91福利社

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 91福利社 Radio 4 in May 2014.