The Visionary World of Emily Dickinson: Great Books Explained

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel and means I can produce more content. If you don’t know, my other channel, Great ART Explained can be found here - kzbin.info/door/ePDFpCr78_qmVtpoB1Axaw - thanks so much for your amazing support - James

[@Carol-dn5jq]

Great channel.💗

[@luciedotzip]

I sincirely hope Great Books continues. Please do not let the gap in numbers between this project and your other channel discourage you.

[@60inchesofawesome]

Doing God’s work 🙌

[@hendrikm9569]

In the last episode you said, you will look into the silmarillion, if you will have it on the channel. Did you look into it? I'd love to see it.

[@mceupc]

Thanks very much indeed for your great work! It has been a delight for me to be here listening to your details about Emily Dickinson. I love her thoughts, her writings.

[@zlatan_2197]

You are creating such an amazing virtual museum on both of your channels, and I couldn't be happier you decided to expand on books. Thank you.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you so much!

[@akamoreno]

You couldn’t have said it better! I am certain that this will be part of a lot of university programs in the near future. Gosh I wish I went to school with both of his channels! ❤

[@BellBouvier]

agreed!

[@samuelmelcher333]

Hi, I'm a tour guide at Emily Dickinson's home, and I feel like this video did a great job as an introduction to her work. The theory that she had epilepsy has been around for a while and has even made it into some biographies, so I'm not surprised this video mentioned it, but it's honestly not particularly well supported. More recently some have written about the possibility that Emily was on the autism spectrum, and while this theory isn't as widely known I think viewing her peculiarities through the lens of neurodivergence makes a lot of sense.

[@annaf8269]

I was looking through the comments for a mention of neurodivergence. I think it is very much a possibility!

[@JorgeDiaz-ly5qp]

Given the greater purity of diet and environment of the times (for the well-heeled), it is more plausible to surmise that epilepsy vexed her. She was obviously comfortable in her own skin, and was voluntarily/consciously willing to share as little of herself to the world as possible. She was very aware and very self-actualized. While it is folly to apply modern templates, I don't know that someone so visceral, and yet SO other-worldly articulate, would be able to share/express as much through the written word as she did and be on the spectrum. It's often so easy to use the signs of reclusion and isolation as a nod to neurodivergence (not meant to be disparaging). If anything, I would turn down autism in favor of bipolar "disorder", as her river of brilliance was relentless, infinite and boundless. Seriously, she was a self-demanding, creative dynamo to the point of... mania.

[@Stettafire]

We can't assume someone has autism. It's way too overdiagnosed

[@JorgeDiaz-ly5qp]

@@Stettafire agreed!

[@moniquerosa3033]

Hi Samuel, thanks for sharing! But, have you contemplated the possibility of bias since you are in the spectrum? If there is indeed evidence that some of her family members also suffered from the same illness, I guess...

[@teresadebellis5315]

This is one of the best summarizations of this complex and deep-thinking poet. So many other biographers miss the point and do too much talking. You have managed to capture her fleeting existence more precisely, both with words, and visually. Well done.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Wow, thank you! 🙏

[@Ibikyo1]

This side project of yours needs to grow as big as your main channel. That's why I'm talking here, although I usually don't

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks so much for the comment! It really helps 🙏

[@Hugo-ej1hb]

Nice

[@Bobborobbo3]

Having enjoyed your Art explanations for several years -- concise yet rich in expressed emotion without the fussy, fuzzy verbiage of much art writing -- I am excited to find your Book explanations. Thank you!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you very much!

[@barrymoore4470]

So glad to see poetry discussed on this channel, this beautiful form of literature often neglected in favor of narrative prose. And Dickinson is one of the greatest poets in the English language, a truly unique voice and vision, ahead of her time in many ways as a thinker and formalist. This upload constitutes a fine introduction to her legacy, and leaves the viewer wanting to further explore her life and work.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Wow, thank you! 🙏

[@Sarahyz]

Emily Dickinson is my favourite poet of all time. So delighted you created this video about her, behind her art!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for watching!

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

Excellent! I keep telling myself I can live a rich life even if I never leave my house 😅

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Love this comment!

[@aperson900]

The modernity of Emily's poems, her unique voice, the way her focus on death reveals the sweetness of life, makes her a brilliant and challenging poet of the highest order. She was a recluse in life, but her poems reveal deep engagement with humanity. Thank you for bringing her work to those who may have overlooked the Belle of Amherst.

[@gallerina999]

I love how you started with her dress and evolved from there. ❤

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Brilliant idea from Henry Mountford!

