Rose Tremain - Merivel - A Man Of His Time

Episode

First
Broadcast

Comments

20120917

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11, is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life?

As Merivel sets out in search of Wonders, he finds adventure and surprise. In a dazzling journey by way of the glittering court at Versailles, the purchase of a bear and a love affair in Switzerland, and with encounters with old lovers and new, Rose Tremain captures a man who knows himself and his follies and foibles only too well.

A delight equally to those who remember the young Merivel and to new listeners, Rose Tremain's novel promises to be a memorable three week Book at Bedtime.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Many things are preoccupying the physician, father and sometimes fool to King Charles II.

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

20120918

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

In today's episode Merivel sets out in search of Wonders and finds adventure and surprise. He sets out on a dazzling journey to the glittering court at Versailles by way of the court of Charles II.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel sets out on a dazzling journey to the glittering court at Versailles.

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

20120919

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11,is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life?

In today's episode, Merivel arrives at the most glittering court in Europe - Versailles - but gaining an audience with Louis- or even finding a bed - proves more difficult than anticipated!

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel arrives at Versailles but gaining an audience with Louis proves more difficult.

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

20120920

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11,is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life?

He will set off in search of Wonders.

In today's episode: Merivel accepts a lift in Louise de Flamanville's coach but finds more in Paris than he bargained for.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel accepts a lift in Louise de Flamanville's coach, but finds more than he bargained.

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

20120921

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11,is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life?

He will set off in search of Wonders.

In today's episode: Merivel rescues a bear and returns to Bidnold.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Physician, father and part-time fool, Merivel rescues a bear and returns to Bidnold.

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

20120924

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter on the brink of adulthood and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate is no longer sufficiently satisfying. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose?

In today's episode: After his sojourn in France, Merivel has returned to Bidnold, to find his beloved Margaret in the grip of the deadly typhus. But a surprise visitor brings solace and perhaps hope.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel has returned to Bidnold to find his beloved Margaret in the grip of the typhus.

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

20120925

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

In today's episode: Returning from his French adventures and with Margaret out of danger, Merivel turns his attention to his old patients, including his old lover, Lady Violet Bathurst. And the King remains an unpredictable guest.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel turns his attention to his old patients, with the King an ever-unpredictable guest

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

20120926

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

In today's episode: Merivel must operate on his old lover, Lady Bathurst, to save her life - and his honoured guest makes an offer that he cannot refuse, despite his misgivings.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel must operate on his former lover Lady Bathurst to save her life.

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

20120927

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

In today's episode: With Margaret lost to the Court and the death of Clarendon the Bear, Merivel needs new purpose - he determines to rekindle a friendship.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

With the loss of Margaret and his bear dead, Merivel needs new purpose.

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

20120928

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

In today's episode: Sir Robert sets out for Switzerland, and has a lusty encounter on the road to what may prove true love and enlightenment.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

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

20121001

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose?

In today's episode: In a search for new purpose in his life, Merivel has left Bidnold and England behind and travelled to Switzerland in search of the beguiling Louise de Flamanville. She and her father have taken him into their home, and their hearts. Will that be solace enough?

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel has sought out the beguiling Louise de Flamanville. Can she offer him solace?

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

20121002

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose?

In today's episode: Death is much on my mind. The duel will take place. Will Louise's husband keep to his word or will Merivel lose all that he holds dear?

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

In England, Merivel faces the music, fights a duel, and ponders on death and marriage.

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

20121003

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose?

In today's episode: Despite Louise's marriage plans for him, Merivel has returned to England, to attend on the King whose health is failing and to find that Margaret has an amour of her own.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Safely returned to England, Merivel finds much has changed, for Margaret is in love.

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

20121004

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. What comfort can he find in these years?

In today's episode: The King is dying. Merivel has one final task to complete for his beloved monarch. And fate has another calamity in store for our hero too.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

Merivel must find a way to honour the promise he has made the dying king.

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

20121005

Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989.

Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing his final years.

In today's episode: With the King dead and Margaret to be married, it is time to return to Bidnold and to Will Gates at last.

The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson.

The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs.

With the king dead and Margaret to be married, it is time to return to Bidnold.

