Literature and History, hosted by Doug Metzger, covers the cultural history behind famous works of literature, moving chronologically from Sumerian cuneiform toward the early Middle Ages and currently early Islamic history. The show has 129 episodes with a bimonthly release pattern, typical length around two hours, an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 downloads per episode, and an indicative rate of $40 to $90 per host-read mid-roll.
Highly rated independent literature podcast with a long, loyal back catalogue
- Apple Podcasts shows 1,589 ratings with a 4.8 average across 130 episodes.
- Each episode averages about two hours with full transcripts and quizzes offered free to listeners.
- The show has run since 2016 and is published in a strict chronological series.
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- solo monologue, narrative, summary and analysis
- Tone
- scholarly, measured
- Language
- English
- Production
- Studio production
- Typical length
- 120 to 150 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- No
The website states the show has no advertisements, and no sponsor mentions appear in the recent episode titles.
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
The feed carries an explicit flag of 1 and the content covers violent ancient wars and mature literary texts, so the show is flagged for explicit-marked content.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | literatureandhistory.com |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1083737218 |
| RSS feed | literatureandhistory.libsyn.com/rss |
Benchmark score: 77 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 130: An Introduction to Early Medieval Literature | 2026-10-15 | 2 h 32 min |
| Episode 129: We Are the Grass | 2026-09-11 | 2 h 8 min |
| Episode 128: Early Sufism | 2026-08-15 | 1 h 56 min |
| Episode 127: Bashshar ibn Burd | 2026-07-15 | 2 h 2 min |
| Episode 126: Kalilah and Dimnah | 2026-06-15 | 2 h 12 min |
| Episode 125: The Zoroastrian Bundahisn | 2026-05-15 | 2 h 3 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 4 days ago, a new one about every 31 days.
With millions of downloads, hundreds of hours of soundtracked content, and an overall emphasis on the cultural history behind famous works of literature, Literature and History is one of the most popular independent podcasts on its subject. Starting with Sumerian cuneiform in 3,100 BCE, Literature and History moves forward in chronological order through Assyriology, Egyptology, the Old Testament,…
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About Literature and History
Literature and History is an independent podcast hosted by Doug Metzger that explores the cultural, historical and biographical context of famous works of literature. Its chronological series starts with Sumerian cuneiform and currently covers early Islamic history, with 129 episodes published roughly every month, according to the RSS feed and website.
Each episode typically runs about two hours and combines a general introduction, a full summary of the work and an analysis of the forces that produced it, with original music and free footnoted transcripts. The show holds 1,589 ratings with a 4.8 average on Apple Podcasts. Audience figures are estimates only, placing the show at roughly 2,000 to 8,000 downloads per episode, and the audience is likely adult, English-speaking and interested in literature and history.
The show states it carries no advertisements. Brands seeking an educational, non-intrusive sponsorship could be a fit, with an indicative rate of $40 to $90 per episode, subject to the host's approval, according to the feed and the website.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Literature and History can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Literature and History
How much does Literature and History charge for a podcast sponsorship?
The indicative rate is $40 to $90 per host-read mid-roll based on estimated downloads of 2,000 to 8,000 per episode. The show's website says it carries no advertisements, so any sponsorship would be an exception.
What is Literature and History about?
The show covers the cultural history behind famous works of literature in chronological order, from ancient Sumerian texts to early Islamic history. Each episode includes a summary of the work and an analysis of its historical context.
How do I contact Literature and History about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80. Boosted shows can be booked through Starbooked.
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