Mark Ford

Join Janet Montefiore, a W.H. Auden expert, Jeremy Noel-Tod, a literature lecturer, and poet Mark Ford as they explore the multifaceted life of W.H. Auden. They discuss his struggles with identity, politics, and the moral issues of the 1930s, providing insights into the rise of totalitarianism that inspired his work. The conversation touches on Auden’s complex romantic relationships and his evolving poetic style. They also reflect on how his legacy continues to influence modern audiences and poetry today.

Sarah Churchwell, a Professor of American Literature, Peter Riley, a Lecturer in 19th Century American Literature, and Mark Ford, a Professor of English and American Literature, dive into the life of Walt Whitman. They discuss his groundbreaking collection, 'Leaves of Grass,' and how it defied traditional forms through free verse. The conversation also explores Whitman's complex relationship with individuality and community amid the Civil War. His evolving views on race and societal norms, infused with optimism and paradox, reveal his enduring influence on American poetry.

Mark Ford and Seamus Perry discuss the essence of great political poems, exploring ideology in poetry, the importance of context, and conveying political truths through verse. They analyze works like Yeats's 'Easter 1916' and Auden's 'Spain 1937, delving into political conviction and poetic ambiguity.