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Talk Write

Talk Write

By: Brandon Cook
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 Daily updates about what makes great writing great.

brandoncookwriter.substack.comBrandon Cook Art Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Orientalism: A (Blurry) Window to the East

    Orientalism: A (Blurry) Window to the East
    Jun 24 2025

    Today, I offer my thoughts about Edward Said’s classic 1978 study, “Orientalism.” According to Said, for the past three hundred years, Western powers have built up a series of representations and traditions about Eastern culture which now forms the background to everything said or thought about Eastern culture. Listen to my thoughts about Said’s thesis, and where I think it goes astray.



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    17 mins
  • The Best Christian Novel?

    The Best Christian Novel?
    Jun 18 2025

    Today, we’re talking about what gives this 1827 novel by Allesandro Manzoni the claim of “Greatest Christian Novel Ever Written.” Is it the celebration of marriage? The dauntless, magnanimous characters? The humanity shown for even the most depraved villain? All of the above? Absolutely! Not to mention the fact that it’s a wonderful action-adventure historical novel of the highest quality, a page-turner, and chock-full of characters you love and characters you love to hate.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandoncookwriter.substack.com
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    22 mins
  • The Best of the Romans

    The Best of the Romans
    Jun 16 2025

    Today, we take a look at classicist Gilbert Highet’s delightful travelogue-poetry collection “Poets in a Landscape.” Showcasing the works from the best of the Roman poets—Vergil, Catullus, Horace, and more—Highet walks his readers through the Latin Golden Age of Poetry in a way that is at once accessible, interesting, informed, and passionate.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandoncookwriter.substack.com
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    18 mins
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