The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour
During The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour at the British Library, well-known figures perform readings of poetry by some of Britain and America’s most distinguished poets. Here you can access the audio recordings of these events, explore the connection between the poets' lives and their work, study interpretations of their poetry and access suggested classroom activities.
The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour
![]() | Introduction by Josephine Hart Why is it so important to hear poetry? Josephine Hart introduces the website and The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour. |
The Poets

Elizabeth Bishop read by Charles Dance and Joanna David
Listen to Charles Dance and Joanna David perform Elizabeth Bishop's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.

Robert Browning read by Robert Hardy and Greg Wise
Listen to Robert Hardy and Greg Wise performing Robert Browning's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.

Emily Dickinson read by Juliet Stevenson
Listen to Juliet Stevenson performing Emily Dickinson's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.

Sylvia Plath read by Harriet Walter
Listen to Harriet Walter performing Sylvia Plath's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.

Christina Rossetti read by Nancy Carroll and Joanna David
Listen to Nancy Carroll and Joanna David performing Christina Rossetti's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.

Percy Bysshe Shelley read by Dominic West and Alan Cox
Listen to Dominic West and Alan Cox performing Percy Bysshe Shelley's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.

Listen to Bob Geldof performing W.B. Yeats's poetry and watch Josephine Hart introduce the life of the poet.