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Episode details

Radio 3,08 Jan 2019,14 mins

SeriesAn Ode to John Keats

Sean O'Brien on Ode on Melancholy

The Essay

Available for over a year

In 1819, John Keats wrote five of the greatest odes in the English language. Five leading contemporary poets each celebrate a single ode. 2. Sean O'Brien on Ode on Melancholy 1819 was a stunningly fertile year for John Keats, when he wrote five of the greatest odes in the English language and actually introduced words and phrases never heard before - "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.....", "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty....." The multiple award-winning poet Sean O'Brien explores the depth and meaning of Ode on Melancholy, both uncovering Keats' mastery of the language and sharing how important the poem has been to him personally since the loss of fellow-poet and friend Michael Donaghy, who used to recite the ode by heart. Producer : Beaty Rubens

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