The Last Days of Roger Federer: A Book About Endings by Geoff Dyer

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

The Last Days of Roger Federer by Geoff Dyer: Episode 5

The Last Days of Roger Federer by Geoff Dyer

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - The Last Days of Roger Federer by Geoff Dyer, Episode 5

Geoff Dyer reflects on how change is gradual, imperceptible - not an overnight occurrence.

While pondering the nature of change, Geoff Dyer considers how similar situations for writers and artists brought about some of their greatest work.

Geoff Dyer sets his own encounter with late middle age against the last days and last achievements of writers, painters, athletes and musicians who've mattered to him throughout his life. 

With a playful charm and penetrating intelligence, he examines a series of notable endings and considers the intensifications and modifications of experience that come when an ending is within sight. Oh, and there's stuff about Roger Federer and tennis, too.

This book on last things - written while life as we know it seemed to be coming to an end - is also about how to go on living with art and beauty, on the entrancing effect and sudden illumination that a piece of music or work of art can engender in even the most jaded sensibilities. Blending criticism, memoir and repartee into something entirely new, The Last Days of Roger Federer is a summation of Geoff Dyer's passions and the perfect introduction to his sly and joyous work.

Written by Geoff Dyer
Read by David Schofield
Abridged and Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company 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.

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Factual

Geoff Dyer playfully considers the last days and last works of artists and athletes.

Book of the Week. Geoff Dyer sets his own encounter with late middle age against the last days and last works of writers, painters, musicians and sports stars.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Last Days of Roger Federer by Geoff Dyer

Episode 5

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4