Six Centuries of Verse

1. E1. Chaucer - Ted Hughes

   May 2, 1984 · 400m

   This introductory programme establishes the continuity and variety of poetry over six centuries, touching on different genres by using extracts from some of the many poems featured in the series - from Chaucer to Ted Hughes.

2. E2. Old English

   May 9, 1984 · 400m

   A look at the poetry composed between the mid-seventh century and the Norman Conquest, including Julian Glover's reading of part of his own adaptation of the heroic epic Beowulf.

3. E3. Chaucer 1340-1400

   May 16, 1984 · 400m

   Chaucer was the first great named poet in English. This programme focuses on The Canterbury Tales, with a reading of the introduction by Gary Watson and a detailed exploration of The Pardoner's Tale.

4. E4. Medieval - Elizabethan 1400-1600

   May 23, 1984 · 400m

   This programme explores the late Medieval period leading into the Renaissance, discussing poems dealing with love, death and ambition by Skelton, Wyatt, Raleigh, Marlowe and Shakespeare.

5. E5. Shakespeare 1564-1616

   May 30, 1984 · 400m

   A chronological look at Shakespeare's dramatic genius, using extracts from eight plays: Romeo and Juliet, Henry V, Twelfth Night, Hamlet, King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra, Cymbeline and The Tempest.

6. E6. Metaphysical and Devotional 1590-1670

   Jun 6, 1984 · 400m

   The vigour and audacity of John Donne's love poetry is contrasted with his equally powerful devotional works. The programme then explores the work of Donne's disciple George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell.

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