S05E01 Persuasion, Chapters 1 to 3

In this episode, we talk about the publishing history of Persuasion, the precise dates we are given in the book, the fact that we learn very little about Anne in the first chapters, and how well Mr Shepherd is managing Sir Walter.

The character we discuss is Sir Walter Elliot. In the historical section, Ellen talks about baronets, and for popular culture Harriet gives an overview of the screen adaptations of Persuasion, and then talks in more detail about the about the 1971 BBC adaptation.

Things we mention:

Historical discussion:

• John Debrett, The Baronetage of England, containing their Descent and Present State (1808)
• William Dugdale, The antient usage in bearing of such ensigns of honour as are commonly called arms (1682)
• Thomas Wotton, The English Baronetage : containing a genealogical and historical account of all the English baronets, now existing (1741)
• John Burke, A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry (1838)

Popular culture discussion:

• BBC, Persuasion (1960) – starring Daphne Slater and Paul Daneman
• BBC, Persuasion (1971) – starring Ann Firbank and Bryan Marshall
  • Watch on YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2
  • Stairs on the Cobb
• TVE, Novela: Persuasión (1972) – starring Maite Blasco and Juan Diego
• BBC Film, Persuasion (1995) – starring Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds
• Clerkenwell Films, Persuasion (2007) – starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones
• Netflix, Persuasion (2022) – starring Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.