Watch Six Centuries of Verse

Six Centuries of Verse is a riveting and captivating television show that brings together a star-studded cast of three highly acclaimed British actors, John Gielgud, Julian Glover, and Ian Richardson. Produced by Acorn Media in 1984, the show is a tour de force of poetry recitation that spans six hundred years of English literature.

With an impressive runtime of five hours, Six Centuries of Verse is a thrilling journey through the ages that begins with the iconic works of Geoffrey Chaucer and continues all the way to the modernist poets of the early 20th century. The series is divided into six episodes, each focusing on a particular period in English literature and highlighting the most representative poets of that era.

The first episode, entitled "The Middle Ages," features the works of Chaucer, William Langland, and Sir Thomas Malory, among others. The episode provides an insightful look into the literary landscape of a time when most poetry was written in Middle English.

The second episode, "The Tudor Era," explores the works of Tudor poets such as Sir Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard, and Edmund Spenser. The episode provides a glimpse into the courtly life of the era and the rise of Petrarchan and sonnet-like poetry that was in vogue.

The third episode, "The Caroline Era," delves into the works of poets such as John Donne, Ben Jonson, and George Herbert during the period of political tumult caused by the English Civil War. The episode provides a window into the religious, political, and social upheavals of the time and the aftermath of the Reformation.

The fourth episode, "The Age of Reason," explores the works of poets such as Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson during the Enlightenment. The episode highlights the rise of rationalism, scientific inquiry, and literature that aimed to appeal to the intellect rather than the senses.

The fifth episode, "The Romantic Era," delves into the works of poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron during the period of revolution and reaction that shook Europe. The episode highlights the intense emotionalism, nature worship, and individualism that characterized the movement.

The final episode, "The Moderns," focuses on the works of poets such as T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, and Dylan Thomas during the early 20th century. The episode highlights the rise of modernist techniques such as fragmentation, stream of consciousness, and avant-garde experimentation.

Throughout each episode, Gielgud, Glover, and Richardson deliver stunning recitations of some of the greatest poetry ever written in the English language. The actors bring each poem to life with their impeccable diction, emotional resonance, and superb acting skills. They also provide insightful and informative commentary on the historical, cultural, and literary context of each poem, making the show a valuable resource for anyone interested in English literature.

Moreover, the show's visual aesthetic is elegant and refined, with each episode featuring beautiful period costumes, exquisite artwork, and tasteful set design that transports the viewer into the world of each respective era. The cinematography is also superb, with sweeping camera shots that capture the majesty and grandeur of the English countryside and the vibrant energy of London.

Overall, Six Centuries of Verse is a must-watch for anyone who loves poetry, history, and literature. The show's impeccable production values, stellar cast, and insightful commentary make it an enduring masterpiece of English literature in its own right.