Ross and Demelza

An extract from the first of the historical novels set in Cornwall, Ross Poldark. Ross takes his new wife and sometime serving girl and ward, out to see the pilchard harvest. Read by Ewan Bailey.

Winston Graham was one of the most successful and prolific novelists of the 20th century. He wrote in many genres but his best known body of work was undoubtedly the 12 historical novels set in Cornwall at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries which became known as The Poldarks.

Although it's the Poldarks that brought Winston Graham the most fame, he also wrote more than 30 other novels, six of which have been filmed including the thriller, Marnie directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1964.

This selection celebrates the range of his work and offers a glimpse into the enduring appeal of his most famous characters, Ross and Demelza who are set to return to BBC screens in a new adaptation.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by The Waters Partnership.