May 4, 2024

magpie 59/ the life and death of Richard Wright

Only one topic today, because it’s 9+ hours of podcast greatness:

Benjamin Walker’s Theory of Everything published a 9 part podcast series that dives into Richard Wright’s expat experience in France, from beginning to suspicious end. The series uses Wright’s life and work as a throughline to dive into Cold War propaganda and the interaction of several figures around Wright who were underwritten and enabled by the American and British intelligence and propaganda services. The most surprising on the list for me? JAMES F@(*^@% BALDWIN. The lack of surprise from the guest academics on the series tells me this is not news to them, but sure is to me!

H/t Peter for this one