The late Gilbert Highet, noted classical scholar, author, and critic, before his death in 1978 selected the best and most enduring of his 283 radio broadcasts for distribution to the general public. His famous series on "Literature and Great Writers" has been heard on over 300 radio stations throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.
As a collection this series provides a permanent reference resource. In addition, since most talks are 15 minutes long, they can be used effectively in the classroom as a stimulus for discussion and as a means of introducing new material in a relevant and provocative way.
In the first few minutes of each talk Dr. Highet skillfully captures the listener's interest. He places his subjects in a historical and human context that makes the topics exciting and meaningful. By leaving the listener with a keen desire to learn more about a particular topic, Highet succeeds in stimulating excitement about reading.
The subject matter of the series ranges widely, including titles on Shakespeare, Browning, Dickens, T. S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas, Ray Bradbury, rhythm in poetry, uses of invective, origins of the English language, the pleasures of reading, and many others.