THE TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT - REVIEWS 26/9/03

A fine blend

Iain MacDonald recommends secondary literature resources
Lord Byron and the Greek War. By John Webster.
The Shelley Story. By John Webster.
Published by Pathfinder Audio, £12.95 each.
About 60 minutes playing time. Available from Book Systems Plus Tel: 01223 894870

This unique pair of audio CDs, each of which is narrated by poet Benjamin Zephaniah, defy categorisation. A whimsical blend of biography, poetry, folk song and polemic, they set out to give fresh impetus to the work of these two heroes of the romantic movement. In the case of Lord Byron this is not so much revival as resurrection (as an exercise, offer a chocolate bar to the first member of your English department who can quote in full a stanza from the pen of the renegade aristocrat). Extensive sleeve notes provide lyrics for the original songs, which somewhat frustratingly tend to mix and match extracts from different poems and also a commentary which in itself gives the rationale for the project.

This rationale would seem to be the moral and philosophical courage of the pair and their relevance to a secular, post-millennial society, rather than any particular quality of the poems themselves. The use of Zephaniah as narrator is, in this sense, apt, and elsewhere in the sleeve notes the spirits of Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and River Phoenix are invoked.
I liked these CDs, not just for their quirkiness but for what they're trying to do. However, I'm not sure how I would use them in class. Folk music isn't every adolescent's idea of fun, after all. I would be more likely to pass the CDs to a pupil as an introduction to one or other of the poets. In this context Lord Byron and the Greek War is perhaps a little specialised for the novice.
The Shelley Story is more comprehensive and self-explanatory, and has the advantage of a supporting website (www.shelleystory.co.uk/sales.html). Shelley's work is also marginally more likely to appear on syllabuses, although ironically today's A-level student may well think of him as a relative of the woman who wrote Frankenstein. Pathfinder Audio would no doubt rest their case.

Iain MacDonald teaches English at Truro School, Cornwall

Review of ‘The Shelley Story’ by Pauline Long.

‘This CD is an account of the life and works of Shelley, delivered in 58 minutes; it includes details of Shelley’s life linked to their social and historical context and the poems which were inspired by the events of the time.

Some of the poems are set to music by Webster and realised by Brindaband; others are told, very effectively, by Zephaniah. Webster has also creatively edited some of the poems so that the essence of them is captured, for example: ‘The Triumph of Life’, 14 lines long, is edited from a poem of 544 lines. ‘The Funeral’ consists of lyrics which précis Shelley’s death and funeral and which are based on an account of these by Edward Trelawny and Mary Shelley’s graveside words (sic), recorded in a letter to her friend Maria Gisborne.

I approached this CD with some reservations, surely it would be a mishmash ? However, it is very enjoyable and refreshing. Zephaniah’s narration makes a connection between Shelley and today’ cultural influences; the historical context clearly and concisely relates Shelley’s interest in science, his anti-theism and his keen interest in politics and civil rights. It even manages to show Shelley’s changing views on civil disobedience. These are all very modern issues.

My main reservation is that Brindband’s style of music may be ‘church hall’ to some teenagers: it is described as ‘post-Beatles’ and is certainly very melodic and lyrical, but not the sort of thing I hear many young people listen to. On the other hand, it does ensure that the words resound with pleasing clarity.

Additionally, Zephaniah’s narration may attract interest – he and Shelley are certainly from different social and educational backgrounds. Zephaniah’s interest in the project gives it kudos, his rendition of Shelley’s language adds a further emotional and intellectual dimension.

This CD would be a welcome additional resource for any 11 to 18 year olds studying Shelley who would like a quick but knowledgeable and authoritative way into their subject. It may also be of use to teachers of humanities and of history – as it describes the momentous intellectual changes which were taking place in the early 19th century.

SCHOOL LIBRARIAN journal Autumn 2005