Denise Levertov reading a selection of six poems.
Denise Levertov reading a selection of six poems.
Yes, I’m serious with this one. Mae West wasn’t just a performer; she was also a playwright and screenwriter. Whether you love or hate her, she still fits the bill for inclusion here.
Mae West on Mr. Ed in March 1964, when she was 70. This is the full episode, so feel free to skip ahead to the tasty/ridiculous bits.
James Joyce reading from Ulysses, 1924.
E.E. Cummings reading somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond.
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me
Truman Capote reading an excerpt from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. From April 7, 1963.
How old is W. Somerset Maugham?
‘The Stones’ by Sylvia Plath.
This is the city where men are mended
‘Hugh Selwyn Mauberley’ by Ezra Pound.
For three years, out of key with his time
‘April Fool Birthday Poem for Grandpa’ by Diane di Prima.
For honestly weeping in time to innumerable heartbreaking Italian operas
(And, yes, Diane is still alive.)
‘The Dream Keeper’ and ‘Dreams’ by Langston Hughes.
Bring me all of your dreams, You dreamers
‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ by T. S. Eliot. The animation on this video is extremely odd and disturbing, much like the poet himself.
Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky