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Louis de Bernieres, Doctor Who, Cerys Matthews, John Burningham

Louis de Bernières discusses his poetry debut, children's author John Burningham on his 50-year career, the next Doctor Who contenders, and Cerys Matthews' Cultural Exchange.

With Kirsty Lang.

The writer Louis de Bernières, best known for his novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin, discusses his first volume of poetry, Imagining Alexandria. De Bernieres has been writing poems since he was 12, but didn't want to publish until he felt he had 'hit his peak'. He discusses how he was inspired by his love of the Greek poet Cavafy to write about the ancient world, love affairs and the fleeting nature of youth.

We assess the form of the bookies' favourites for the next Doctor Who, including Peter Capaldi, better known as foul-mouthed Malcolm Tucker in The Thick Of It.

Singer-songwriter Cerys Matthews reveals her choice for Cultural Exchange.

As John Burningham's first book Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers reaches its 50th anniversary, Kirsty visits the illustrator and author in his home and talks about the books, his unconventional education, and his addiction to online auctions.

Producer Stephen Hughes.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • Who's Who?

    Duration: 04:26

  • Louis de Bernieres

    Duration: 07:46

  • Cultural Exchange: Cerys Matthews

    Duration: 07:42

  • John Burningham

    Duration: 08:05

Who's Who?

Jenny Colgan assesses the bookies' favourites for the new Dr Who.

Louis de Bernieres

Imagining Alexandria: Poems in Memory of Constantinos Cavafis by Louis de Bernieres is published in hardback by Harvill Secker and as an e-book by Vintage Digital on 15th August,

John Burningham

A 50th anniversary edition of Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers by John Burningham, is published by Jonathan Cape Childrens.

Credits

RoleContributor
PresenterKirsty Lang
Interviewed GuestLouis de Bernieres
Interviewed GuestCerys Matthews
Interviewed GuestJohn Burningham
ProducerStephen Hughes
EditorJohn Goudie

Broadcast

  • Fri 2 Aug 201319:15

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