Shows
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 16, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to the Pope again, two days later, on the topic connected to Petrus Serva.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e54-feb16Today's Document:Subject: A follow-up letter about Petrus ServaDate: February 16, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f85vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Avignon Pope Clement VIIMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody...
2026-02-1620 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 15, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan recommended Fray Alemany of Ejulve to become the commander of the Hospitaller castle at Villel, near Teruel.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/Today's Document:Subject: recommendation for a vacancy at the Hopsitaller castle in VillelDate: February 15, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1825 f33vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipient: Juan Fernández de Heredia, Master of Rhodes, head of the HospitallersMusic CreditsThe m...
2026-02-1518 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 14, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to the Avignon Pope urging him to expedite the promotion of James the Bishop of Valencia to Cardinal.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e52-feb14Today's Document:Subject: James the Bishop of Valencia wants to become a CardinalDate: February 14, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1818 f97vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: Avignon Pope Clement VIIMusic CreditsThe music in this episode...
2026-02-1417 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 13, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant ordered the governor of Valencia to apprehend Berenguer Vilaragut and his followers.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e51-feb13Today's Document:Subject: Violant ordering a law enforcement actionDate: February 13, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f84rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: Aznardo PardoMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-02-1315 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 12, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote a letter supporting James, the Bishop of Valencia, in his bid to become a Cardinal.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e50-feb12Today's Document:Subject: support of James of Aragon to be made a CardinalDate: February 12, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1954 f2v-3rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: College of Cardinals of Avignon PapacyMusic CreditsThe music in this episode...
2026-02-1216 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 11, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote follow-up letters to the officials of Montpellier and the Bishop of Maguelone about the students accused of rape in Montpellier.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e49-feb11Today's Document:Subject: Montpellier sexual assault caseDate: February 11, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f82r-vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: Officials of Montpellier and Bishop of MagueloneMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is...
2026-02-1125 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 10, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ordered the city of Lleida to pay what they owe to a creditor.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e48-feb10Today's Document:Subject: Joan orders the Lleida town council to pay Berenguer de AlmencarioDate: February 10, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1825 f32rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: officials in charge of Lleida’s financesMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from Th...
2026-02-1022 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 9, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant told someone that she heard that they wanted to come to Barcelona but that they were waiting for her to tell them she wanted them to come to Barcelona so now she is telling them to come to Barcelona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e47-feb9Today's Document:Subject: An extremely polite summons to Barcelona from ViolantDate: February 9, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f81rLink to PARESPlace...
2026-02-0919 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 8, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan intervened in a situation with royal officials in Lleida.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e46-feb8Today's Document:Subject: managing bailiffs and veguersDate: February 8, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1827 f27rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: the curia and veguer of LleidaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-02-0817 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 7, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan confirmed receipt of a big shipment of jewels and luxury items.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e45-feb7Today's Document:Subject: Joan’s shipment of treasures from MallorcaDate: February 7, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1751 f15v-16rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Berenguer LobetMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-02-0720 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 6, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant provided funds for the repair of a mill in Torroella de Montgri.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan's website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e44-feb6Today's Document:Subject: Violant helps finance the repair of a millDate: February 6, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f80rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Bernardo TorroniMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-02-0620 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 5, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant sent a letter of thanks to several monasteries whose monks prayed for Joan to recover from illness.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e43-feb5Today's Document:Subject: Violant thanks several monasteries for their prayersDate: February 5, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f79vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: several monasteries in the Crown of AragonMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from...
2026-02-0523 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 4, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan sent Gerau Vullats as a 'talking telegram' to Gaston Febus, in pursuit of a criminal.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e42-feb4Today's Document:Subject: Joan sends Gerau Vullats in pursuit of a criminalDate: February 4, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1751 f11rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipient: Gaston FebusMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by...
2026-02-0421 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 3, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant sent a 'talking telegram' in the form of Gerau Vullats to her friend Charles III of Navarre.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e41-feb3Today's Document:Subject: Violant sends a messenger to NavarreDate: February 3, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f78vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Charles III of NavarreMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental...
2026-02-0320 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 2, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan recommended Arnaldo Torrelles to the Bishop of Tortosa.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e40-feb2Today's Document:Subject: Recommendation for Arnaldo TorrellesDate: February 2, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1923 f19v-20rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Bishop of TortosaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-02-0221 min
The Historian's NotebookFebruary 1, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan authorized a personnel change at Perpignan Castle.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e39-feb1Today's Document:Subject: governance of Perpignan CastleDate: February 1, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1912 f96vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Johan del MoliMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-02-0122 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 31, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant informed the Queen of Navarre of the death of Pere the Ceremonious.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e38-jan31Today's Document:Subject: Violant informs the Queen of Navarre of the death of PereDate: January 31, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1818 f96rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Queen of NavarreMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by...
2026-01-3125 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 30, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant discussed a land sale in the province of Maresme.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e37-jan30Today's Document:Subject: A land sale in MaresmeDate: January 30, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f79rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: officials of MaresmeMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-01-3017 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 29, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the King of France and the Duke of Touraine requesting a troubadour named Colinet.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e36-jan29Today's Document:Subject: Joan requests a troubadour named ColinetDate: January 29, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1751 f9v-10rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Charles VI, King of France, and the Duke of TouraineMusic CreditsThe music in this episode...
