Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20160828 | 20201125 (BBC7) 20201126 (BBC7) 20160903 (R4) | Edwin Reardon is a serious novelist striving for recognition in a literary world that's dumbing rapidly down. His younger, confident friend Jasper Milvain believes the only purpose of writing is to make big bucks. Neither approach has brought them much success. Dramatised in two-parts by Christopher Douglas. Amy/Edith - Emily Pithon Alfred Yule/Quarmby - Jonathan Keeble Dora Milvain/Maid - Victoria Brazier Free schooling, which followed the Education Act of 1807 helped to create a newly literate working class. This created a demand for popular fiction and sensational journalism. Thus a gulf opened up between 'Literature' and the mass market as embodied by writers Edwin Reardon and Jasper Milvain. |
| 02 | 20160904 | 20201126 (BBC7) 20201127 (BBC7) 20160910 (R4) | Edwin Reardon's struggles as a serious novelist have created a rift between himself and his wife Amy. Meanwhile Jasper Milvain seems drawn to the bookish Marian Yule. Conclusion dramatised by Christopher Douglas. Amy/Edith - Emily Pithon Alfred Yule/Quarmby - Jonathan Keeble Dora Milvain/Maid - Victoria Brazier Meet the real Ed Reardon and Jaz Milvain |