1. The Commencement of the Memoir of Old Thady

Ireland. Old Thady has served under four disastrous generations of the Rackrents - Sir Patrick drinks, Sir Murtagh litigates, Sir Kit gambles, and Sir Condy (Sir Connolly) merely fritters away the family fortunes - and yet he is still the ever faithful retainer at the bankrupt Castle Rackrent.

The commencement of the Memoir of Old Thady - he recalls that it was Sir Patrick O'Shaughlin who earned the nickname 'Sir Patrick Rackrent' due to his extravagance....

Maria Edgeworth's satire on Anglo-Irish landlords, first published in 1800.

Read by Cyril Cusack.

Abridged in 8 parts by John Scotney.

Producer: Jeremy Howe

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.