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Six Centuries of Verse

Drama

Sir John Gielgud is joined by an outstanding repertory of actors in this pioneering, imaginative series demonstrating the immense variety and emotional impact of English-language poetry, from the fourteenth century to the contemporary era.

May 2, 19841 seasons16 episodesEndedEN

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John Gielgud

Self - Presenter

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Seasons

Season 1

16 episodes

Premiered May 2, 1984

Episodes

1–6 of 16

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Ep 1

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.

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Ep 2

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.

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Ep 3

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.

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Ep 4

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.

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Ep 5

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.

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Ep 6

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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