2026-01-2925 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 28, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant informed Ramon de Perellos, the Viscount of Roda, that the King of Navarre had died.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e35-jan28Today's Document:- Subject: Violant informs Ramon de Perellos of the death of the King of Navarre- Date: January 28, 1387- Day of the Week: Monday- Language: Catalan- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1818 f96v- Link...
2026-01-2819 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 27, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ordered changes at the Ripoll Monastery, undoing some of Sibilla da Fortía's influence there.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e34-jan27Today's Document:- Subject: Joan initiates a change at the Ripoll Monastery- Date: January 27, 1387- Day of the Week: Sunday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1825 f14v- Link to PARES- P...
2026-01-2717 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 26, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant ordered the transfer of authority over the town of Cubelles away from Bernat da Fortía and to Petrus de Mari.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e33-jan26Today's Document:- Subject: Legal document regarding the town of Cubelles- Date: January 26, 1387- Day of the Week: Saturday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1822 f120v-121r- L...
2026-01-2620 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 25, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan appointed several people to the Inquisition of Girona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e32-jan25Today's Document:- Subject: Inquisition appointments- Date: January 25, 1387- Day of the Week: Friday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1912 f42r-v- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Joan- Recipients: new officials...
2026-01-2515 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 24, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant recommended Johan Fernando Aranda, a bachelor of law, for an ecclesiastical post in Barcelona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e31-jan24Today's Document:- Subject: Violant's recommends Aranda for an ecclesiastical post- Date: January 24, 1387- Day of the Week: Thursday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f76v- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona
2026-01-2420 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 23, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan collected a fine that he imposed on the Muslims of Fraga for an outbreak of violence against the Jews of that city.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e30-jan23Today's Document:- Subject: Collection of a fine from the Muslim aljama of Fraga- Date: January 23, 1387- Day of the Week: Wednesday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1890 f52r-53...
2026-01-2318 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 22, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant informed communities in her portfolio that they will need to pay some additional taxes.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/Today's Document:Subject: Tax collectionDate: January 22, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f75v-76rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: officials of several towns and aljamasMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-01-2219 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 21, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant's treasurer authorized a payment to Jacques and Isabel Portalbert, a husband-and-wife troubadour team.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e28-jan21Today's Document:Subject: record of payments to the PortalbertsDate: January 21, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA RP MR, vol. SG, 904, f72v. (image 95)Link to PARESPlace: BarcelonaAccount Holder: ViolantAuthorizer: Johan CallosRecipients: the minstrels Jacques and Isabel PortalbertMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is...
2026-01-2116 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 20, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant sent an upbeat greeting to the new King of Navarre, a person with whom Violant shared an interesting history.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/Today's Document:Subject: Violant sends a greeting to the King of NavarreDate: January 20, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f74rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Charles III, King of NavarreMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from...
2026-01-2018 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 19, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan added his input to a business problem encountered by a group in Montblanc which included Joan’s brother, Martí.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e26-jan19Today's Document:Subject: a business deal in MontblancDate: January 19, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1953 f10rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Martí and business partners in MontblancMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Trou...
2026-01-1921 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 18, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the officials of Cervera to provide protection for the chief chaplain of the archbishop of Zaragoza, Pedro de Guardia. This episode also gets into the topic of mail delivery, levels of seals, and the organization of the Archive of the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e25-jan18Today's Document:Subject: protection letter for Pedro de GuardiaDate: January 18, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR Pergaminos...
2026-01-1819 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 17, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to Violant about a petition from some Barcelona city councilors to revoke a recent election. This episode also examines how historians write about gender.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e24-jan17Today's Document:Subject: Joan informs Violant of a request about privileges from some Barcelona CouncilorsDate: January 17, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f19vLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipient: ViolantMusic Credits...
2026-01-1720 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 16, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, on the day of the big meeting to organize the new government, Violant wrote to the Bishop of Granollers.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e23-jan16Today's Document:Subject: Violant supports the pilgrimage of Friar PetrusDate: January 16, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f74rLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: ViolantRecipient: Bishop of GranollersMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance...
2026-01-1618 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 15, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ordered a payment to a harp-maker for at least two custom-made harps.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e22-jan15Today's Document:Subject: Joan arranges payments for custom-made harpsDate: January 15, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1953 f18rLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipients: Petro Palau, the harp-makerMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-01-1521 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 14, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan issued an approval for a sale taking place in Girona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e21-jan14Today's Document:Subject: Joan approves a sale in GironaDate: January 14, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f9vLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipients: Prohomens of GironaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths
2026-01-1418 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 13, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to the Pope that some difficulties, arduis urgentibus, have occurred in the succession process. Also, at the beginning of this episode, I do a little check-in to share a bit about the project overall and how my interest in it got started.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e20-jan13Today's Document:Subject: Violant writes to the Pope.Date: January 20, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f74rLink...
2026-01-1322 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 12, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan summoned Esperandeu Cardona, an advisor closely connected to the Jewish community of Barcelona, to come to Granollers. Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e19-jan12Today's Document:Subject: Summons to a Jewish advisor to come to GranollersDate: January 12, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f8rLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipient: Esperandeu Cardona Music CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance...
2026-01-1222 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 11, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the monastery and convent at Montserrat. Is it a routine recommendation letter or the installation of an agent who will report back? This episode also includes discussion of how to apply critical thinking to AI chatbot results.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e18-jan11Today's Document:Subject: letter of recommendation to Montserrat monastery and conventDate: January 11, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR RLink to PARESPlace: near GranollersSender...
