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Book at Bedtime: Henry James - The Aspern Papers

Book at Bedtime: Henry James - The Aspern Papers: Episode 1

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Episode 1

Henry James - The Aspern Papers

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, Henry James - The Aspern Papers, Episode 1

An obsessed editor heads to Venice set on gaining papers of the late poet Jeffrey Aspern.

4 Extra Debut. An obsessed editor heads to Venice set on gaining previously unseen papers of the late poet Jeffrey Aspern. Read by Samuel West.

Henry James took as his inspiration for his tale The Aspern Papers the story of a mistress of Byron's who outlived the poet into lonely old age. He transposed the setting to Venice and cast the city he loved as a character in a taut narrative of literary theft and deception.

Episode 1

The lure of previously unseen papers relating to the long-dead poet Jeffrey Aspern brings one of his editors to Venice in the grip of an obsession. He must see them, he must have them; and he will lie and betray in order to do so.

Read by Samuel West.

Abridged and produced by Christine Hall.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Samuel West reads from the novella by Henry James, set in Venice

Samuel West reads from the novella by Henry James, set against the decaying grandeur of Venice

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Henry James - The Aspern Papers

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