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The Poems of T. S. Eliot

Read by Jeremy Irons

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The Poems of T. S. Eliot

By: T. S. Eliot
Narrated by: Jeremy Irons, Dame Eileen Atkins
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Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4, Jeremy Irons' perceptive reading illuminates the poetry of T. S. Eliot in all its complexity. Major poems range from 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' through the post-war desolation of 'The Waste Land' and the spiritual struggle of 'Ash-Wednesday', to the enduring charm of 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'.

The Spectator praised Jeremy Irons' interpretation as 'so accessible, reading Eliot as if finding his words for the first time, grappling with them, relishing them, using them to express feelings that we all share as we struggle to accept, to recognise or relinquish'. Dame Eileen Atkins also appears alongside Jeremy Irons in the reading of 'The Waste Land'.

UPDATED EDITION WITH POEM TITLES FOR EASY NAVIGATION.

©2015 BBC (P)2016 BBC European Poetry United States World Literature Funny Old Poetry
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Critic reviews

"For such a major poet, Eliot left a fairly sparse body of work, and all his mature poems are here. And while many consider him to be a fairly austere modernist, these readings by Jeremy Irons bring out the human passion (and sometimes the intellectual passion) that lurks in the poems.... His versions are simply more human, as beautifully crafted as the poems themselves." (AudioFile)
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Jeremy Irons understands the music in Eliot's poetry like no other reader I have heard, Including the poet himself. This is an outstanding recording and I recommend it enthusiastically.

One Of The Greatest Recordings Of A Great Poet

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to hear TS Eliot's work brought to life in such a way, brings nothing but delight.

Great listen

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Excellent narration, but no index with poem titles. This means that one is unable to select a piece by title.

Another gripe is that there is too short a pause after each piece, giving no time for reflection or contemplation.

Very good, but...

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If you have never thought of poetry before, please try this. Jeremy Irons is a beautiful voice. Unfortunately you cannot choose an individual poem, but that doesn't really matter. I never get bored, and I'm still waiting for Little Gidding...

Just perfect

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T.S. Elliot poetry comes to live thanks to the voice of Jeremy Irons and his masterful way of reading.

What a superb performance!

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