Episode Summary: The Great Books – Episode 371: A Thank You and a Farewell

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Books
• Host: John J. Miller, Hillsdale College
• Description: Hillsdale College’s John J. Miller discusses classic works within the Western literary canon.
• Episode: 371: A Thank You and a Farewell
• Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction: Announcing the Farewell

In the poignant final episode of The Great Books podcast, John J. Miller delivers a heartfelt announcement confirming that this will be the series' last installment. Miller states, “National Review has decided to discontinue the show. This is the last one” (00:00). He shares his future plans, expressing uncertainty but hope for a potential revival of the podcast, indicating he will keep listeners informed via his personal website and social media.

Reflecting on the Journey

Miller reflects on the podcast’s inception and growth since its launch in 2017. He credits Jack Fowler, the former publisher of National Review, for the show’s creation, emphasizing the podcast's mission: “a weekly interview-driven show of about 30 minutes with scholars discussing the books they love” (00:00). Over eight years, Miller hosted 370 episodes, beginning with Shakespeare’s Macbeth and concluding with Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther.

Notable Coverage

Miller highlights some of the significant works and authors featured:

• George Orwell: Five episodes on Animal Farm and 1984.
• Jane Austen: Five of the six major novels.
• C.S. Lewis: Seven episodes on the Chronicles of Narnia.
• William F. Buckley Jr.: Every hundredth episode honored Buckley with three discussions on his works, including God and Man at the University and Cruising Speed.

He mentions plans for a four-hundredth episode on Buckley’s God Save the Queen spy novel series, which unfortunately never materialized.

Depth and Diversity of Topics

Miller took care to avoid repetition, with only a few exceptions such as the two-part episode on Moby Dick and consecutive shows on The Iliad with different guests. He believed that monumental works, often referred to as “the greatest of the great books,” warranted extended exploration beyond the standard 30-minute format.

Uncovered Gems

Despite extensive coverage, some classics remained untouched:

• Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Despite intentions, Miller never covered this quintessential work.
• Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace: A potential two-part episode.
• Plato’s Republic: Though Miller covered other Platonic works.
• Goethe’s Faust and Thomas Moore’s Utopia: Uncovered due to time constraints.
• Robert E. Howard’s Conan Series: Personal favorites from Miller’s youth left out due to guest availability challenges.

Personal Connection to the Great Books

Miller shares his deep personal connection to the great books, shaped by his educational journey. He recounts how his 12th-grade English teacher introduced him to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear, but not Hamlet. It wasn’t until college at the University of Michigan, where he majored in English and took a comprehensive Great Books course, that he delved into Hamlet and other seminal works like the Iliad, Odyssey, Dante’s Divine Comedy, and more.

He acknowledges that his senior thesis focused on Anne Radcliffe, an influential English Gothic novelist, though he never had the opportunity to feature her on the podcast. An anecdote about rediscovering his old marked copy of Northanger Abbey illustrates his enduring relationship with the literature he explored on the show.

The Essence of the Podcast: Celebrating Scholars and Guests

Central to the podcast’s success were its guests—scholars who brought passion and expertise to discussions. Miller emphasizes, “I wanted this show to be about the guests and to give them the chance to speak in paragraphs about their favorite great books” (00:00). He expresses immense gratitude for their contributions, asserting that the podcast “could not have existed without your generosity and passion and eloquence.”

Acknowledgments: Gratitude to Supporters and Collaborators

Miller extends his thanks to several key individuals and institutions that enabled the podcast’s longevity:

• Jack Fowler: For initiating the podcast concept.
• Hillsdale College’s Radio Free Hillsdale (WRFH): The campus radio station where recordings took place.
• Scott Bertram: Colleague at Hillsdale College who served as an uncredited producer, assisting with technical aspects and editing.
• Charlie Cook: Overseer of many National Review podcasts.
• Sarah Schutte: Former student and podcast editor who played a significant role in refining episodes. Miller highlights his joy in mentoring young professionals at Hillsdale, noting Sarah’s contributions to both National Review and the Wall Street Journal.

Final Farewell: Looking Ahead and Reflecting on Legacy

In his closing remarks, Miller thanks the listeners for their unwavering support, stating, “Shows need listeners, and this one would not have continued for 370 episodes but for loyal listeners like you” (00:00). He invites the audience to stay connected through his personal website and social media, promoting his book, Reading Journalism on Authors, Artists and Ideas, which aligns with the podcast’s themes.

Miller concludes with a literary nod to the one work he never covered—Hamlet. He recites the play’s final line, “The rest is silence,” symbolizing the end of the podcast and leaving listeners with a classic farewell.

Notable Quotes

• Announcement of Farewell:
  “National Review has decided to discontinue the show. This is the last one” (00:00).

• On Hosting Philosophy:
  “I wanted this show to be about the guests and to give them the chance to speak in paragraphs about their favorite great books” (00:00).

• Acknowledging Guests:
  “This show could not have existed without your generosity and passion and eloquence” (00:00).

• Final Literary Tribute:
  “The rest is silence” (00:00).

Conclusion

Episode 371 of The Great Books podcast serves as a heartfelt farewell from John J. Miller, encapsulating the show's dedication to exploring and celebrating Western literary classics. Through personal reflections, acknowledgments, and a tribute to the enduring power of great literature, Miller provides a fitting conclusion to a nearly eight-year journey of intellectual discourse and scholarly engagement.