EPISODE · May 5, 2015 · 27 MIN
Wendy Cope on John Clare
from Great Lives · host BBC Radio 4
"John Clare, I cried last night for you" wrote Wendy Cope in a poem dedicated to the earlier poet, who overcame monumental setbacks such as a poverty-stricken upbringing and a long struggle with mental illness. However, Clare managed to write some of the most sensitive poetry in the English language. At one point he was known as "the English Robert Burns" but then his fame dropped away and many people now remember him solely for his cri de coeur, "I Am." Expert witness is John Clare's biographer, Sir Jonathan Bate. Producer Christine HallFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015
What this episode covers
"John Clare, I cried last night for you" wrote Wendy Cope in a poem dedicated to the earlier poet, who overcame monumental setbacks such as a poverty-stricken upbringing and a long struggle with mental illness. However, Clare managed to write some of the most sensitive poetry in the English language. At one point he was known as "the English Robert Burns" but then his fame dropped away and many people now remember him solely for his cri de coeur, "I Am." Expert witness is John Clare's biographer, Sir Jonathan Bate. Producer Christine HallFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015
NOW PLAYING
Wendy Cope on John Clare
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 3, 2026 ·44m
Feb 21, 2026 ·30m
Jan 2, 2026 ·47m