Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Book of the Week

Audiobooks

Factual

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

BBC Radio 4 LW

Book of the Week: The Vital Spark: Appointment in Arezzo

Paul Higgins

Alan Taylor

Laurence Wareing

Eilidh McCreadie

Book of the Week: The Vital Spark: Appointment in Arezzo: Episode 2

The Vital Spark: Appointment in Arezzo

Episode 2

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, The Vital Spark: Appointment in Arezzo, Episode 2

Journalist Alan Taylor tackles rumours about author Muriel Spark's domestic arrangements.

Journalist Alan Taylor's memoir of his friendship with author Muriel Spark. Taylor meets the author's Tuscan social circle. Read by Paul Higgins.

After striking up a friendship with his subject, journalist Alan Taylor meets Muriel Spark's Tuscan social circle and tackles head-on rumours about the author and her long term companion, sculptor Penelope Jardine.

When Alan Taylor travelled to the Italian town of Arezzo to interview Muriel Spark, it was the beginning of a friendship which would last for years. Accompanying the author as she visited literary festivals across Europe and rediscovered old haunts in New York, Taylor gained a unique insight into the character of this fascinating artist.
This vibrant portrait of one of the twentieth century's great writers was abridged by Laurence Wareing and is read by Paul Higgins.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

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

Journalist Alan Taylor's memoir of a friendship with Muriel Spark.

Journalist Alan Taylor's memoir of a friendship with Muriel Spark, one of the 20th century's great writers. Read by Paul Higgins.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Book of the Week

The Vital Spark: Appointment in Arezzo

Episode 2

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4