19 October 2005
Wednesday 19 October 2005 21:30-22:15 (Radio 3)
Writer, broadcaster, poet and television critic Clive James about his life and work.
Programme details
In a special edition of Night Waves this evening Matthew Sweet talks to writer, broadcaster, poet and television critic Clive James about his life and work.
A passionate multi-linguist, James learnt Russian and French in order to be able to read Pushkin and Proust in the original. But after his famous television shows, the Aussie ex-pat acknowledges that he is still likely to have 'He made fun of the Japanese' on his gravestone, despite also learning Japanese because of his great love of the culture.
On the publication of his new collection of essaysThe Meaning of Recognition, Matthew talks to him about the role of the critic in the 21 st century, why Biggles led him to an appreciation of Tolstoy, and how there is no difference between Abba and grand opera.
Join Night Waves for an extended interview with Clive James this evening at 9.30 here on BBC Radio 3.
Extra Information
The Meaning of Recognition by Clive James is published by Picador.
More information about other publications can be found at www.clivejames.com
