BBC to air discovered Larkin recordings

LONDON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The BBC plans to air several recordings featuring lost works of the late English poet Philip Larkin.

Found inside a Yorkshire County garage, the recordings feature Larkin reading aloud several poems he wrote in his youth as part of his debut literary collection, The Sunday Times of London reported.

At least one of the recorded works, "The North Ship," was originally released by Larkin when he was 22. The works are reportedly lighter in tone than Larkin's later works, which were dominated by melancholy themes.

Larkin's biographer, Andrew Motion, said the recordings are particularly rare since Larkin hated reading his works aloud.

"He doubted his own voice," Morton said of the famed poet. "He was reluctant to become a public figure."

The Sunday Times said prior to his death of throat cancer at age 63 in 1985, Larkin was even offered the title of poet laureate but declined the honor, having reportedly recognized his skills and health had both deteriorated significantly.