Arthur Ransome reading. Photo: The Arthur Ransome Literary Estate/Brotherton Collection, Leeds University Library

Rare recordings of Arthur Ransome reading extracts from his books have recently been restored and featured on BBC local radio. An interview broadcast across BBC local radio last week included extracts from the recordings and told the story of how they were rediscovered by Stephen Sykes, a retired financial advisor, novelist and astrophysicist who now lives in Hilltop, Haverthwaite, Arthur Ransome’s last home, which he is also in the process of restoring as a bed & breakfast.

The broadcast extracts were readings from Arthur Ransome’s 1929 book “Rod and Line”, and it is believed that this is the first time that they have been heard on radio since 1956.

Mr. Sykes discovered references to the recordings in the British Library’s records, which led him to a private recording on CD held by the Arthur Ransome Society. Having digitally restored the recordings, he is now in discussions with the BBC, and ultimately hopes that they will eventually be broadcast nationally in their entirety.

The BBC interview may be listened to in full below.