Jorge Luis Borges is one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century, best known for his intriguing short stories that play with philosophical ideas, such as identity, reality and language. His work, which includes poetry, essays, and reviews of imaginary books, has had great influence on magical realism and literary theory. He viewed the realist novel as over-rated and deluded, revelling instead in fable and imaginary worlds. He declared “people think life is the thing but I prefer reading”.

 

 

First broadcast on 15 June 1983. Featuring Peter Cook as King Richard III.

Edmund, the mostly forgotten son of Richard Duke of York, oversleeps and arrives late for the Battle of Bosworth.

He's supposed to be fighting on side of the Plantaganets, but due to sheer incompetence and a rather rash reaction to Richard III taking his horse, he chops off the near-victorious King's head. Then he saves the life of Henry Tudor, leader of the opposing army.

Robin Hood episode 4: Parent Hood

The Sheriff and his men capture Roy, and the outlaws find a baby abandoned in Sherwood Forest. Roy is given a choice: kill Robin Hood or let his own mother hang.

Meanwhile, Marian angers the Sheriff with her disobedience. Will Roy betray Robin? How will the Sheriff punish Marian? And who does the baby belong to?

An action adventure read by Richard Armitage,who plays Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood, and featuring Robin and his loyal band of brothers, as seen in the hit BBC TV series. This exciting new adaptation of the classic tale, starring Jonas Armstrong,is crammed with action, humour, wit and romance, bringing the legendary outlaw hero to life for a whole new generation.

Mary Queen of Scots and Her Hopeless Husbands
Read By: Geoffrey Palmer

You've probably heard of Mary Queen of Scots...
She is horribly famous for:
- having terrible taste in husbands
- totally losing her head - on the chopping block
But have you heard that Mary:
- got kidnapped by a murderous lord - and married him?
- managed to give her executioner a fright or two?
Yes, even though she's dead, Mary's still full of surprises! Now you can get the inside story with Mary's secret diary and discover some fascinating facts about the Scottish Queen and her hopeless husbands.

Queen Victoria and Her Amusements
Read By: Geoffrey Palmer

You've probably heard of Queen Victoria...
She's horribly famous for:
- wearing black clothes - all the time
- saying "We are not amused"
But have you heard that Queen Vic:
- went on her holidays in disguise?
- was best pals with her rude Scottish servant?
Yes, even though she's dead, Queen Vic's still full of surprises. Now you can get the inside story in Victoria's secret diary and dare to laugh politely with Queen Vic as you find out what really amused her most...