2026-01-1116 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 10, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, King Pere's body was interred in the royal crypt. This document records the death of Pere the Ceremonious in a manner of certification at the end of a treasury record book. The episode relates a few notable events from the life of King Pere, who reigned from 1336-1387.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e17-jan10Today's Document:Subject: an official record of the death of King Pere the CeremoniousDate: January 10, 1387Day of the Week...
2026-01-1018 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 9, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to Maria de Luna, her sister-in-law, Martí’s wife, asking Maria to come to Barcelona as soon as possible. This episode showcases Maria de Luna as a political powerhouse in the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e15-jan8Today's Document:Subject: Violant asks Maria de Luna to come to BarcelonaDate: January 9, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f73rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Maria de Lun...
2026-01-0919 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 8, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant established contact with the Crown's officials in Majorca. This episode provides a lot of background information about the history of the Crown of Aragon and also explains a little about the development of the Catalan language. The document itself is about Majorca, but that island's incorporation into the Crown of Aragon in the thirteenth century is just one part of the expansion of the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e15-jan8...
2026-01-0826 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 7, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to Martí, telling him to put prisoners from Sibilla’s surrender in the castle of Santa Creu, but not in chains. This episode also explains into how contemporary scholars in queenship studies conceptualize power.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e14-jan7Today's Document:Subject: Violant coordinates plans for the prisoners from Sibilla’s flightDate: January 7, 1387Day of the Week: MondayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f72rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Martí...
2026-01-0718 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 6, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant moved to organize plans for succession. January 6th is a day of transition of power in the Crown of Aragon in 1387. The king is dead. But in the absence of the new king, the queen must set the foundations of the new reign.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e13-jan6Today's Document:Subject: Violant coordinating succession plans in BarcelonaDate: January 6, 1387Day of the Week: SundayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f71vLink to...
2026-01-0620 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 5, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ruled on a dispute over a dowry. This episode spends a lot of time on the materiality of the archival documents themselves and the experience of the Archive of the Crown of Aragon. Also, though, the episode provides introductory information about Marie A. Kelleher's scholarship on the way that women navigated and operationalized the legal system in the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e12-jan5Today's Document:Subject: Joan rules...
2026-01-0517 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 4, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to his brother, Marti, who is in pursuit of Queen Sibilla. Today's document provides some hints about the flurry of communication happening. Also, the first signs of Joan's illness start to appear as he tells his brother that he will spend an extra night in Bella Dona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e11-jan4Today's Document:Subject:Joan and Martí figuring out how to respond to Queen Sibilla’s flight from BarcelonaDate: Jan...
2026-01-0418 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 3, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan informed the Barcelona city councilors that he would arrive there soon. It is a promise that he will not be able to keep...Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e10-jan3Today's Document:Subject: Joan’s communication with the leadership of Barcelona about Pere’s grave illnessDate: January 3, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f11vLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: JoanRecipients: Prohomens of BarcelonaMusic CreditsThe...
2026-01-0316 min
The Historian's NotebookJanuary 1, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to Marti about their father's books and astronomical instruments. In a move that appears rather vulturous, Joan asks his brother to secure some of their dying father’s precious possessions. In this episode Jonathan also discusses Catalan humanism and introduces Joan and Violant's cultural contributions.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e8-jan1Today's Document:Subject: Joan asks Martí to secure items as Pere is dyingDate: January 1, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayArchival Reference Num...
2026-01-0119 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 31, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan provided authorization for an inheritance proceeding. Today's document eventually becomes comprehensible thanks to a bail-out from AI. After discussing it, Jonathan adds a bit more background information about the Crown of Aragon, Violant de Bar's childhood, and the familial dynamics between Pere and Joan.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e7-dec31Today's Document:Subject: The execution of the last will of Andreu de FenolletDate: December 31, 1387Day of the Week: MondayArchival Reference Number: ACA...
2025-12-3117 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 30, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan issued a dramatic charter. The King is not yet dead, but the machinery of the succession activates. In a fateful turn of events, the Queen flees the bedside of the dying King. Upon hearing this, Joan takes swift action against the Queen, a move which benefits Violant. That is the subject of today's document, a charter by Joan but written in Violant's register of her property records.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e6-dec30...
2025-12-3020 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 29, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant's treasurer authorized a payment to a baker on her household staff. This episode introduces a new type of document to the podcast, a treasury record. In this document, a baker gets paid 356 sous for three months of work in Violant's household. After some sourcing and historical thinking about this document, the episode shifts to explain a little background about how Joan and Violant start planning the logistics of succession. This sets up for tomorrow's document, one that brings some high drama into the story.Read more about this document...
2025-12-2917 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 28, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to religious officials in Huesca. In this episode, Jonathan wrangles with some tough Latin and then discusses one of the most useful resources for this project, an Itinerary of Joan's location composed by Daniel Girona i Llagostera in 1923.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e4-dec28Today's Document:Subject: Another letter from Joan to an ecclesiastical official about a vacancy.Date: December 28, 1387Day of the Week: FridayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1675 f20...
2025-12-2818 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 27, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote her own recommendation letter for Bernardo Maloll. Plus: worm holes, chancery backlogs, gender dynamics and more!Read about this document on the episode page on Jonathan's website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e3-dec27Today's Document:Subject:Violant recommends Bernardo Maloll for an ecclesiastical postDate: December 27, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1822 f118rLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: Violant, Duchess of GironaRecipient: Juan Fernández de Heredia, Master of Rhodes, head of the HospitallersMusic CreditsThe m...
