Costume Dramas

The TLS Podcast examines the intersection of literature, history, and social dynamics through two distinct discussions. Sophie Oliver explores Rebecca West’s previously unpublished story, "A Fable for Christians," highlighting how early 20th-century feminist and socialist thought grappled with the contradictions of consumerism and the desire for beauty. The conversation shifts to historical unrest with historian Robert Poole, who analyzes the 1838 "Last Labourers' Rising" led by the charismatic Sir William Courtenay. This uprising, fueled by resentment over the new Poor Law and messianic fervor, serves as a lens for understanding modern political polarization and the rapid spread of myths through digital channels. Both segments underscore how personal objects and historical narratives reveal the persistent tensions between individual agency, societal expectations, and the volatile nature of political truth.