Flush By Virginia Woolf

Jenny Coverack reads 'Flush', by Virginia Woolf: an unusual biography that begins with the gift of a young dog to a very famous writer, Elizabeth Barret Browning.

Flush was given to Miss Barrett by a family friend, and the young spaniel very quickly became the poet's devoted companion and constant atttendant at her bedside in her father's house in Wimpole Street. In this first episode, Flush must learn to forget his early life in the country, and become used to days spent in an invalid's bedroom.

Flush must forget life in the country, and get used to days spent in an invalid's bedroom.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Whimsical biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel. Flush must adapt to an invalid's bedroom. Read by Jenny Coverack.

Virginia Woolf's whimsical biography of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel, Flush

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Virginia Woolf's biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's devoted spaniel, Flush, is read by Jenny Coverack.

Flush has abandoned the memories of his early days in the country, and is now Miss Barrett's constant companion in her father's house in Wimpole Street. However, when his beloved owner embarks on a very special correspondence, Flush senses change is in the air. His fears are confirmed with the arrival of a new visitor to the invalid's bedroom. When Flush realises he longer occupies the most important place in Miss Barrett's affections, he decides to make his feelings about the usurper Mr Browning clear in the only way he knows.

A rival for Miss Barrett's affections appears on the scene.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Devoted spaniel Flush faces a rival for the affections of invalid owner, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Read by Jenny Coverack.

Virginia Woolf's whimsical biography of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel, Flush

[LISTEN NOW]

Virginia Woolf's biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's devoted spaniel, Flush, is read by Jenny Coverack.

Miss Browning's constant companion Flush has been stolen by a gang of dog snatchers who hold their canine victims to ransom - and exact a fearful retribution if the price is not paid. Flush finds himself imprisoned in dreadful conditions in Whitechapel, while Miss Barrett becomes increasingly anxious in Wimpole Street. When her father tries to prevent her securing Flush's return, and even dear Mr Browning advises her against giving in to blackmail, she leaves her sickroom and takes matters into her own hands.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's devoted spaniel Flush is the victim of a horrible crime.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

When spaniel Flush is the victim of a horrible crime, Miss Barrett takes matters into her own hands. Read by Jenny Coverack.

Virginia Woolf's whimsical biography of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel, Flush

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Virginia Woolf's lighthearted biography of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel, Flush, is read by Jenny Coverack.

Flush's life changes dramatically as his mistress and her new husband leave Wimpole Street behind them and travel to Italy. As the Brownings begin their married life in Florence, Flush too finds a new lease of life amid the rich sensations and smells of the Florentine alleys and fields. Once again, however, a new arrival threatens to disturb the enjoyable routine.

Flush and his newly-married mistress escape Wimpole Street.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Devoted spaniel Flush and his newly-married mistress escape London's Wimpole Street and travel to Italy. Read by Jenny Coverack.

Virginia Woolf's whimsical biography of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel, Flush

[LISTEN NOW]

Virginia Woolf's biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's beloved spaniel, Flush, is read by Jenny Coverack.

The Brownings have settled happily in Florence, their little boy is growing up, and Flush is growing old. He can't understand his mistress's new enthusiasm for summoning the spirits, and he's lost his old passion for roaming the streets and fields of Florence. It's time for him to lie in the shade of a market stall and remember the good times he's lived through.

As time passes in Florence, Flush begins to feel his age.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

As time passes in Florence, Elizabeth's devoted spaniel Flush begins to feel his age. Concluded by Jenny Coverack.

Virginia Woolf's whimsical biography of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's spaniel, Flush

[LISTEN NOW]

Flush was given to Miss Barrett by a family friend, and the young spaniel very quickly became the poet's devoted companion and constant attendant at her bedside in her father's house in Wimpole Street. Devoted Flush takes on a love rival, is a victim of crime, travels to Italy and reflects on a life well lived.

Omnibus of five parts written by Virginia Woolf

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.

Flush is a young dog given to a very famous writer, Elizabeth Barret Browning.

Virginia Woolf's biography begins with the gift of a young dog to writer Elizabeth Barret Browning. Read by Jenny Coverack.

[LISTEN NOW]