麻豆约拍

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the 麻豆约拍's radio poetry archive with 'The Sonnet and The Sword'.

Peggy Reynolds explores the world of the Elizabethan Court, through the poetry written by its courtiers - evoking a world where rivalry between them was common, and flattering the Queen often involved much spectacle.

Poetry during the reign of Elizabeth I developed into a national literature, with courtiers as the elite consumers judging literary developments, and often being at the forefront of innovations themselves.

Professor Steven May discusses the merits of this output, which often influenced those outside the court, such as Shakespeare. Dr Susan Doran helps examine the bigger picture, including religious intolerance, the war with Spain, and concern over the royal succession. These national themes are very present in the poetry of the court.

Producer: Luke Whitlock

First broadcast on 麻豆约拍 Radio 4 in 2013.