[@bennoe5715]

I am so glad you did this right around when you did the Friedrich painting. Friedrich’s works are perfect to illustrate/illuminate Dickinson. Keep up the great work!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for noticing 🙏

[@gugendir]

Channels like yours are the reason why I feel the platform like KZbin is important for me. Just wonderful visual archives to learn from and to think about, thank you!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you like them!

[@Hankon857]

It’s always a joy to watch your videos. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤

[@greatbooksexplained371]

So nice of you thanks 🙏

[@igotasay]

A joy to watch as always James...you are among the few people worth listening to on youtube.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@Romalvx]

I absolutely love the way the life of the writers and the small details are explained in this channel. Thank you.

[@52-sumeghamallik97]

Dickinson is one of my favourite poets.....her poetry inspired me to write poetries....I'm glad now i have a new perspective of her poems

[@BLEEP-1]

Maybe when you find time, you can post some of your genius.

[@Alexis_-_]

"Wit and wistfulness within a single breath." You are a poet too James. I love that you did a video on Emily Dickinson. I grew up in the town next to Amherst, so she was a hero of mine since childhood. "A woman who refused to live by society's rules." You chose great excerpts from her poems and letters. I love the Maira Kalman painting of her, and that quote you had over it. As great a genius as there ever was. Ecstatically inspired. "A volcanic poet." Her mind was "perfectly wonderful." Thank you for another great video! One I love of hers: In this short Life that only lasts an hour How much - how little - is within our power

[@vbuenovirginiapaivabuenosa7775]

One of the greatest poets ever. Thanks for such a wonderful video!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you 🙏

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

This is wonderful, so so wonderful. I adore Dickinson. My breath is stolen.

[@Misserbi]

Her writing is beautiful. Her prose inspirational. She is uncommon.

[@BLEEP-1]

Nah! She’s not that uncommon.

[@Relativecalm2]

Thank you for producing such a considered and thoughtfully crafted window into Dickson’s life and poetry. The strategic placement of lines of poetry that reflect the observations being stated is a stand out feature. I am teaching Dickinson this year to High School Literature students and I will be be introducing them to this video and to your channel. Very well done and much appreciated. 💕

[@ksc743]

I studied English Literature at school but my brain wasn't ready for it. I read a lot these days but I love these videos of yours. More please!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

More to come!

[@ksc743]

@@greatbooksexplained371 that will be great. Thank you!🌸

[@pr0se_]

what always stands out to me about dickinson is the unmatched musicality of her poems, i think she's the perfect bridge between the strict rhyming schemes of classical poetry and the unstructured emotion of modern/postmodern stuff. thanks for another great vid!

[@aliana151]

Loved how we get a little insight on Dickinson because she has always been such a mystery to me. Her world was so colorful and full of passion, even though she was a recluse and I have always been fascinated by her. Great video!

[@irinaweber9526]

Thank you for another wonderful and interesting video. This one was quite touching, Dvorak’s music added so much, great choice.

[@lilybleue8888]

Again, thanks to James, I look into her eyes and listen to her poems ....and I might understand just a little bit about her. A beautiful soul who was just content to be who she was. A bright genius who was courageous to live as herself and nothing more. What a lovely blessing you are to us all, James! Thank you so much.

[@voyance4elle]

I have never read any of her books. But now I want to start :) Thank you for introducing me to her work.

[@bluter-rd1zx]

Another work of art by this incredible creator. Great art explained is stunning, but this is just as exquisite and this particular video I have seen a dozen times. Who else but Mr. Payne would know that panning on the details of a white dress for 25 seconds could be so beautiful.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

What a nice comment - thank you 🙏

[@clkerouac]

Am I the only one here who tears up ten minutes or so into every one of these videos?

[@iftirahman8391]

This, as usual, was an excellent video! Cannot wait for you to do a video on Virginia Woolf and/or one of her books.

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

So Happy you created this channel as well. Your studious revision of the subjects you choose is a refreshing source of education and information. Be blessed. Thank you ❤

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

Both your channels have made me get a greater appreciation and understanding for books and art. Keep up the good work on both channels. Another author to consider and maybe its because i saw the movie on him is truman capote. I was curious of him because of the movie.

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

I know I am replying to my own comment but you gotta do Agatha Christie too.

[@Ira_Favorite]

Kudos to James for creating yet another insightful and captivating video on such a remarkable poetess 🌟

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have a co-creator, Henry who I worked with on this video. Thanks 🙏

[@Ira_Favorite]

⁠@@greatbooksexplained371 It’s great to hear about the teamwork behind such a great video. Please extend my compliments to Henry as well :)

[@bluecloud6437]

greatest writer of all time imo

[@vail4639]

As someone looking for decent content on books it didn’t take long for me to realize the pickings are slim. Thankfully this channel is an exception. Please do many more 😊

[@JessicaReevesRealtor]

Yay! It is a great day when s book video comes out. I look forward to these and the arts videos you do. Thanks James!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you like them!

