Series 3: Episode 10
Coming up in the next episode of The Book Show - tune in 7pm 8 Jan, Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts HD
Joining Mariella Frostrup in the New Year’s first episode in a triumphant mode are Costa First Novel Award winner Sadie Jones; Costa Biography Award winner Diana Athill, and the ever-fascinating Richard Fortey who takes us behind the scenes at the Natural History Museum.
Tune in at 7pm 8 January, Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts HD for the full story
To read first chapters of the books featured in The Book Show for free, visit Lovereading.co.uk for a taste of what’s coming up!
If you liked Richard Fortey’s Dry Store No.1. The Secret Life of The Natural History Museum, and the naturalist in you is not yet extinct, you might like to try these:
Neil Shubin: Your Inner Fish
In Your Inner Fish Neil Shubin draws on the latest genetic research and his own huge experience as an expeditionary palaeontologist to show the incredible impact that the 3.5 billion year history of life has had on our bodies. It turns out that many of our most distinctive features evolved when we were still swimming in the oceans. That explains why there are so many sharks in the world!
Mary and John Gribbin: Flower Hunters
The story of the remarkable, intrepid and possibly eccentric men and women who boldly sought out new and extraordinary plants from all over the world between the middle of the 17th and 19th centuries. 11 of these explorers are brought to life and their daring dedication is examined along with the impact their discoveries had on science and on the landscapes we have today.
Critic Sam Leith gives tips on the books set to make a big splash in 2009:
Robert Bolano: 2666
Lynn Barber: An Education
J G Ballard: Conversations with my physician
Charles Elton: Mr Toppit
Anthony Quinn: The Rescue Man
AS Byatt: The Children’s Book
Esther Freud reads us her favourite line from Lewis Carrol’s The Jabberwocky.
We visit 15th Century Bookshop in Lewes for their book club recommendation.
Crime writer Peter James lets us into his inner sanctum and lets us inspect his study where he wrote bestsellers such as his latest book Dead Man’s Footsteps.
The guests will also talk about their literary heroes and heroines. Sadie Jones has found her literary favourite from C.S. Lewis's The Magician's Newphew; Diana Athill's most inspiring character is from William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair; and Richard Fortey finds a hero from Tin Tin by Herge – but who have they chosen?
Tune in at 7pm 8 January, Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts HD for the full story
