It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the poetry in the English language substantially changed its character after Wordsworth. As I summed up in an earlier post, the Big Six – the major poets of British Romanticism – changed the focus of poetic expression for subsequent generations of writers. However, it was Wordsworth in particular, in a very fruitful collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who defined English Romanticism and gave it its written constitution: the famous Preface to the Lyrical Ballads.
The world has changed tremendously since the Romantic Era, but for many contemporary readers Wordsworth’s writings haven’t lost any charm or relevance. His personal life, too, in particular his keen interest in nature and the delight he took in his daily walks, continue to serve as an inspiration and a reminder to look at the world with fresh eyes – finding awe and wonder in the simple and the seemingly mundane.
In this monthly instalment of my listening tips, I’d like to share a few podcasts and radio programmes that have helped me learn more about this wonderful writer and find renewed appreciation for his poetry. I hope you find them interesting and useful!
The History of Literature Podcast: William Wordsworth
Jacke Wilson’s podcast series The History of Literature is a treasure trove of information on books and writers. Episode 509 is dedicated to Wordsworth, and it can serve as a handy introduction not only to this poet, but also to the literature of the Romantic period in general. A lot of it is dedicated to Wordsworth’s life, and the culture of the late 18th and early 19th century. [Duration: 64 min.]
In Wordsworth’s Footsteps
Available on the BBC Sounds platform, In Wordsworth’s Footsteps is a delightful three-part series first broadcast in 2020, 250 years after the poet’s birth. Presented by Professor Jonathan Bate, the series explores everything from Wordsworth’s childhood, the importance of places he visited or lived in, to the ideological views he held during his long life. [Duration: 3 x 30 min.]
In Our Time: The Prelude
Focusing more specifically on The Prelude, that masterpiece of Romanticism, this episode of the BBC Radio’s classic In Our Time programme features a panel of literary experts discussing the epic poem’s background, its importance and lessons it contains for us today. Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, the programme is available on the BBC Radio 4 website, where you can also download the audio file. [Duration: 45 min.]
Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast: William Wordsworth
If you love poetry, classical or contemporary, you simply have to subscribe to Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast. Unlike the previous listening tips, which deal more with Wordsworth’s life and the culture of the period, this podcast episode features several of Wordsworth’s more famous poems, among them Strange Fits of Passion Have I Known and The Tables Turned (you can read the latter here on the Grammaticus blog, along with some notes and comments). If you struggle reading poetry, Skinner’s analysis will help you with interpretation. [Duration: 33 min.]
There are plenty more podcasts out there exploring Wordsworth’s life and works, but these recommendations should suffice as a solid intro to his poetry. If there are any other audio resources that you’ve enjoyed, please share about them in the comments section below!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum
Preface to The Lyrical Ballads – full text available in the PDF format
William Wordsworth board on the Grammaticus Pinterest profile
grammaticus 
Good post.I subscribed. Have a good day🍀☘️⭐️💝
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Glad you liked it – and thank you for subscribing!
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😊
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