In Great Books of the World we discuss the most important works of world literature, past and present. Books and stories reflect our lived experiences. They show us how we think and act, help us to understand each other and enable us to deal with diversity and change in our lives. In each interview an academic specialist gives historical and cultural context, opening up these great works of world literature for a generalist audience. Some you may know already; all will provide food for thought and further reading. We hope you will enjoy this offering from the School of Languages and Cultures.
Great Books of the World. Ep. 2: Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis
Join Professor Peter Morgan and Professor Vrasidas Karalis as they explore Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. Dive into the story of the young Greek intellectual narrator’s escape from his bookish life after meeting the boisterous and life-loving Alexis Zorba. Discover the novel’s significance for modern Greek culture through this discussion of the the new 2014 English translation that reveals fresh insights.
31 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 4: My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin (video)
Host Peter Morgan is joined by literary scholar Meg Brayshaw to explore My Brilliant Career, the groundbreaking Australian classic by Miles Franklin. Together, they unpack the novel'sfeminist themes, its vivid portrayal of rural life, and its lasting impact on Australian literature.
31 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 4: My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin (audio)
Host Peter Morgan is joined by literary scholar Meg Brayshaw to explore My Brilliant Career, the groundbreaking Australian classic by Miles Franklin. Together, they unpack the novel'sfeminist themes, its vivid portrayal of rural life, and its lasting impact on Australian literature.
31 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 1: Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles (video)
Join Professor Peter Morgan and Dr. Ben Brown as they delve into Sophocles’ classic tragedy, Oedipus Tyrannus. Together, they explore the play’s powerful themes of fate, identity, and the limits of human knowledge.
31 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 3: Primo Levi's If this is a Man (video)
Join Professor Peter Morgan and Professor Avril Alba as they explore Primo Levi’s moving and profound account of his imprisonment in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. If This Is a Man is a harrowing exploration of survival, identity, and the human spirit during its darkest days.
31 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 2: Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (audio)
Join Professor Peter Morgan and Professor Vrasidas Karalis as they explore Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. Dive into the story of the young Greek intellectual narrator’s escape from his bookish life after meeting the boisterous and life-loving Alexis Zorba. Discover the novel’s significance for modern Greek culture through this discussion of the the new 2014 English translation that reveals fresh insights.
31 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 3: If This Is a Man by Primo Levi (audio)
Join Professor Peter Morgan and Professor Avril Alba as they explore Primo Levi’s moving and profound account of his imprisonment in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. If This Is a Man is a harrowing exploration of survival, identity, and the human spirit during its darkest days.
24 Jan 2026
Great Books of the World. Ep. 1: Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles (audio)
Join Professor Peter Morgan and Dr. Ben Brown as they delve into Sophocles’ classic tragedy, Oedipus Tyrannus. Together, they explore the play’s powerful themes of fate, identity, and the limits of human knowledge.
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