Episode 8

Joining Mariella on this week’s feisty show are actress Stephanie Beacham, history and mythology writer Marina Warner and the always-controversial Richard Dawkins.

Book-related “illnesses” are a big part of our show this week. John O’Farrell takes a look at Britain’s best-selling choices, revealing which contrasting disorders seem to be plaguing the nation, while our one and only Book Doctor asks Lord Winston what type of books he is allergic to and prescribes an antidote.

Meanwhile, a show-stopping performance by poet Zeena Edwards brings the spirit of revolution to the set.

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

It’s cakes, science, Arabian nights and Hollywood nudity all in one friction-loaded show this week!

First, we take a look at Britain’s reading habits and reveal a nation in confusion. Whilst cook books rank amongst the country’s favourite reads, showcasing what we already knew – i.e. that we Brits love our food - diet books also pop up on the bestseller’s list suggesting that, well, we might actually have an eating disorder. Marina Warner points out that the fact that most of us buy cooking books even though we don’t have the time to cook represents the dream-world that we voluntarily inhabit and Richard responds by making a striking comparison to pornography.

On the plus side, Britain’s book interests appear to be widely diverse with topics like history, feminism and even death making a mark on the ranks.

Now for our writers; known biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins kicks off the show with a bang and clatter as he argues that “low level imaginings” like Father Christmas (that touched a nerve) are trivial and frivolous myths that belittle reality. He talks of how his new book, The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True is his attempt to feed a younger, more curious reader with the truth.

A slightly offended Mariella responds with a claim that people have the capacity to be inspired by both myths and science, Stephanie says that science will eventually become one with mythology and Marina adds that “all we have is the stories”.

In what couldn’t be more of a contrast, imagination-lover Mariella turns to her next guest Marina Warner to discuss her fascination with The Arabian Nights and her adaptation of the legendary tales in her new book Stranger Magic. Marina describes how the book is aimed to be a space where people can freely consider the forbidden as well as providing a showcase of cross-cultural influences, reminding the reader of a common ground between East and West. Even Richard adds that they’re marvellous stories.

And for a dose of bright lights, we turn to Stephanie Beacham for the gist of her newly-released autobiography. Stephanie started off wanting to be a dancer but was hindered by the fact that she was hard of hearing, an unfortunate attribute that would probably hinder her in many of her dreams. But not one to take “no” for an answer, Stephanie went on to become a widely-recognized face, with her participation in popular US series like The Colbys and Dynasty marking her international career.

That’s a lot of diversity for just one show, but stay with us till the end where our guests reveal their choice of a core-shattering book.