Episode 3
Gertrude Bell played a crucial role charting Iraq's future after the First World War. Read by Sylvestra le Touzel and Deborah Findlay.
The story of Gertrude Bell and her crucial role in the foundation of the state of Iraq.
One hundred years ago, Iraq did not exist as a nation. It was a region without borders or a ruler. In the aftermath of the First World War, great men - and Gertrude Bell - assembled to determine the future of such countries.
First published in 2006, Queen of the Desert by Georgina Howell has been reissued - partly to coincide with the Werner Herzog film of the same title, but also to provide the long view on the troubled history of a remarkable country.
Using letters written by Gertrude Bell throughout the period, the book tells the story of an extraordinarily talented and determined woman who has often been overshadowed by her more famous friend, T.E. Lawrence.
Read by Sylvestra le Touzel and Deborah Findlay (the letters)
Abridged and produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.
Last on
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Reader | Sylvestra Le Touzel |
| Reader | Deborah Findlay |
| Author | Georgina Howell |
| Abridger | Jill Waters |
| Producer | Jill Waters |
Broadcasts
Wed 1 Jul 2015 09:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM- Thu 2 Jul 2015 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Wed 18 Jul 2018 14:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 19 Jul 2018 02:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.