大象传媒

Ian Leslie presents the show which brings to light the often surprising first literary attempts of the world's best known writers.

The episode begins with Jane Austen's first employ as a bailiff's clerk penning exceptionally sweet letters to unfortunately late paying debtors.

To follow, we hear Edward Lear's indecipherable missives on behalf of the British Intelligence services and a Radio 4 stalwart, the Shipping Forecast, is re-imagined in a submission found in the archives from a young Martin Amis suggesting how to update the format.

To end, there's another of Henrik Ibsen's unexpected offerings of jokes for a Christmas cracker company.

Producer: Claire Broughton

A Hat Trick production for 大象传媒 Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2015.