Biography of R.L.S.

Press, 12 August 1980, Page 15

Biography of R.L.S.

... • • ■ 7 Listening .

The author of “Treasure Island” and “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” was more than a great storyteller, as the new biography, “R.L.S. — A Life Study,” shows. The writer of this new. book about Robert Louis Stevenson, Jenni Calder, talks on “8.8. C. World of Books” on the Concert programme at 7 p.m. about the effect on Stevenson of, his travels, particularly in the South Pacific. She also describes the qualities that make him a surprisingly “modern man” in both his life and his writings. B*s -

In the book which made her famous, “The Women’s Room,” the American writer, Marilyn French, set out her- view that • men and women cannot live together successfully. Now in her further novel, “The Bleeding Heart,” she explores that theme again, this time in a love story. She talks on the books programme some of her own feelings about the “inequality” between men and women. sjs SS

Gavin Ewart could _ be described as “a • serious light poet” for his poems, though often humorous, have a serious intent that belies the light touch: He reads two of his poems from the recently published collection and talks about his work, on the books programme.

Young orchestra The 25-strong National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain has been described as the most exciting big band in the world. They have appeared in virtually every leading concert hall in Britain and visited much of the rest of the

world. They visted New Zealand recently for a series of concerts. Highlights from their Auckland concert, which was recorded by Radio New Zealand, can be heard on the National programme at 7.30 p.m. John Dankworth, the distinguished British jazz musician, said this about the band: “Forget the word youth in their title — this is one of the best bands you will ever hear.”

Consumer Muir Frank Muir and the actor, Alfred Marks, go into consumer affairs with a presentation of what they see as its more humorous side on the National programme at 8.45 p.m. .Among the recorded voices that help these two to achieve their aim are those of Bob Newhart, Shelly Berman, Tom Lehrer, John Cleese, Wilfred Brambell, and Harry H. Corbett. This 8.8. C. programme is repeated from last Sunday.

Priestly on media Media and mythology is the theme Brian Priestly takes at 9 p.m. for a further programme in the thought-provoking Concert programme series “Are We Really Like This?” Priestly, the Canterbury University journalism teacher familier to television viewers, examines the characteristics of the New Zealand media, concepts such as New Zealanders as “the passionless people,” and changes affecting pressure groups.