David Baddiel on the invention of the modern novel

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As Jane Austen turns 250, Austen biographer and writer Dr Paula Byrne is joined by prominent thinkers, writers, directors who tell her about their encounters with the famous author. Each of her guests has been shaped, changed, and inspired by Jane Austen. Paula's been thinking and writing about Austen for the best part of thirty years and her guests' experiences will inspire her own reflections, drawn from the places that held special meaning for Austen. Her first guest: David Baddiel. Writer and comedian David Baddiel first encountered Austen as a student, and wrote about her university. He tells Paula why he thinks we get her all wrong, that we overlook how radical a technician she was. He tells us why he thinks she invented the modern novel and is possibly the greatest artist in all of English Literature. And he thinks it all starts in 1811 - with the publication of Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility. Paula reflects on how Austen finally got published, after years of trying. The pair discuss how the hallmarks of Austen's genius are there on the pages of her first book. She famously wrote on a small palette but David argues this is the art that means the most to him - work which makes the seemingly mundane, extraordinary. Presenter: Dr Paula Byrne Reader: Gemma Whelan Producer: Camellia Sinclair