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The writer is recruited by Britain's Secret Service. Based on William Somerset Maugham's own experiences read by Alex Jennings.

Ashenden, a writer by profession, has returned from the First World War and is approached by a colonel who offers him a position in the Secret Service.

Ashenden is perfect due to his profession and his knowledge of many European languages. He's despatched to Geneva the next day with the warning that "if he does well, he'll get no thanks, and if he gets into trouble, he'll get no help".

A series of short stories based on William Somerset Maugham's own First World War experiences

Read by Alex Jennings

Abridged by Neville Teller

Producer: Eoin O'Callaghan

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 18 Aug 201501:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Mon 10 Dec 200709:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 10 Dec 200720:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Tue 11 Dec 200701:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 4 Aug 200809:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 4 Aug 200820:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Tue 5 Aug 200801:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 30 Mar 200909:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 30 Mar 200920:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Tue 31 Mar 200901:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Mon 4 Jul 201106:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 4 Jul 201113:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 4 Jul 201120:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 5 Jul 201101:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 23 Apr 201206:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 23 Apr 201213:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 23 Apr 201220:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 24 Apr 201201:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 17 Aug 201506:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 17 Aug 201513:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 17 Aug 201520:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 18 Aug 201501:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra