Episode 7

Once again we spotlight some of the most exciting releases from the world of literature from former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, best-selling historian Alison Weir, and British-Jamaican poet, playwright and musician Benjamin Zephaniah.

Also on this week's show, hear from Fay Weldon about whether self-help books are really worth reading, Noel Fielding pays a visit to our Book Doctor, and we look at why the Tudors continue to exert such fascination.

THE BOOK SHOW – THURSDAYS 8pm ON SKY ARTS 1 HD

Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone is the first to take to the floor to discuss his new memoir You Can't Say That. He looks back over his colourful political life, explaining how he once dreamed of working in London Zoo but by chance ended up instead in the jungle of politics. He talks about what it was like to be the first in his family to not vote Conservative, and his lifelong fascination with reptiles and animals.

While Ken deals with the political rogues of the present, best-selling historian Alison Weir has made her living from Royal rascals of the past. On The Book Show she provides some interesting perspectives on the woman known as 'the great and infamous whore' - Mary Boleyn.

And last but not least, one of our finest and best loved poets performs and talks about his work. Benjamin Zephaniah, whose acclaimed work tackles hard-hitting issues such as racism and animal cruelty, enlightens us on what he calls his first 'proper' job, and explains why he turned down an OBE and a Poet Laureate offer.

Finally, we ask our illustrious guests this week what books they cherished growing up.