2025-12-2719 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 26, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan recommended Bernard Maloll for an appointment at a monastery. But Jonathan devotes much of this episode to an explanation of the organization of the Archives of the Crown of Aragon and some tips for understanding what you see on a typical page in the registers.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e2-dec26Today's Document:Subject: Joan recommends Bernardo Maloll for an ecclesiastical postDate: December 26, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR...
2025-12-2616 min
The Historian's NotebookDecember 25, 1387In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, it was New Year's Day. In Episode 1, I lay out some general expectations for how the podcast will go. Each 15-minute daily episode features a document from that day in 1387, the first year of Joan and Violant’s reign as King and Queen of the Crown of Aragon. Sometimes an episode will focus on that document’s content and other times the document will simply jumpstart a conversation about some background knowledge.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e1-d...
2025-12-2518 min
The Historian's NotebookSeason Trailer - Introducing Molt Cara CompanyonaThis trailer introduces Season 1 of The Historian's Notebook. In this Season, Jonathan will take listeners deep into the research process, with short daily episodes. Each episode, Jonathan will work with a document from that day in 1387, the first year of the reign of King Joan I of Aragon and Violant de Bar. They reigned from 1387-1396 and their first tumultuous year included near-death illness, court scandals, and troubadour parties. In addition to learning more about these two fascinating medieval monarchs, listeners will gain insight into the surprising abundance of the digitized Archive of the Crown of Aragon....
2025-12-2208 min
The Historian's NotebookTrailer - Introducing The Historian's NotebookThis trailer will give you a general idea of how The Historian's Notebook will encounter history as a subject. Instead of telling finished stories of the past or presenting completed historical arguments, The Historian's Notebook brings you into the process of making history.For more information about the podcast, visit Jonathan's website, jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebookThe theme music for the series trailer is Lounge - Midnight Drift, by AiCanvas.
2025-12-1709 min
A Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE45 - Farewell...For NowIn this final episode, Jonathan discusses recent life changes that led to the break in episodes. Alas, this will be the last episode for a long while. Thank you to all the listeners who have corresponded and shared their experiences with the podcast. That has been a true joy. Jonathan is starting a History graduate program and won't have time to continue the podcast. Before signing off, Jonathan reflects on Ayn Rand's ideas in American culture in June 2023, as reflected in the funeral episode of HBO's series, Succession. Have Ayn Rand's theories finally been cast into the...
2023-06-1144 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE44 - Stinging JetsIn this episode, Jonathan explores Hank Reardon's perception that business enterprise is a "shameful cult." This involves a larger discussion of the value of work and the psychological toll of living with people who have different values. Jonathan mentions the book Callings as an example of how work can hold larger value.My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:What is human nature?Straw-man arguments and their impact on the world Ayn Rand creates.Dagny Taggart as a true hero.How empathy can be de-legitimized.What is Capitalism and...
2022-12-0943 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE43 - Guiltless Serenity of SpiritIn this episode, Jonathan finishes up their discussion of Chapter 5. We see Dagny and Francisco interact in the novel's present time. The dialog reinforces the pattern for Francisco: keeping secrets and acting paternalistic toward Dagny. However, we also see suspenseful developments of Dagny's character on the Hero's Journey. Ayn Rand takes some more pot shots at socialism, which Jonathan addresses. My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:What is human nature?Straw-man arguments and their impact on the world Ayn Rand creates.Dagny Taggart as a true hero.How...
2022-12-0236 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE42 - A Ray of Hidden LightIn this episode, Jonathan discusses the end of the backstory of Francisco and Dagny's relationship. In reference to the "exhilaration" of Francisco's manic overworking, Jonathan draws out the distinction between workaholism and flow state. Flow state is a concept explained by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (click here for his book on the flow state). This episode contains a lot of commentary about trust in relationships and how Francisco d'Anconia violates Dagny's trust. My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:What is human nature?Straw-man arguments and their impact on the...
2022-11-1744 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE41 - A Proud Surge of Motion[For October-November 2022, episodes will not be released with the usual weekly frequency due to some family commitments. Hopefully the podcast will get back to regular weekly episodes soon. Thanks, everyone, for your patience and thoughtful engagement with the podcast!]In this episode, Jonathan analyzes the next few scenes of Chapter 5 (Part 1). Dagny and Francisco, now young adults, take their relationship to new levels of intimacy. Ayn Rand's description of that intimacy features the language of capitalism (ownership) but also there are surprising moments of feminism and sex positivity. My five themes to explore in this...
2022-09-2439 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE40 - >>Fast Forward>> Part 1 of The 20th Century Motor CompanyIn this episode, we "Fast Forward" to the Story of the 20th Century Motor Company (located in Chapter 10 of Part 2; p.616-627 in the Signet paperback edition). There are not many places on the internet to find the excerpt except for this link.Jonathan begins the Fast Forward episodes on the 20th Century Motor Company by doing a case study of the post-Soviet economy of Estonia, responding to a speech given by Mart Laar at the Universidad Francisco Marroquín in 2006 (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lasy0pfn1is). Much of Ayn Rand's purpose in t...
2022-09-171h 59A Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE39 - A Woman of Such Confident Dangerous PowerThis episode starts by checking in with Jim Taggart's growing apprehension of the power of shame-based morality -- something that Dagny thinks is potentially dangerous but Francisco considers merely disdainful. Next, the conversation turns to the dynamic between Francisco and Dagny, which continues to play according to Francisco's terms, mostly. Jonathan responds to the moral formula that someone who doesn't work has no value. The most important thing to understand about this is that the word "work" has an entire network of associations and meanings in our culture. When Francisco slaps Dagny, Rand wants to produce shock in the r...
