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Poetry Please

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Roger McGough introduces selections of poetry on various themes, chosen by listeners.

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Poetry Please: 20/01/2013

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20/01/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Poetry Please, 20/01/2013

Roger McGough with an abridged version of Isabella, by John Keats, read by Barbara Flynn.

Barbara Flynn reads a lightly-abridged version of the macabre classic by John Keats: Isabella, or the Pot of Basil. Presented by Roger McGough.

Barbara Flynn reads a lightly abridged version of the macabre classic by John Keats: 'Isabella, or - the Pot of Basil'. Presented by Roger McGough.

Written in 1818, 'Isabella; or the Pot of Basil' is a hauntingly beautiful tale of devotion to a lost love. Fair Isabella falls for a servant, Lorenzo, much to the annoyance of her brothers. They had hoped to marry her off to some Florentine nobleman. So they contrive to murder poor Lorenzo. However, the brothers underestimate the power of the couple's love to endure. Through death, apparitions, exhumations and theft, Isabella's love persists - albeit with a little help from an aged dame and some unconventional gardening techniques. Basil may never taste quite the same again! 

With its origins in 14th century stories written by Boccaccio, Keats's re-telling inspired the Pre-Raphaelite artists Holman Hunt and Millais to paint two very different visions of Isabella. 

A chilling tale - perfect for a winter's night - beautifully read by Barbara Flynn. 
Producer: Sarah Langan.

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Poetry Please

20/01/2013

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