Max: The Literary Kingmaker

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)

BBC Radio 4 LW

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

BBC Radio 4 - Max: The Literary Kingmaker

Lennie Goodings on the skills of the editor who nurtured Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway.

Maxwell Perkins was the editor who ushered in a  generation of literary talent - Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Wolfe and others. Lennie Goodings asks what makes a brilliant editor.

Maxwell Perkins was the editor who nurtured and ushered in a generation of writing talent that revolutionised literary life in 1920s America. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Wolfe and others benefitted from Max's brilliant editing and his dedicated friendship.  He championed talent that otherwise would have fallen by the wayside. 

Lennie Goodings, Chair of Virago and herself a celebrated editor, asks what it takes to spot a talent and to draw the best from the writer. She is joined by Sarah Churchwell, Perkins' biographer A. Scott Berg and by writers Colm Toibin and Linda Grant. Kerry Shale is the voice of Max Perkins

Produced by Clem Hitchcock
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Max: The Literary Kingmaker

Genres

Formats

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4