2022-09-0950 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE38 - Too Great a Capacity for JoyIn this episode, Jonathan delves into the next stages of the friendship between Dagny and Francisco. Also, this episode further analyzes the antipathy between James and Francisco. Next, Jonathan spends a lot of time reflecting on the optimistic paragraph that describes how the three friends (Dagny, Francisco, and Eddie) sit around the bonfire imagining the greatness of the future. The next section of this episode addresses the kind of vulnerability that is briefly introduced regarding Francisco's capacity for joy. Lastly, Jonathan interprets the "new reticence" mentioned between Francisco and Dagny.My five themes to explore in this...
2022-09-0245 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE37 - Everybody Loves FrankieThis episode focuses on the first scenes presented about Francisco d'Anconia's childhood interactions with the Taggart family, especially Dagny. Jonathan analyzes the friendship dynamics between Francisco, Dagny, and Eddie. Then, when Francisco attempts to test their mettle as an anonymous call boy for the train, we see the temptation that we all have to get an evaluation of our skills apart from our inherited or social background. Jonathan asserts that this is an illusion because of the socially embedded nature of identity, skills, and culture. There are interesting parallels between this episode in Francisco's story and Ayn Rand's biography...
2022-08-2631 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE36 - Centuries of BreedingIn this episode, Jonathan analyzes the back story of Francisco D'Anconia's ancestry. The main topic of this episode is how Ayn Rand infuses an aristocratic family with bourgeois values. This involves thinking about social class in the terms conceptualized by Friedrich Nietzsche in the Genealogy of Morals. Jonathan recommends the podcast Philosophize This for a great explanation of the philosophy of Nietzsche. Adam Reed's essay about Francisco D'Anconia's connections to Judaism can be found by clicking here.My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:What is human...
2022-08-1957 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE35 - Play It OpenIn this episode, Jonathan reaches the end of Chapter 4. In these last two scenes, Dagny interacts with two characters who share her "sense of life" and value system. The scene with Ellis Wyatt highlights the struggle of someone who has pride in their work but works in a broken system. Ellis Wyatt expresses particular disdain for those who feed off the carcasses of producers and Jonathan draws an analogy to the leeching behavior depicted in the TV show Silicon Valley. In the next scene, Hank Rearden tells Dagny that he likes that she "plays it open." Jonathan ex...
2022-08-1245 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE34 - Dan ConwayJonathan first discusses the short scene between Dagny and James. The "secret" that Dagny detects in James Taggart's smile is probably the short-term advantage possessed by those who are willing to use brute force or political maneuvering to achieve their goal. In the scene between Dagny and Dan Conway, we meet another "man's man" who built a successful enterprise in a rags-to-riches fashion. For the first time in the book, college education gets mentioned with disdain in a way that can be connected to the disdain of elite technocrats in the political culture of the USA in...
2022-08-0545 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE33 - The Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog RuleThis episode focuses on the vexing problem of setting rules for competition in marketplaces and profit-making. The government's function is to set the rules of the game and enforce them. In Atlas Shrugged, the National Railroad Association conducts illegal collusion, but Ayn Rand makes it seem like this behavior is something that firms could easily get away with in the real world. On the contrary, in the real world, it is not so easy to illegally collude. During this discussion, Jonathan mentions some trade associations that funded ad campaigns (for milk and for cotton). Jonathan e...
2022-07-3037 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE32 - NationalizationFile this one under the theme: what is Capitalism and what is wrong with it? Jonathan provides a lengthy history-infused explanation of nationalization (when a government takes over an industry or a particular firm within an industry). The historical journey features Mexico's nationalization of its petroleum industry and the US Department of State's webpage. Jonathan mentions the Takings Clause in the 5th Amendment of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court case Kelo v. New London. Eminent Domain is covered in Article 27 of the Constitution of Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. A very highly recommended book on public ent...
2022-07-2947 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE31 - Betty Pope and Ayn Rand's FeminismI thought that I could cover both the gender discussion and nationalization in about 45 minutes, but that did not happen. So, this week, we get into gender with the scene between James Taggart and Betty Pope. The next episode (#32) will discuss nationalization.Jonathan's understanding of contemporary gender theory and research is grounded in the text Gender: Ideas, Interactions, Institutions by Lisa Wade and Myra Marx Ferree.In the discussion about gender and politics, Jonathan mentions Margaret Thatcher and Julia Gillard (see her famous speech). A fictional figure, Claire Underwood, demonstrates some of the "self-immolation" that...
2022-07-2234 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE30 - >>Fast Forward>> Part 3 of Francisco d'Anconia's Money SpeechFor the 30th episode, Jonathan "fast forwards" to Part 2, Chapter 2 in order to discuss one of the most quoted sections of Atlas Shrugged, Francisco d'Anconia's Money Speech. The gist of the speech is that d'Anconia (and Rand) claims that money is not the root of evil, but the root of all good. In this longer episode, Jonathan delves into the logic Rand uses to support this claim and examines several underlying assumptions. This is the last of the three fast forward episodes on Francisco d'Anconia's Money Speech.For the video produced by the Bank of England about...
2022-07-152h 11A Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE29 - Phaethon SucceededThis episode begins by delving into aesthetics with an exploration of the question: what makes great art great? Dagny returns to her apartment and listens to the music of Richard Halley. Jonathan analyzes the description of Halley's Fourth Concerto and explores the idea that the experience of pain is worse for those who see no purpose in it. Jonathan mentions the philosopher Viktor Frankl as a philosopher who writes on the purpose of suffering (especially in his book Man's Search for Meaning). The biography of Richard Halley engages with the trope of the tortured artist and Rand ends up...
