Ian Leslie presents the show which brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of the world's best known writers.

To start off this episode, we hear Fay Weldon's illuminating quiz for Cosmopolitan Magazine - 'Are you too obsessed with your ex?'.

Next, it's Friedrich Nietzsche's lesser known work for a toy company catalogue - giving possibly more in depth descriptions than were initially required.

Then we hear from beloved poet Pam Ayres again, in a piece submitted to the Office of Information as a draft for a public safety announcement.

Finally, there's another of Henrik Ibsen's joke submissions for a Christmas cracker manufacturer.

Producer: Claire Broughton

A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2015. Show less