Episode 14: “The Adventures of a Shilling” by Joseph Addison

Today on The Literary Life, Cindy Rollins and Angelina Stanford are joined by a special guest, Angelina’s husband, Thomas Banks! This week’s selection for our summer series is Joseph Addison’s “The Adventures of a Shilling.” This episode is packed with book references, so scroll down for links to the titles mentioned!

The conversation today kicks off with an attempt at defining the “essay” form and giving a brief history on its development. Thomas shares a little background information on Joseph Addison and his writing, as well as several other essayists who came before and after Addison. Thomas also talks about why essays are a significant part of his reading life. The conversation also spins off into a discussion of the importance of how we spend our leisure time.

Finally, our hosts chat about this week’s essay, which gives highlights of England’s history from the perspective of a silver coin. Addison’s tale is full of humor and satire, as well as layers of social commentary and pathos.

Don’t forget to register for the Back to School online conference coming up on August 26-29, 2019 so you don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to “repair the ruins” of your own education.

Listen to The Literary Life:

Summer of the Short Story:

Ep 15: “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Ep 16: “Why I Write” by George Orwell

Ep 17: “The Celestial Omnibus” by E. M. Forster

Ep 18: “Vulture on War” by Samuel Johnson

When I Consider How My Light Is Spent

by John Milton

When I consider how my light is spent,
   Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
   And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
   My true account, lest He returning chide;
   “Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
   Either man’s work or His own gifts. Who best
   Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at His bidding speed,
   And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
   They also serve who only stand and wait.”

Book List:

Lives of the Poets by Samuel Johnson

The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell

Dove Descending by Thomas Howard

Four Quartets by T. S. Elliot

The Essays by Sir Frances Bacon

The Essays: A Selection by Michel de Montaigne

The Defendant by G. K. Chesterton

The Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas de Quincy

Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell

Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper

Cato: A Tragedy by Joseph Addison

Gulliver’s Travels and The Battle of the Books by Jonathon Swift

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