Radio Times: Review by:; Laurence Joyce

The Irish novelist and satirist Brian O’Nolan, who wrote At Swim-Two-Birds and The Third Policeman under the nom de plume Flann O’Brien, was a great one for pseudonyms. Myles na Gopaleen, Count 0’Blather and — my favourite — George Knowall are among the names he adopted in order to conceal his identity from his employers, the Irish civil service, though it was largely an open secret to his colleagues. He was even suspected of being the author of letters to The Irish Times complaining about his own articles. Peter Day explores O’Nolan’s bizarre life, beginning with his addiction to alcohol, or as one contributor puts it, his “little weakness”.

About this programme

Peter Day marks 100 years since the birth of Flann O'Brien by exploring his life and work. Born Brian O'Nolan, the Irish writer used multiple pseudonyms, including George Knowall, Myles na Gopaleen, Matt Duffy, Count O'Blather, Brother Barnabas and Sean O'Longain, but reverted to his original handle for his role as a senior civil servant. Includes contributions by O'Nolan's friends and drinking partners. Readings from Flann O'Brien's The Brother are at 3.30pm.