The Literary Life Podcast: Episode 259 - "Best of" Series: The Literary Life of Thomas Banks (Ep. 78)
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Introduction and Context
In this special "Best of" episode, host Angelina Stanford and co-host Thomas Banks, alongside lifelong reader Cindy Rollins, delve deep into the literary journey of Thomas Banks. Celebrating the podcast's growth since its inception in 2019, the trio revisits listener favorites and highlights older episodes to welcome new audiences into their vibrant literary community.
Podcast Growth and Announcements
Angelina opens the episode by acknowledging the podcast's significant expansion since 2019 and expresses gratitude to listeners who requested a retrospective look. This episode serves as both a tribute to past discussions and an introduction for newcomers.
Cindy Rollins (00:25) emphasizes the podcast’s mission:
“We explore the skill and art of reading well and delve into the lost intellectual tradition needed to fully engage with the great works of literature.”
The trio discusses their collaborative dynamic, highlighting how their diverse backgrounds enrich conversations about classic literature and the transformative power of storytelling.
Sister Podcast Launch: The Well Read Poem
A major announcement in this episode is the launch of their sister podcast, The Well Read Poem, hosted by Thomas Banks. Scheduled to debut on January 18th, this new venture focuses on poetry recitation and analysis, aiming to deepen listeners' appreciation and understanding of poetic forms.
Cindy Rollins (03:34) shares her excitement:
“Poetry is not meant to be read silently. It's meant to be read aloud and heard. The new podcast will help you understand and enjoy poems better.”
Antonina adds:
“Each episode is under 10 minutes, making it perfect for morning routines or homeschooling activities.”
Commonplace Quotes Segment
The segment begins with Thomas Banks sharing a profound quote from Catherine May’s Wintering.
Thomas Banks (07:06) reads:
“But I was glad to sing again, too. It had been a greater loss than I realized... We sing because we must. We sing because it fills our lungs with nourishing air and lets our hearts soar with the notes we let out... We sing either way, that's the end of it.”
Cindy Rollins (12:55) reflects on the quote’s significance:
“Singing in hope of better times is a powerful sentiment to begin the new year with.”
Angelina attempts to share a Rudyard Kipling quatrain but humorously misquotes it, leading to light-hearted banter among the hosts.
The Interview: Thomas Banks' Literary Life
The heart of this episode is an in-depth interview with Thomas Banks, unraveling his rich literary background and reading habits.
a. Early Life and Upbringing
Thomas reflects on his childhood immersed in literature, thanks to his mother’s and father’s diverse reading habits.
Thomas Banks (22:34) explains:
“My dad’s reading was primarily nonfiction—history and political philosophy—while my mom was captivated by classic novels like Dickens, Flaubert, and Faulkner.”
Caught up in the playful dynamic, Cindy teases Thomas about his mysterious aura, setting the stage for a revealing conversation.
b. Education and Reading Habits
Thomas recounts his homeschooling experience until fifth grade, emphasizing the robust literary environment fostered by his parents.
Thomas Banks (35:16) shares:
“Growing up in a home where learning and reading were normal things was an inexpressibly huge advantage.”
Angelina adds:
“We had a wide variety of books, from political biographies to classic novels, which ignited my lifelong passion for reading.”
He discusses pivotal moments in his education, including mastering Latin and his initial struggles with philosophy, ultimately switching his major to classical studies.
c. Teaching Career
Thomas narrates his teaching journey, highlighting both rewarding and challenging experiences.
Thomas Banks (65:38) reflects:
“I found out that philosophy is not for me. My mind does not move easily in the realm of abstraction.”
He shares anecdotes about teaching logic and his love for Victorian literature, influenced by inspiring professors who shaped his approach to teaching by analogy and comparison.
d. Reading Strategies and Commonplacing
A significant portion of the interview delves into Thomas's disciplined reading habits and his practice of commonplace books—a method of noting down quotes and insights from his readings.
Cindy Rollins (75:22) praises his meticulous approach:
“He reads down quotes he likes and even those he doesn’t, maintaining a comprehensive commonplace book.”
Thomas Banks (85:13) elaborates:
“I began commonplace not out of choice, but because it was assigned in high school. Now, it helps me keep track of a wide variety of readings.”
e. Balancing High and Low Culture
The discussion transitions to Thomas’s unique blend of high and low culture interests, illustrating his well-rounded literary palate.
Cindy Rollins (79:15) observes:
“Mr. Banks genuinely appreciates both high and low culture, seamlessly integrating them into his literary discussions.”
Angelina shares:
“I bought him Kingsley Amos’s James Bond Dossier for Christmas—a perfect blend of scholarly analysis and pop culture.”
This balance underscores Thomas’s belief in the interconnectedness of all forms of storytelling, whether classical literature or modern film.
f. Recommendations and Current Reading
Thomas recommends Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, explaining its relevance to contemporary generational struggles.
Thomas Banks (90:07) describes:
“It’s a slice-of-life novel depicting generational strife, much like today’s cultural conflicts.”
He also shares his current readings, including Dostoevsky’s The Double, highlighting his continuous exploration of diverse literary genres.
Final Remarks and Promotions
As the episode concludes, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon community, join their Facebook discussion group, and subscribe to their sister podcasts. They emphasize the importance of cultivating a rich literary life, reinforcing their motto:
“Stories Will Save the World.”
Cindy Rollins (93:14) humorously asserts:
“We keep this group our happy place. Friends, the power of the delete and block button has gone to my head.”
The episode wraps up with Thomas Banks reciting Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Time Real and Imaginable, encapsulating the poetic essence of their literary discussions.
Notable Quotes
-
Thomas Banks (07:06):
“We sing because we must. We sing because it fills our lungs with nourishing air and lets our hearts soar with the notes we let out... We sing either way, that's the end of it.” -
Cindy Rollins (12:55):
“Singing in hope of better times is a powerful sentiment to begin the new year with.” -
Thomas Banks (35:16):
“Growing up in a home where learning and reading were normal things was an inexpressibly huge advantage.” -
Thomas Banks (85:13):
“I began commonplace not out of choice, but because it was assigned in high school. Now, it helps me keep track of a wide variety of readings.”
Conclusion
This episode of The Literary Life Podcast offers an enriching exploration of Thomas Banks's literary journey, blending personal anecdotes with scholarly insights. Through disciplined reading, a passion for both high and low culture, and the practice of commonplace books, Thomas exemplifies the podcast's dedication to fostering a deep, engaging relationship with literature. Listeners are encouraged to join the community, engage in thoughtful discussions, and continue building their own literary lives.
For more information, visit HouseOfHumaneLetters.com and join the conversation on Patreon and Facebook. Subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated with all the literary explorations and discussions.