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Six Poets

Hardy to Larkin: An Anthology

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Six Poets

By: Alan Bennett
Narrated by: Alan Bennett
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Writers like to elude their public, lead them a bit of a dance. They take them down untrodden paths, land them in unknown country where they have to ask for directions.

In this personal anthology, Alan Bennett has chosen over seventy poems by six well-loved poets, discussing the writers and their verse in his customary conversational style through anecdote, shrewd appraisal and spare but telling biographical detail. Ranging from hidden treasures to famous poems, this is a collection for the beginner and the expert alike. Speaking with candour about his own reactions to the work, Alan Bennett creates profound and witty portraits of Thomas Hardy, A. E. Housman, John Betjeman, W. H. Auden, Louis MacNeice and Philip Larkin, all the more enjoyable for being in his own particular voice.

Anybody writing poetry in the thirties had somehow to come to terms with Auden. Auden, you see, had got a head start on the other poets. He'd got into the thirties first, like someone taking over the digs.

©1990 Alan Bennett (P)2014 Channel 4 Poetry Witty Thought-Provoking
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I am listening to this over and over again, what a treat.

I think that any and all people interested in poetry would enjoy this.

Loved this

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The only audiobook I can truly say I turned on and listened to to the finish. I was completely entranced by the power of the poetry, the voice of the narrator and the background stories he provided for each poet. Even if you have only a passing interest in poetry or want it revived, give this a go.

Just Listen

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This is the perfect match of narrator, guide and companion, with six wonderful poets, all represented by a handful of very well chosen verses. It's much too short of course, one never wants to leave.

Beautiful, gentle genius

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I really enjoyed this journey through the 30s poets discussed and narrated by the inimitable Alan Bennett. It ignited a desire to explore more poetry. Absolutely perfect for me (interested in literature but not particularly familiar with poetry).

Just lovely

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Funny, poignant and insightful. As someone who barely reads poetry these days, this was pitched at just the right level to keep me enthralled throughout.

Great stuff

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