Modern Writers
Great writers have always fascinated their readers. We want to know how they create the characters we love or hate, the evocative settings, and the plots that have us reading late into the night, desperate to know what happens next. This collection of interviews with some of the 20th Century's most-read authors reveals something of those imaginations and the personalities which lie behind some of the greatest modern novels.
W Somerset Maugham—Panorama, W Somerset Maugham
W Somerset Maugham speaks about his new book, in which he discusses his favourite novels.
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Kingsley Amis—Monitor, 02/02/1958
Simon Raven converses with Kingsley Amis in Swansea, at the university where he teaches.
Aldous Huxley—Monitor, 12/10/1958
Novelist and essayist Aldous Huxley shares his thoughts on the art of writing.
PG Wodehouse—Monitor, 26/10/1958
PG Wodehouse is interviewed at home in the Hamptons on New York's Long Island.
EM Forster—Monitor, 21/12/1958
EM Forster talks about his life and writing on location at King's College, Cambridge.
TH White in Alderney—Monitor, TH White in Alderney
The writer of The Sword in the Stone talks to Robert Robinson at his Alderney home.
William Golding—Monitor, 25/10/1959
William Golding interview, shortly after the publication of his fourth novel, Free Fall.
Christopher Isherwood—Monitor, 08/11/1959
Christopher Isherwood talks to Robert Robinson about his literary career.
John Wyndham—Tonight, 06/09/1960
Derek Hart speaks to science fiction novelist John Wyndham.
Iris Murdoch—Modern Novelists
Iris Murdoch talks in depth about character and plot with Frank Kermode. (1965)
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Lawrence Durrell—Intimations
Lawrence Durrell talks about the impact his life experiences have had on his work. (1965)
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Robert Graves—Intimations
Poet and novelist Robert Graves shares his views and discusses his influences. (1965)
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Margaret Drabble: A Place Called Exile—One Pair of Eyes
Novelist Margaret Drabble narrates this documentary about her own life. (1968)
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30/03/1968—Release
Edition of the arts series. Interviewees include sculptor Barbara Hepworth. (1968)
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Daphne du Maurier Talks to Wilfred De'Ath
Author Daphne du Maurier is interviewed in her Cornwall home by Wilfred De'Ath.
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John Braine: The Magic Is Here and Now—One Pair of Eyes
Novelist John Braine discusses his work and the beliefs that inform it. (1971)
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Dame Rebecca West—Tonight
The writer Dame Rebecca West in conversation with Ludovic Kennedy. (1976)
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John Fowles—The Lively Arts
The novelist discusses the subjects and literary forms that feature in his writing. (1977)
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Len Deighton—The Lively Arts
Melvyn Bragg catches up with Len Deighton in Portugal to discuss his spy novels. (1977)
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Ian McEwan—The Book Programme
Ian McEwan discusses how his early work is shifting towards longer narratives. (1979)
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Doris Lessing
Author Doris Lessing discusses her work, personal life and political views. (1980)
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Beryl Bainbridge—Motives
Novelist Beryl Bainbridge talks about creating stories with dark undercurrents. (1983)
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Keith Waterhouse—In Conversation
Keith Waterhouse tells Paul Allen about his Leeds childhood and life as a reporter. (1985)
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Anthony Burgess—Face to Face, Revival
Anthony Burgess, one of the world's most revered authors, talks to Jeremy Isaacs. (1989)
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