Wordsworth’s Spots of Time

Synopsis

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a key figure in the English Romantic movement. His ideas about language revolutionised modern definitions of poetry and his love of nature helped to shape the modern British landscape. Filmed in the Lake District and at other key locations, this programme focuses on Wordsworth’s concern with memory, particularly his "spots of time" - touchstones of place and experience to which he refers in his autobiographical poem ‘The Prelude’.

Wordsworth’s central themes of imagination, memory and landscape are explored, together with readings from his poems. Leading scholars (e.g. Jonathan Bate & James Butler) from British and American universities discuss his texts and analyse key concepts in his poetry in a historical context.The film is illustrated with pictures and original manuscripts (owned by the Wordsworth Trust and held at Dove Cottage in Grasmere), together with a wealth of primary archive material. In the programme, Dr. Sally Bushell (Lancaster University) visits many of the places that were to become so important to Wordsworth: Snowdon and Tintern Abbey in Wales, Alfoxden in Somerset, the English Lake District. All these locations had a profound effect on his life and work.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2003

Year of production

2002

Subjects

English language and literature

Keywords

Lake District; landscapes; memory; poetry; Romantic movement; Wordsworth, William (1770-1850)

Distribution Formats

Type

VHS

Format

PAL NTSC

Price

£29.99 (inclusive)

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

57 minutes

Year

2003

Production Company

Name

Lancaster University Television

Email

lutv@lancaster.ac.uk

Phone

01524 593984

Fax

01524 594069

Address

Bailrigg
Lancaster
LA1 4YW

Notes

Formerly: University of Lancaster Media Services Unit

Distributor

Name

Films for the Humanities & Sciences

Email

custserv.@films.com

Web

http://ffh.films.com/ External site opens in new window

Fax

+1 609 671 0266

Address

132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor
New York
NY 10001
USA

Notes

Films for the Humanities & Sciences is part of the US-based Films Media Group and specialises in selling programmes aimed at the HE and FE education and training market. The collection has thousands of titles and a range of separate subject catalogues is available in pdf format at http://ffh.films.com/landing.aspx?show=Catalogs/catalog_FFH.htm. Sale on video/DVD or online viewing via the Films on Demand service.