[@songformoses]

Thank you for this well rounded video! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@pisces_painter]

A deeply insightful and beautiful video 💙

[@sylvain_st_pierre_2019]

If i could click 2000 likes on here i would do it. This was a goose pump experience. Loved everything. Thank you.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@thecanopybookclub8752]

Love the goose pump image 😊

[@tube_fish]

always looking forward to your videos :) nice work.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you 🙏

[@Ericalizar]

My day is made when this channel posts a new video 😍

[@greatbooksexplained371]

You are so kind thanks 🙏

[@sakuranokunoichi]

Another thoughtful installment in this series. Very brilliant choices made, from starting with the details of her dress and continuing with the selection of media clips to accompany certain points.

[@Malikor]

excited to see the new channel pop up. I hope you won't limit yourself with american books.There is so much more out there from latin America to East Europe

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I’ve done an English and an Irish book also - but I will be looking outside of Europe - thanks 🙏

[@hippolyte90]

I don't read much poetry but I really liked this video, the editing is beautiful.

[@TheDickinsonTunes]

Great summary on the life and work of Emily Dickinson. I've especially loved the poems and quotes chosen to illustrate the facts. Thanks for having devoted a video to her and her remarkable work. 😊

[@aogclapin]

Thank you for your superb work. I find it uplifting and extremely interesting.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you so much!

[@neo1559]

Given her hermetic lifestyle, I’d be keen to know how Emily supported herself financially?

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Her family were wealthy - thanks for the question 🙏

[@LifesLittleAdventuresToday]

Stunning research, and as always compassionate. We get to learn more and understand more without the artists losing a feather of mystique.

[@ccdecker]

Nothing makes my eyebrows go up in anticipation like a new essay on this channel.

[@marctl4491]

I've never been that keen in neither art nor literature but u are making me like it, thanks :)

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Happy to hear that!

[@believeinkindness4854]

Excellent video! Your videos always bring fresh appreciation for the subjects you cover.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I appreciate that!

[@steviebudden3397]

Fantastic! Really interesting. Thank you so much for doing these.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you like them!

[@pluffer241]

An introvert, not hard to understand. A sensitive genius.

[@adie4928]

Finally! My Emily! A lot of my friends shun me for liking her poetry. Ohhh! Do Proust soon, pretty please! 🥹

[@barrymoore4470]

Surprising that anyone would take you to task for admiring Dickinson's work. She was a true American original, and remains one of the greatest poets in the English language.

[@SebastianTinajero]

So happy I came across this channel, looking forward to what’s yet to come.

[@chevgr]

Loved it. It’s made me want to watch the companion art film now

[@barrymoore4470]

Assuming you're referring to 'A Quiet Passion', written and directed by Terence Davies and starring Cynthia Nixon as Dickinson, it's an excellent movie, very characteristic of Davies' style, and revealing a satisfying, warm personality in Dickinson. The movie is often surprisingly humorous, though it grows in darkness and gravity by the end. Very different in tone is 'Wild Nights with Emily', written and directed by Madeleine Olnek and starring Molly Shannon as Dickinson. This revisionist take on the poet's life presents Dickinson as an outwardly social personality, never shy and fully engaged with her community, and subscribes to the position that the great love of Dickinson's life was another woman.

[@redbloodedbutterfly]

I'm not a fan of poetry, but I do enjoy your videos. :-)

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I appreciate that!

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

The minute I saw the title, I knew that I was going to devour this video

[@luckyintervale]

Didn't see this on my phone! Please keep up the great work... cheers!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you!

[@genovevacerchez8166]

Excellent script and great visual quality! Inspiring! Thank you so much!

[@amandarodzko]

We're so lucky you share your content with us. Exquisite work 🙏

[@gregshackable]

Incredible video, as always. Beautifully written and presented, and engaging to the final second. Well done.

[@sorenmn6799]

Your videos always come out right on time for me. Thanks!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad to hear it!

[@matanyaholmes3964]

Another masterpiece. You are uncompareably talented. Thank you for these. I always enjoy watching these with tea in bed on a Saturday night. Emily was a very special unique and some would even argue peculiar character. Thank you once again for these informative and incredibly interesting videos. Never stop. ❤

[@enchant_res]

I cannot tell you how happy this channel makes me ❤ as a literature student this beautiful storytelling is exactly what I needed ❤ I love great art explained but sorry this is my favourite now......plus I have a request for Dostoevsky..... and maybe some day an indian author too❤️

[@Stuart.75]

Thank you once more for all your hard work!