2022-07-0843 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE28 - Motive PowerJonathan begins this episode with a review of a recent book on economic systems: Is Capitalism Obsolete?: a Journey Through Alternative Economic Systems by Giacomo Corneo. This episode kicks off the discussion of Chapter 4 of Part 1. The title of the chapter, The Immovable Movers, carries allusions to Ancient Greek philosophical traditions connected to the creation of the cosmos. Jonathan explains some of the connections to Aristotle, Parmenides, and Thomas Aquinas. Following that, Jonathan explores the question of achievement and symbiosis as they relate to human nature. The first paragraph of the chapter brings up questions about the definition of...
2022-07-0144 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE27 - The Old Watchdog and the Silent PresenceThis episode begins with Jonathan examining how people typically make decisions about who is deserving of empathy and who is not. This episode's close read starts with the scene between Dagny and the "old watchdog." Jonathan examines the social class evocations called up by the identification of the old watchdog having an "air of breeding" about him. Dagny doesn't want to discuss what she calls her personal torture -- what is she referring to? Jonathan offers an answer: the riddle of why some people seem to give up on life. This connects to the pervasiveness of fear, and fear-based...
2022-06-2436 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE26 - Nat Taggart and the Importance of Historical ContextThis episode begins with an analysis of the scene between Dagny and Jim about the San Sebastian Line. This scene reprises a lot of the dynamics we saw before when Jim and Dagny interacted: Jim's sexism, ignorance, avoidance of responsibility, and disdain for facts. This scene also includes some fearmongering about nationalization, and the Mexican government as "looters." Jonathan explains the historical context for socialism in Mexico and for the nationalization of particular industries. Historical context is also missing from the backstory of Nat Taggart, who founded Taggart Transcontinental in the 19th century. Nat Taggart's story also reveals a...
2022-06-1732 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE25 - Spectacularly WorthlessSPOILER ALERT: This episode contains some information about Francisco d'Anconia that has not yet been revealed in the book, but it's not really that big of a spoiler.Jonathan begins this episode riffing on the phrase "spectacularly worthless" which is used to describe Francisco d'Anconia when he's introduced to the reader in Chapter 3 of Atlas Shrugged. While analyzing the purpose of Francisco d'Anconia's character in the book, Jonathan makes a connection to Ayn Rand's effort to address the Achilles heel of libertarian morality: inherited wealth. Next, Jonathan explains the cultural associations surrounding Saint Sebastian, which is what...
2022-06-1445 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE24 - Admiration and AbilityJonathan begins the episode by pointing out the topsy-turvy nature of which characters in the novel are at the top in terms of power but at the bottom in terms of morality. Following that introduction, Jonathan discusses the backstory information we get about Dagny Taggart and the ways that Dagny's heroism can be appealing regardless of your political ideology. This includes an explanation of the vital importance of "humility with a touch of future pride" in the beginning stages of professional life and building a respectful ethic of work (as opposed to work ethic). The definition of "dull" and "...
2022-06-1046 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE23 - Historical NecessityJonathan begins this episode by discussing Schumpeter's concept of "creative destruction" and the thorny problem of those who, through no fault of their own, lose their jobs because of it. Next, we challenge Orren Boyle's notion of "progressive social policy" by clarifying and historicizing the legislation and reforms of the Progressive Era. Swill milk is the example Jonathan uses to emphasize the importance of Progressive Era legislation and regulation. This brings up the question of the government's role in the affairs of particular firms. Should the government intervene when a new invention will lead to some companies going out o...
2022-06-0335 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE22 - Definitions of Property (Private, Personal, Intellectual)After a short statement touching base about the format of the podcast, Jonathan returns to Orren Boyle's ideas about the social responsibilities of companies. The Delano Grape Strike & Boycott is a famous example of the "people not standing for it" when a company fails in its social responsibilities. The bulk of this episode is devoted to an economic discussion of the concept of private property. To distinguish between Orren Boyle's definition of private property and most socialists' definitions of private property, Jonathan emphasizes the difference between private property and the economic concept of personal property. Socialists do have an a...
2022-05-3040 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE21 - Disunity and Sharing the BurdenIn this episode, Jonathan returns to the first scene of Chapter 3 and analyzes the political-economic ideas alluded to by James Taggart and Orren Boyle. In this scene, Ayn Rand associates socialism with fascism, which is a very similar argument to the ideas of Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises. Jonathan summarizes the main argument of Hayek's book The Road to Serfdom. Jonathan explains how the problem with iron ore supply discussed in this scene makes for an interesting comparison to current-day supply chain problems in the wake of the Covid pandemic. What should a government do when the economy...
2022-05-2737 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE20 - >>Fast Forward>> Part 2 of Francisco d'Anconia's Money SpeechFor the 20th episode, Jonathan "fast forwards" to Part 2, Chapter 2 in order to discuss one of the most quoted sections of Atlas Shrugged, Francisco d'Anconia's Money Speech. In Jonathan's edition, the speech appears on page 387. The gist of the speech is that d'Anconia (and Rand) claims that money is not the root of evil, but the root of all good. In this longer episode, Jonathan delves into the logic Rand uses to support this claim and examines several underlying assumptions. Jonathan will close read the next section of the speech in Episode 30.My five themes to explore...
