Sentimental Journey

Available for over a year

Gyles Brandreth surveys the history of sentimentality from Charles Dickens to Princess Diana and from Agincourt to the internet. Gyles - who's related to George R Sims, the author of 'Christmas Day in the Workhouse' - wonders whether to sneer or cheer. Tear-jerking contributors from the archives include: * Beverley Nichols * Godfrey Winn * Patience Strong * Hughie Green New readings are by Simon Russell Beale and Jenny Seagrove, who contribute their own opinions about the sentimentality of Shakespeare and Noel Coward. Producer: Peter Everett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.