7. The Wake

Available for 27 days

Ireland. Old Thady has served under four disastrous generations of the Rackrents: * Sir Patrick drinks * Sir Murtagh litigates * Sir Kit gambles * Sir Condy (Sir Connolly) merely fritters away the family fortunes Yet, he is still the ever-faithful retainer at the bankrupt Castle Rackrent. Old Thady recalls how Sir Condy thought it was a shame he could not attend his own funeral's festivities... Maria Edgeworth's satire on Anglo-Irish landlords, first published in 1800. Read by Cyril Cusack. Abridged by John Scotney. Producer: Jeremy Howe First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.