2022-05-2058 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE19 - ConspiraciesThis episode begins the close reading of Chapter 3. Jonathan sets up the discussion of the first scene with a reflection on conspiracy theories. They cite Ross Douthat's March 2, 2021, column "A Better Way to Think About Conspiracy Theories" published in The New York Times. Jonathan then explains Orren Boyle's motivations at the start of the conspiratorial meeting in this scene. Boyle's backstory activates tropes about wasteful government spending that plays favorites. On the topic of government criticism, Jonathan cites the book, The Fifth Risk, by Michael Lewis. Jonathan also mentions the Solyndra scandal and here is the Department of Energy's...
2022-04-2933 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE18 - Friends of Global ProgressThis episode concludes Jonathan's close reading of Chapter 2: The Chain. Jonathan interprets the chapter as a series of scenes that feature different species of the category "moocher." In this last scene, Hank tries to make his brother, Philip, feel a moment of happiness but that backfires terribly. Jonathan analyzes Ayn Rand's caricatures of the "failure to launch" phenomenon and of charitable organizations. Jonathan mentions anti-malaria nets as an example of the kind of charitable work that never gets mentioned in Atlas Shrugged. Check out GiveWell's review of the Against Malaria Foundation. Also mentioned (again) in this episode is the...
2022-04-2135 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE17 - Public RelationsJonathan begins this episode by returning to a question explored in Episode 6: the difficulty of determining the moral and ethical responsibilities that a business owner has regarding social justice and responding to social change. This scene within Chapter 2 addresses the question with Hank Rearden's friend, Paul Larkin, voicing concern about Hank's poor public image. Jonathan discusses the role of public relations in holding corporations accountable for ethical violations as well as the trouble with public relations as a tool of deception (similar to advertising). The episode ends with a focus on the one sentence about the government that foreshadows...
2022-04-0838 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE16 - The Bracelet and the Anthropology of Gift-GivingJonathan begins this episode by discussing gift-giving from an anthropological perspective. For the article on gift-giving from the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Anthropology, click here. Jonathan then analyzes the reactions of Hank Rearden's family to his gift to Lillian of the bracelet made from Rearden Metal. Next Jonathan discusses the absence of parental love in the novel. Lastly, the exploration widens to thinking about what the portrayal of family in Atlas Shrugged signals regarding Ayn Rand's larger worldview. My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:What is human nature?Straw-man a...
2022-03-2638 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE15 - Introducing the MoochersJonathan begins this episode by referring to the previous episode as a "paragraph" -- oops! But then they return to the topic of hegemonic masculinity as a way to frame their analysis of the way that Hank Rearden's family is portrayed in Chapter 2. Jonathan discusses the economics of the family in the modern era and what these economic arrangements mean for status, value, and respect between family members who adopt a breadwinner role and a care worker role. To get a more thorough explanation of why some people behave the way that Hank Rearden's family behaves, then check out...
2022-03-2533 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE14 - The Meaning of Accomplishment and "Rearden Life"In this episode, Jonathan analyzes the celebration of Hank Rearden's accomplishment. They then explain hegemonic masculinity and how it is visible in Hank Reardon's recollection of his own backstory. In Rearden's story of working his way up, there's something missing: the way that he was able to save up enough money for purchasing the abandoned industrial property. Jonathan ends the episode by recommending this great essay by Anna Sones about self-promotion for new artists. To explain the extreme unlikelihood of Hank Rearden's rise to wealth, several works are mentioned in this episode: John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, E...
2022-03-1930 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE13 - Hank Reardon and the Meaning of VocationAt the start of this episode, Jonathan recommends a recent podcast episode from the Ezra Klein Show that is an interview with historian Timothy Snyder. This episode then explores the first few pages of Chapter 2 and how Rand glorifies industry without taking externalities like environmental pollution into account. There's also a connection to the classic sociological tension between structure and agency. Then Jonathan refers to the philosophy of Martin Heidegger in the worship of technology on display in the descriptions of industry and work in these first few pages of Chapter 2. Jonathan ends the episode by reflecting on the...
2022-03-1834 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE12 - Owen KelloggIn this episode, we finally get to the end of Chapter 1! Jonathan focuses on how Chapter 1 has set obstacles in Dagny's path and projected the atmosphere of decay. The chapter ends with two characters "dropping out": Richard Halley who has remained out of public life and Owen Kellogg who decides to quit Taggart Transcontinental. In the last scene, Owen Kellogg quits without providing a reason, but with an amused smile. Jonathan expands on their frustration with how the male characters keep Dagny out of the loop as to the real reasons for their going on strike. Today's M...
2022-03-1124 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE11 - The Human ElementIn this episode, Jonathan does a close read of the first scene between Dagny and James Taggart. James protests against Dagny's approach to business by citing some half-baked theories about capitalism and morality. Jonathan picks apart the argument and identifies some of the straw-man arguments that Ayn Rand deploys through the voice of James Taggart. Jonathan also analyzes James's reaction to Dagny in the context of patriarchy. Today's Moment of Non-Contradiction comes from Quora.My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:What is human nature?Straw-man arguments a...
2022-03-0935 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE10 - >>Fast Forward>> Part 1 of Francisco d'Anconia's Money SpeechFor the 10th episode, Jonathan "fast forwards" to Part 2, Chapter 2 in order to discuss one of the most quoted sections of Atlas Shrugged, Francisco d'Anconia's Money Speech. In Jonathan's edition, the speech appears on page 387. The gist of the speech is that d'Anconia (and Rand) claims that money is not the root of evil, but the root of all good. In this longer episode, Jonathan delves into the logic Rand uses to support this claim and examines several underlying assumptions. Jonathan will close read the second half of the speech in Episode 20.Jonathan mentions the PBS documentary...