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

Episodes

Episode	First Broadcast	Comments
01	20120917	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11, is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life? As Merivel sets out in search of Wonders, he finds adventure and surprise. In a dazzling journey by way of the glittering court at Versailles, the purchase of a bear and a love affair in Switzerland, and with encounters with old lovers and new, Rose Tremain captures a man who knows himself and his follies and foibles only too well. A delight equally to those who remember the young Merivel and to new listeners, Rose Tremain's novel promises to be a memorable three week Book at Bedtime. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Many things are preoccupying the physician, father and sometimes fool to King Charles II. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
02	20120918	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11, is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life? In today's episode Merivel sets out in search of Wonders and finds adventure and surprise. He sets out on a dazzling journey to the glittering court at Versailles by way of the court of Charles II. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel sets out on a dazzling journey to the glittering court at Versailles. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
03	20120919	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11,is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life? In today's episode, Merivel arrives at the most glittering court in Europe - Versailles - but gaining an audience with Louis- or even finding a bed - proves more difficult than anticipated! The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel arrives at Versailles but gaining an audience with Louis proves more difficult. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
04	20120920	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11,is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life? He will set off in search of Wonders. In today's episode: Merivel accepts a lift in Louise de Flamanville's coach but finds more in Paris than he bargained for. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel accepts a lift in Louise de Flamanville's coach, but finds more than he bargained. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
05	20120921	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Life on his Norfolk estate and as a physician, a father and sometimes a fool to his adored King Charles 11,is no longer enough. Not only are he, and his loyal servant Will, ageing, but his beloved daughter Margaret is seventeen and will soon fly the nest. Even the King is failing. How can he reinvigorate his life? He will set off in search of Wonders. In today's episode: Merivel rescues a bear and returns to Bidnold. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Physician, father and part-time fool, Merivel rescues a bear and returns to Bidnold. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
06	20120924	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter on the brink of adulthood and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate is no longer sufficiently satisfying. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: After his sojourn in France, Merivel has returned to Bidnold, to find his beloved Margaret in the grip of the deadly typhus. But a surprise visitor brings solace and perhaps hope. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel has returned to Bidnold to find his beloved Margaret in the grip of the typhus. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
07	20120925	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter on the brink of adulthood and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate is no longer sufficiently satisfying. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: Returning from his French adventures and with Margaret out of danger, Merivel turns his attention to his old patients, including his old lover, Lady Violet Bathurst. And the King remains an unpredictable guest. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel turns his attention to his old patients, with the King an ever-unpredictable guest Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
08	20120926	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter on the brink of adulthood and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate is no longer sufficiently satisfying. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: Merivel must operate on his old lover, Lady Bathurst, to save her life - and his honoured guest makes an offer that he cannot refuse, despite his misgivings. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel must operate on his former lover Lady Bathurst to save her life. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
09	20120927	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter on the brink of adulthood and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate is no longer sufficiently satisfying. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: With Margaret lost to the Court and the death of Clarendon the Bear, Merivel needs new purpose - he determines to rekindle a friendship. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. With the loss of Margaret and his bear dead, Merivel needs new purpose. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
10	20120928	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter on the brink of adulthood and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate is no longer sufficiently satisfying. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: Sir Robert sets out for Switzerland, and has a lusty encounter on the road to what may prove true love and enlightenment. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
11	20121001	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: In a search for new purpose in his life, Merivel has left Bidnold and England behind and travelled to Switzerland in search of the beguiling Louise de Flamanville. She and her father have taken him into their home, and their hearts. Will that be solace enough? The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel has sought out the beguiling Louise de Flamanville. Can she offer him solace? Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
12	20121002	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: Death is much on my mind. The duel will take place. Will Louise's husband keep to his word or will Merivel lose all that he holds dear? The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. In England, Merivel faces the music, fights a duel, and ponders on death and marriage. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
13	20121003	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. How to reinvigorate his life and find new purpose? In today's episode: Despite Louise's marriage plans for him, Merivel has returned to England, to attend on the King whose health is failing and to find that Margaret has an amour of her own. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Safely returned to England, Merivel finds much has changed, for Margaret is in love. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
14	20121004	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing a crisis. Older and perhaps a little wiser, with his daughter now away at Court and his dearest friends ageing too, life on his Norfolk estate has ceased to satisfy. What comfort can he find in these years? In today's episode: The King is dying. Merivel has one final task to complete for his beloved monarch. And fate has another calamity in store for our hero too. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. Merivel must find a way to honour the promise he has made the dying king. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
15	20121005	Rose Tremain returns triumphantly to one of her best loved characters, in the long awaited sequel to her Booker short-listed best-selling novel, Restoration, published in 1989. Seventeen years after the events related in Restoration, Merivel, a man of wit, wisdom and not a little passion, is facing his final years. In today's episode: With the King dead and Margaret to be married, it is time to return to Bidnold and to Will Gates at last. The reader is the stage and screen actor Nicholas Woodeson. The abridger was Sally Marmion and the producer was Di Speirs. With the king dead and Margaret to be married, it is time to return to Bidnold. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature