The History of Literature - Episode 696: John Ruskin (with Sara Atwood) | My Last Book with Colin Jennings

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 696 of "The History of Literature," host Jack Wilson delves into the life and legacy of the often-misunderstood Victorian critic, John Ruskin. Responding to a listener’s passionate email, Wilson invites Sara Atwood, an esteemed English professor and Ruskin expert, to shed light on Ruskin’s multifaceted contributions to literature, art, and social reform. The episode concludes with insights from Colin Jennings, who discusses his favorite literary work, Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones."

Listener’s Email: Reassessing John Ruskin

The episode opens with Jack Wilson recounting a listener’s email that challenges the podcast’s previous casual dismissal of John Ruskin based on a sensationalized rumor. The listener, Sarah Atwood, an English professor with over two decades of research on Ruskin, urges a reevaluation of Ruskin’s legacy. She emphasizes Ruskin's progressive views on the environment, education, and labor, highlighting his support for female artists like Elizabeth Siddal. Atwood critiques the podcast’s portrayal of Ruskin’s personal life, particularly the infamous story of his wedding night, labeling it both lurid and inaccurate.

Notable Quote:

"He was in fact a fascinating, multifaceted figure who was a far more progressive thinker than most people today realize." [04:07]

Sara Atwood’s Expertise and Ruskin’s Background

Sara Atwood, Ph.D. in English Literature from the Graduate Center at CUNY, joins Wilson to discuss her extensive work on Ruskin. She recounts her early fascination with Victorian literature and how a pivotal undergraduate course ignited her interest in Ruskin. Over the years, Atwood has explored Ruskin’s influence on modern art, social justice, and education, culminating in her scholarly contributions to the field.

Who Was John Ruskin?

Atwood provides a comprehensive overview of Ruskin’s life, born in 1819 in London’s Herne Hill. Despite a comfortable upbringing, Ruskin dedicated his inherited wealth to philanthropic endeavors aligned with his ideals. His early education was a blend of classical literature and biblical studies, fostering a deep appreciation for both the arts and moral philosophy.

Notable Quote:

"His mother had him memorize the Bible. They went through it, the whole Bible, every year. And he says at one point that everything that he's learned about writing and the best part of his writing comes from having learned that." [19:56]

Ruskin’s Philosophies and Contributions

Ruskin’s work spans art criticism, architecture, geology, and social reform. Atwood highlights his seminal work, "Modern Painters," which evolved from a defense of Turner into a profound exploration of art’s role in society. Ruskin advocated for the importance of "seeing clearly," a principle that intertwined aesthetic appreciation with social consciousness. He believed that a truthful and detailed observation of the world could lead to societal transformation.

Notable Quotes:

"Seeing is religion, poetry and prophecy all in one." [26:49]
"If you can paint one leaf, you can paint the world." [28:39]

Legacy and Continued Influence

Jack and Atwood discuss Ruskin’s enduring legacy through institutions like the Guild of St. George and the Ruskin Art Club of Los Angeles. Founded by Ruskin in 1871, the Guild embodies his ideals of craftsmanship, education, and sustainable living. The Ruskin Art Club, established in 1888, showcases his influence on art education and women's roles in the arts.

Notable Quote:

"Ruskin did not just write a lot of books saying, oh, everything in the 19th century is miserable... he actually tried to put his ideals into practice." [47:10]

Critical Reception and Personal Life

Atwood addresses the mixed critical reception Ruskin received, particularly his foray into social issues beyond art. Critics often labeled him as overly opinionated or inconsistent, yet his dedication to thorough research and willingness to evolve his thoughts earned him respect. On a personal note, Ruskin struggled with depression and faced challenges in his personal relationships, notably a brief and troubled marriage, which has often overshadowed his professional achievements.

Notable Quote:

"He ended up feeling embittered, I think." [39:00]

Recommended Reading: "Unto This Last"

For those interested in exploring Ruskin’s work, Atwood recommends "Unto This Last," a Penguin Classic edition comprising four essays focused on political economy. This collection offers a gateway into Ruskin’s thoughts on the primacy of relationships over profit, supplemented by selections from his broader body of work. The edition includes an insightful introduction by Clive Wilmer, providing context and analysis for new readers.

Notable Quote:

"It sets you up well to read the excerpts from the book. And it's a great jumping off place if you then want to go on and read more." [48:29]

Colin Jennings on His Last Book Choice: "Tom Jones"

The episode transitions to Colin Jennings, author of "Enlightenment: Theories of Mind and Media in 18th Century Britain," who shares his choice for his last book: Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones." Jennings praises the novel for its humor, insightful narration, and enduring relevance. He appreciates Fielding’s ability to blend entertainment with profound reflections on mortality and human connection, likening the narrator to a comforting guide through life’s journey.

Notable Quote:

"The narrator is such a good company that it seems like as we're facing these final moments, we're looking for a Virgil." [55:54]

Conclusion

Jack Wilson wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Sara Atwood and Colin Jennings for their contributions. He teases upcoming episodes featuring diverse literary topics and authors, promising rich discussions for literature enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• John Ruskin was a pivotal Victorian figure whose work transcended art criticism to encompass social reform, education, and environmentalism.
• Sara Atwood emphasizes Ruskin’s progressive ideas and critiques sensationalized narratives that obscure his true legacy.
• Legacy Institutions: The Guild of St. George and the Ruskin Art Club continue to promote Ruskin’s values and influence modern movements such as the Arts and Crafts movement.
• Recommended Reading: "Unto This Last" serves as an accessible introduction to Ruskin’s political and economic philosophies.
• Colin Jennings highlights the enduring appeal of Henry Fielding’s "Tom Jones" for its blend of humor, narrative depth, and philosophical insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "He was in fact a fascinating, multifaceted figure who was a far more progressive thinker than most people today realize." — Sarah Atwood [04:07]
• "Seeing is religion, poetry and prophecy all in one." — Sarah Atwood [26:49]
• "If you can paint one leaf, you can paint the world." — Sarah Atwood [28:39]
• "Ruskin did not just write a lot of books saying, oh, everything in the 19th century is miserable... he actually tried to put his ideals into practice." — Sarah Atwood [47:10]
• "The narrator is such a good company that it seems like as we're facing these final moments, we're looking for a Virgil." — Colin Jennings [55:54]

Further Exploration

Listeners interested in John Ruskin’s work are encouraged to visit historyofliterature.com and follow the podcast on Facebook. To support the show, consider visiting patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate.