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Sylvia Plath collections: BBC's Third Programme

Emory University holds some important radio scripts for works read for the BBC's famous Third Programme. These papers form a part of The Raymond Danowski Poetry Library.

The script for Plath's verse poem, "Three Women", which aired on 19 August 1962, is in Box 1, Folder 14.

Also held are two scripts for works by Ted Hughes. In Box 1, Folder 16, "Difficulties of a Bridegroom", which aired on 9 Feburary 1963 and in Box 1, Folder 22, "Dogs" which aired just over a year later, on 12 Feburary 1964. Third Programme radio scripts, 1949-1978 (bulk 1959-1968)

The collection is held in two boxes.

From the scope and content note:

The collection contains thirty-six typescripts for the British Broadcasting Corporation's Third Programme, dating from 1949 to 1978; however, the majority of the typescripts date from the 1960s. The collection is comprised of numerous works by Dylan Thomas, including multiple versions of "Under Milk Wood," as well as typescripts of works by David Gascoyne, Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, Stevie Smith, Wole Soyinka, and others. Many of the programs were produced by Douglas Cleverdon, who worked on the Third Programme from 1946 to 1969.

Bio/History: The British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) Third Programme began on September 29, 1946, during the BBC's post-war restructuring. At this time, the BBC was divided into three networks: The Home Service, the Light Programme, and the Third Programme. The latter was considered more intellectual in nature and was defined by the BBC as "being for the educated rather than an educational programme." In 1957 the BBC decreased program's air time, despite protests from individuals such as T.S. Eliot. The program was cut further in 1970 and merged with Radio Four, created in 1967 to replace the Home Service and to reach a wider audience. Associated materials: Related collections in other repositories: BBC Third Programme Radio Scripts, Special Collections, University of Delaware.

Finding aid available in repository. Originally received as part of the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library. The full finding aid is online here.

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