The Lit Hub Podcast offers a captivating journey behind the scenes, featuring insightful discussions with staff, columnists, and special guests. This weekly series explores everything dynamic, strange, and wonderful within the literary landscape, hosted by the ever-engaging Drew Broussard.
This episode unearths the surprising origins of the superhero phenomenon, revealing that caped crusaders existed well before the iconic creation of Kal-El in 1938. Joshua Glenn, the distinguished editor of MIT Press’s Radium Age Science Fiction series, joins Broussard to illuminate the Radium Age of SF, a period rich with forgotten proto-supermen and women, now brought to light in a remarkable new collection.
Glenn’s deep dive into the Radium Age presents a compelling argument for reassessing the genesis of superhuman narratives, showcasing a vibrant history of heroic figures that predates the widely recognized Golden Age of comics. Listeners gain an unprecedented understanding of these foundational literary works and their enduring influence on modern storytelling.
The conversation further explores the unique characteristics and societal contexts that shaped these early heroic archetypes, offering a fresh perspective on their evolution. Understanding the Radium Age provides crucial insights into how authors imagined extraordinary individuals navigating a rapidly changing world, laying groundwork for future superhero myths.
Beyond proto-supermen and ancient heroes, the episode also welcomes Diana Arterian, who introduces “The Annotated Nightstand,” a segment dedicated to uncovering compelling book discoveries and expanding reading recommendations. This segment provides listeners with valuable insights into new titles and literary gems to add to their personal collections.
Arterian also cleverly extracts some of Drew Broussard’s own “To Be Read” (TBR) list, sparking an engaging exchange about forthcoming literary adventures. Additionally, a brilliant concept for a holiday stream emerges, an idea that promises to be a delightful event for literary podcast enthusiasts and book lovers alike.
The Lit Hub Podcast continues its eclectic journey with a segment featuring fellow bookseller and novelist Mo Daviau, author of an eagerly anticipated new release. Daviau shares an intriguing bookselling challenge, offering a candid glimpse into the realities and occasional dilemmas faced within the literary retail world, providing a unique perspective for listeners.
This immersive episode showcases the breadth and depth of literary culture, from historical revelations about Radium Age superheroes to contemporary book discoveries and the everyday challenges of the book world, making it an essential listen for anyone passionate about words and stories.
