{"value"=>"<p>This series consists of five tape recordings of public readings and personal conversation by John Berryman and one recording of poetry read by Brian Patten, all dating from the late 1960s. Most of the Berryman readings are selections from xxThe Dream Songsxx. Berryman provides brief commentaries on some of the poems, their symbolism and the life circumstances that gave rise to them and even emotionally charged evaluations of their worth such as \"wonderful,\" \"beautiful,\" and \"junk.\" He also provides some anecdotes which he associates with several poems, for example, the experience of reading a certain poem for BBC television. There is also a discussion of Berryman's travels in and impressions of Calcutta. While the Berryman recordings are generally of high quality, some appear to be incomplete and abruptly interrupted. During one brief portion of one of the tapes, one hears different recordings simultaneously. Even though the contents of this brief part are comprehensible, listening may be difficult. Nonetheless, most of the recordings are in fine condition. The recording of Brian Patten is brief and is of him reading three poems from his book xxTo the Hurrying Manxx.</p>"}