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Dame Rebecca West

First transmitted in 1976, the writer Dame Rebecca West recalls her life and career in conversation with Ludovic Kennedy.

First transmitted in 1976, Dame Rebecca West recalls her life and career in conversation with Ludovic Kennedy. She analyses the strength of HG Wells as a writer, debunks the myth that George Bernard Shaw flirted with her ('silly old buffoon'), describes Joseph Conrad's struggle to understand Jane Austen and talks about her coverage of Lord Haw-Haw's trial for treason. She also comments on the current feminist movement, discusses modern novelists and defends her criticism of television interviewers.Born Cicily Isabel Fairfield, the author adopted the name Rebecca West after playing that character in Henrik Ibsen's 'Rosmersholm' while studying acting at RADA. West had a ten-year love affair with HG Wells and gave birth to his son in 1914.

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20 minutes

Last on

Mon 20 Sep 1976 23:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One

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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Talk Collection

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Talk Collection
This programme is part of Talk - a collection of interviews with some of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Did You Know?

Born Cicily Isabel Fairfield, the author adopted the name Rebecca West after playing that character in Henrik Ibsen's Rosmersholm while studying acting at Rada. West had a ten-year love affair with HG Wells and gave birth to his son in 1914.

About Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

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Modern Writers Collection

This programme is available online as part of the Modern Writers Collection