[@Monkeybonkers2008]

Another great video James, I love both your channels. I agree with the comments about the voice reading the quotes, I found the voice on the Great Gatsby particularly grating. Maybe it's because your own voice is so good as a narrator that another one coming in seems to break the spell. Keep up the great work. I always get excited when I see a notification for your video, especially the art ones.

[@fourstringbuck]

Thank you for this channel! I look forward to every episode.

[@whyamilikethis1998]

Another deeply enjoyable video, thank you! It would be great to hear your take on Christina Rossetti 👀

[@puddinggeek4623]

Excellent video as always. Very interesting and informative. Keep up the great work.

[@severianthefool7233]

Please make more of these. They are wonderful

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you 🙏

[@luckyintervale]

Thank you for this!! I will recommend this to my students, for whom it will show the person behind the poems with which they often struggle. Wonderfully done 🙏🙏 (if you add a “thank you” option I shall gladly donate!!)

[@greatbooksexplained371]

That is so great to hear - thanks 🙏

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Btw there is a "Thanks" button under the video

[@karolinabednorz8746]

Thank you for this sweet part of my evening ❤

[@greatbooksexplained371]

No problem 😊

[@spikedaniels1528]

Just so well done - thank you!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@henrietteancuta-koning7039]

Thank you for this wonderful portrait. Remarkable

[@Swampratatta]

woohoo! a great friday it is

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you 🙏

[@kelleyrc5671]

I loved how you discussed that although Emily spent much time alone, she may not have been lonely because she had her books and writing. We tend to associate people who prefer the company of a few as unsociable but why is being with many people whom you have a superficial relationship with better than a few who you truly love?

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Her poetry is very clear on this. She was lonely, but not for mere company.

[@Pixiewithpens]

a delight to watch as always - i adore dickinson and would love more poetry videos on this channel if you're keen!

[@lifeonanotherplanet]

Beautifully done 👍

[@rickwilson2728]

I'd love to see you do a deep dive on one of Willa Cather's novels. Richard Wilson

[@iggyzorro2406]

very enlightening. Thank you. keep up this excellent work.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks, will do!

[@goboogeeee]

Just stumbled upon your videos and are really enjoying them. I will continue to watch. One thing that I personally think might help them be even better would be if you read the authors’ words yourself instead of relying on voice actors as you seem to have a pretty strong narrator’s voice, free from affectation. Either way, looking forward to more videos!

[@thomasdequincey5811]

This was interesting. I'm not a huge Emily Dickinson fan though. I respect her work, without loving it.

[@LindaStoronsky-yk4df]

I have just discovered your beautiful channel. I look forward to viewing all of your content on both your channels. .Thank you from upstate NY.

[@neddelamatre9572]

Spot on and well done!

[@JohnMisdreavous]

Your content is one of complete excellence, in both channels

[@juniorjames7076]

I wonder what they will say about this era's (1973 - 2023) literature in regards to fiction and poetry?

[@barrymoore4470]

There has been some great literature produced in that period. Off the top of my head, I can name 'Housekeeping' by Marilynne Robinson and 'Blood Meridian; or, The Evening Redness in the West' by Cormac McCarthy as great novels. And who knows, just as Dickinson remained almost wholly obscure in her lifetime, there may be some unrecognized genius working now whose greatness will only be known to posterity.

[@andrepaulo2692]

Thank you for another wonderful episode. If I may suggest, an episode on Walter Whitman would be a great opportunity to explore another side of the American Romantic Period.

[@fadime0yilmaz]

Great content with an authentic point of view. Thanks.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@papps44]

I remember doing a few of her poems for the Irish inter certificate in the mid 80s and was not that inspired like most of my peers. However it is interesting to be reacquainted with this poet and to reread "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain". Actually a poem with dark humour.

[@sumazdar]

wyjątkowe programy, dziękuję bardzo

[@lorigul6030]

Great video, as always. Thank you so much

[@vanceofthewall475]

Amazing content!!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Appreciate it!

[@JohnBurman-l2l]

She was a spiritual seeker who found her true nature. She was not defying convention....it simply was not important to her life. Her values came from inner source, eternal, cosmic.

[@MattDraper]

LET’S GET IT

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for the comment! 🙏

[@matyasmaria7737]

I greatly enjoy it every time.

[@alainawilson918]

Can’t wait to watch!

[@deaddhianna]

What a marvellous video with lots of great visuals.

[@neo1559]

Great video, thank you. Please create a video on William Wordsworth!