2022-03-041h 10A Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE9 - Taking ResponsibilityIn this episode, Jonathan discusses the scene with Dagny Taggart and the train workers who want to follow the broken signal. Dagny's frustration is based on her response to the indifference that has come up earlier in the book. This part of the scene demonstrates a lot of Dagny's heroic characteristics. Jonathan ties some of these heroic qualities to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, taking responsibility for his leadership role during the Russian invasion in February-March 2022. The mention of Jim Taggart's friend as the Division Head scene connects to the tension between loyalty/friendship and the enterprise of...
2022-03-0130 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE8 - An Unobstructed Effort to Introduce Dagny TaggartToday's episode begins with speculation about the "actual" Halley's Fifth Concerto in our Moment of Non-Contradiction. Jonathan then discusses the first scene with Dagny Taggart named, in which Dagny has a dramatic reaction to hearing a (new?) song by a favorite composer. The moments in which Dagny gets swept away by the music bring up some interesting elements of meditation and Buddhist philosophy. Jonathan then compares Dagny Taggart to the Count of Monte Cristo as a way of explaining some of the satisfaction a reader experiences with Dagny's journey in Atlas Shrugged. Some might wonder why Dagny let James...
2022-02-2626 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE7 - Cynical IndifferenceIn today's episode, Jonathan discusses how to handle the world Ayn Rand creates in Atlas Shrugged as a fantasy world and how that limits the applicability of the ideas in the book to our shared reality. The main scene discussed today is the one between Pop Harper and Eddie Willers, in which Pop bemoans the shortage of woolen undershirts and then claims that they've reached the end of typewriting due to no good typewriters being made anymore. After discussing this scene, Jonathan explains the historical context of how the West, in the 1950s, compared their own economic strength to...
2022-02-2327 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE6 - Ellis Wyatt and InnovationIn this episode, Jonathan discusses the problem that Ellis Wyatt presents for Jim Taggart's vision of capitalism. Specifically, Jim Taggart hates change agents such as Wyatt and yearns for stasis. This connects to a discussion of the profit motive and its role in justifying capitalism. Jonathan explores alternatives to the profit motive and then concludes with a discussion of the phrase "feudal serf" in the context of this scene. Today's Moment of Non-Contradiction comes from Reddit.In this episode, Jonathan mentions the book Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy by Joseph Schumpeter.My five themes...
2022-02-1528 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE5 - James Taggart's Obsession with BlamelessnessIn this episode, Jonathan explores the nature of the problems Eddie Willers raises with Taggart Transcontinental Railroad President James Taggart. What responsibility does a business leader or a political leader have when it comes to "national conditions?" How do situations like these highlight the obsession over blamelessness in our society and culture? Jonathan concludes with musings on the relationship between reciprocity and loyalty.Today's Moment of Non-Contradiction comes from Quora.In this episode, I mention Chidi Anagonye, the character in the TV series The Good Place. Also, I mentioned Semco and Ricardo Semler. ...
2022-02-1225 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE4 - Historical Context, Craft, What is Right, and Meeting Jim TaggartIn today's episode, Jonathan introduces listeners to ideas about how to interact with a text from the past using practices taught to history teachers. Following that explanation, Jonathan discusses just some of the historical context of Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957. Today's Moment of Non-Contradiction touches on the topic of fiction writing craft and Jonathan shares ideas about how to address the buckets of criticism directed at Ayn Rand for the craft problems of Atlas Shrugged. Jonathan then does a close reading of the flashback scene with Eddie and Dagny in which they discuss how to know one's purpose in...
2022-02-1024 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE3 - Eddie WillersIn this episode, I focus on the interior thoughts of Eddie Willers and the description of a city in decay. These pages take us into some interesting territory: what is Eddie's sense of apprehension? From the socialist point of view: how does capitalism betray us? From Rand's point of view: how has socialism betrayed what was great about capitalism? Today's Moment of Non-Contradiction comes from Reddit.In this episode, I mention Ayn Rand scholar Jennifer Burns and her book The Goddess of the Market.My five themes to explore in this podcast's close...
2022-02-0623 minA Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE2 - The BumThank you for continuing to listen to my close reading of Atlas Shrugged. In this episode, I discuss an example of Atlas Shrugged appearing in the public discourse by Aaron Rodgers. Then, I introduce a regular feature of the podcast, Today's Moment of Non-Contradiction (link to today's comment). In that segment, I choose a comment about Atlas Shrugged from the bowels of the Internet -- the comments and replies sections of various sites like Reddit, Quora, YouTube, Goodreads, and more. I use these two examples to underline my argument that Atlas Shrugged is not a long-forgotten vestige of past...
2022-02-0425 min
A Socialist Reads Atlas ShruggedE1 - Introduction and the First LineWelcome to this podcast! In this episode, Jonathan introduces themself and explains their rationale for the podcast. NOTE: this is not a read aloud of Atlas Shrugged, but instead a critical close reading. The Signet paperback is the edition Jonathan will be using.Questions or comments? Email me at: socialistreads@gmail.comLearn more about Jonathan Seyfried at their website, https://jonathanseyfried.artIf you'd like to support my creative work, please visit my Patreon page.The intro/outro music was composed by John Sib. The podcast...
2022-02-0321 min