Masterworks of Early 20th-Century Literature

De: David Thorburn, The Great Courses

Narrado por: David Thorburn

If you've ever longed to read the great Modernist novels of the early 20th century - perhaps James Joyce's Ulysses, Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse, or William Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom! - but have shied away or set them down because of their intimidating style, fragmented narrative, or lack of a clear plot, you no longer need to wait, or be reluctant to return.

In this series of 24 lectures, an acclaimed literary scholar and award-winning teacher has created an accessible gateway to this remarkable literary movement. Professor Thorburn will show you not only how an entire generation of Modernist authors - including Joyce, Faulkner, Conrad, Woolf, and Kafka - turned the tradition of literature on its head, creating new techniques to reflect an increasingly complex post-Victorian world, but how to understand and enjoy them. You'll see that even though their works are indeed some of the most challenging you'll ever encounter, they are also among the most rewarding.

Choosing short but representative novels and stories, Professor Thorburn offers a compelling overview of Modernism you'll find intriguing - even if you don't have time to read the works along with him. Each work is introduced with a full plot summary to ensure that readers from all backgrounds will easily understand the lectures.

Guided by the tenet, "trust ourselves and trust the texts," Professor Thorburn demystifies the world of literary criticism and demonstrates how a thoughtful, careful reader can find exciting and enriching insights in these works. You'll examine these great novels and stories from all angles, through close readings of selected passages and illuminating discussions of structure, form, symbolism, and character.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2007 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2007 The Great Courses

Most Enriching Course Ever

This is my first review after over a year as an audible member and well over 100 listens and ratings. I was so impressed with this course that I had to write this to add to my 5 stars:

I found this course more enjoyable and rewarding than any I've had in 8 years of higher education. Though that statement may, admittedly, say something about the quality of my education, it probably has more to do with my maturity in the nearly 20 years since my last degree, and I think can even moreso be attributed to the superb professor, Dr. David Thorburn of MIT.

What a wonderful set of lectures on modern literature! Dr. Thorburn has significantly transformed and improved my vision of literature in the 20th century (and today). He is fantastic in his enthusiasm and love for the literature, the art and the artist/authors. I was sad that the course had to end and depressed when I couldn't find another lecture by Dr. Thorburn. I'm hopeful he'll consider enriching us in the lowly masses with more lectures.

MIT Lecture Series for the price - AMAZING

First, it is a pretty damn good deal to get to eavesdrop on an MIT Professor Lecture Series on 20th Century Literature for the price. I feel like I am getting to skip the steps of applying for the University, registering for the class, then getting dressed up in a wool blazer, driving to the campus, walking to the building and finding a seat in the auditorium, and then doing homework after. Professor Thorburn is honestly amazing. He describes historical references, the relationship between the authors of each era/location, and nuances that I never would have picked up in my own reading. He also encourages the reader to go into each reading with an open mind, not to worry so much about these contexts and more about enjoying the work. HIs descriptions and guidance on the context of the works reviewed are priceless. I feel so lucky to get to listen to this, and I am reading each book after I listen to a lecture. I am taking these lectures in on my own timeline, Thank you, Audible, The Great Courses and Dr. Thorburn for sharing this beautiful and extremely valuable knowledge!!! This is a very important step in my understanding and in my lifelong attempts to learn historical literature, and to build my library.

Worth the listen

Interesting analysis and point of view. Really could have done without the clapping and music!

Amazing so Quenching and wise

I deeply feel DT insightful grasp of our human hearts working I wish I had a friend like him. I found his poetry book and felt sad it’s all I can hold onto of his.

Masterful Guide to Masterworks

Engaging, enlightened, thought-provoking, living, breathing odyssey traveling from wildly different masterworks. Showing the art and craft itself, but more importantly showing glimpses of the magic of everyday experience; often hidden from our view - perhaps - especially fascinating here is the transition of seeing that comes with the modernists.

Having consumed almost all of the Great Courses in literature (and many others), I wasn't sure one more would add "significant" new perspectives (a lazy and uninspired thought for sure) but wow, this one is a very fresh approach, reminds me of Dead Poet's Society.

Highly recommended! Very enjoyable listen.

Some good info but lots of ums

Lecturer says "ah" and "um" or something like those often. While it makes him sound interested, it's a "verbal tic" that is difficult to ignore. still, much of the information is good. Alas, there's a lot of repetition, so some of the lectures could easily be 15 minutes long. Admittedly I skipped some parts after awhile. It does have good information to impart overall though.

Narration a hurdle

Unfortunately the narration was often difficult to listen to, as has been mentioned here. It made it necessary to limit my listening time to brief stints. I managed through, for the sake of the content, but it did make the content less accessible overall. Definitely wouldn’t recommend.