Podcast Summary: The History of Literature Episode 672: The Little Review (with Holly A. Baggett) | My Last Book with Phil Jones Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Jacke Wilson
Guest: Holly A. Baggett, History Professor at Missouri State University and Author of Making No Compromise: Margaret Anderson, Jane Heap, and the Little Review

Introduction

In Episode 672 of The History of Literature, host Jacke Wilson delves into the influential yet controversial literary magazine, The Little Review. Joined by Holly A. Baggett, a respected historian and author, the episode explores the magazine's pivotal role in introducing modernist literature to America, its groundbreaking publication of James Joyce's Ulysses, and the ensuing obscenity trial that marked a significant moment in literary history.

Background of The Little Review

The Little Review, established in Chicago in 1914 by Margaret Anderson and later co-edited by Jane Heap, was an avant-garde literary magazine that played a crucial role in the American modernist movement. Unlike many contemporary "little magazines" that had short lifespans, The Little Review thrived for 15 years, from 1914 to 1929, nurturing a plethora of significant writers and artists.

Notable Quote:

"The Little Review became the publisher of this allegedly obscene work, which, of course, was the novel Ulysses by James Joyce, widely considered the most important and artistically accomplished novel of the 20th century."
— Holly Baggett [06:51]

Key Figures: Margaret Anderson and Jane Heap

Margaret Anderson, a middle-class woman from Indiana, founded The Little Review with a vision to challenge public taste without compromise. In 1916, she met Jane Heap, an art student from Kansas, and the two formed a dynamic partnership. Anderson's vibrant personality complemented Heap's more subdued demeanor, creating a balanced editorial leadership that propelled the magazine's success.

Notable Quote:

"Their mission statement was making no compromise with the public taste. And so hence the title of my book."
— Holly Baggett [09:55]

Contributions to Modernism

The Little Review was instrumental in introducing American audiences to European modernist literature and art. Under the editorial guidance of Anderson and Heap, the magazine featured contributions from luminaries such as T.S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, Ford Maddox Ford, Gene Toomer, William Carlos Williams, H.D. Hart, Sherwood Anderson, Amy Lowell, Mina Loy, Emma Goldman, Wyndham Lewis, and artists like Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Hans Arp, and Joseph Stella.

Notable Quote:

"They published everyone... We owe them an awful lot, because when you look at the other little magazines as a period, they just couldn't achieve on the level, the breadth and the depth of what they did in terms of introducing Americans to this new form of writing and artistic expression."
— Holly Baggett [44:17]

The Ulysses Trial

One of the most defining moments for The Little Review was its serialized publication of James Joyce's Ulysses. Ezra Pound, acting as the magazine's foreign editor, was instrumental in acquiring and promoting the novel. However, the explicit content led to the U.S. Postal Service confiscating copies and eventually a landmark obscenity trial in the Jefferson Market Courthouse.

During the trial, the magazine's lawyer, John Quinn, initially supported Joyce but grew increasingly hostile, especially upon discovering the personal relationship between Quinn and Anderson. Despite Quinn's ineffective defense, citing Joyce's poor eyesight as a reason for the novel's contentious content, The Little Review was found guilty and fined.

Notable Quote:

"The Ulysses was published as a book by Sylvia Beach in Paris... 'we were very proud of that in another way.' "
— Holly Baggett [35:50]

Legacy and Impact

The trial not only cemented The Little Review's place in literary history but also highlighted issues of censorship, gender roles, and sexuality. Although the magazine ceased publication in 1929 due to financial strains and personal differences between Anderson and Heap, its influence endured. The Little Review is credited with being a major force in introducing modernist literature to the American public and is recognized for its progressive stance on LGBT issues, with both Anderson and Heap later being inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2006.

Notable Quote:

"They were very proud of that in another way. However, there's some people who think that it was that trial itself that kind of dealt a blow to The Little Review."
— Holly Baggett [35:50]

Guest Insights: Holly Baggett

Holly Baggett brings a wealth of knowledge about The Little Review, drawing from her research and her book Making No Compromise. She discusses the personal dynamics between Anderson and Heap, their commitment to modernism, and their eventual turn towards spiritual exploration under the influence of George Gurdjieff. Baggett emphasizes the magazine's role in shaping American literary tastes and its enduring legacy in both literary and LGBT histories.

Notable Quote:

"They were trying to understand themselves. And really, I think a lot of people seeking a spiritual way of life do that."
— Holly Baggett [45:13]

Conclusion

Episode 672 of The History of Literature provides an in-depth examination of The Little Review and its pivotal role in the modernist movement. Through the expertise of Holly Baggett, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the magazine's contributions, the challenges it faced, and its lasting impact on literature and culture. The discussion underscores the importance of editorial vision and the courage to challenge societal norms, themes that resonate deeply within the literary world.

Additional Notes:

• Advertisements and Non-Content Segments: The podcast includes advertisements and promotional segments for related content, such as Holly Baggett's other projects and upcoming episodes. As per the summary guidelines, these sections have been omitted to focus solely on the core discussion about The Little Review.

• Future Episodes Mentioned: Towards the end of the episode, Jack Wilson teases upcoming topics, including the science behind science fiction, Ralph Waldo Emerson's views on slavery, a deep dive into Wuthering Heights, and more. These segments serve as previews and are not covered in this summary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Holly Baggett [06:51]:
   "The Little Review became the publisher of this allegedly obscene work, which, of course, was the novel Ulysses by James Joyce, widely considered the most important and artistically accomplished novel of the 20th century."

2. Holly Baggett [09:55]:
   "Their mission statement was making no compromise with the public taste. And so hence the title of my book."

3. Holly Baggett [44:17]:
   "We owe them an awful lot... in terms of introducing Americans to this new form of writing and artistic expression."

4. Holly Baggett [35:50]:
   "They were very proud of that in another way. However, there's some people who think that it was that trial itself that kind of dealt a blow to The Little Review."

5. Holly Baggett [45:13]:
   "They were trying to understand themselves. And really, I think a lot of people seeking a spiritual way of life do that."

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