Episode 20
Coming up in the next episode of The Book Show - tune in at 7pm on 19 March, Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts HD, for the full story
Joining Mariella Frostrup on another dazzling episode of The Book Show are the acclaimed geneticist Steve Jones; Nobel laureate and winner of the David Cohen Lifetime Achievement Prize, Seamus Heaney; and actress and author Virginia McKenna.
Tune in at 7pm on 19 March, 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 Steve Jones’ Darvin’s Island and you’re in need of further scientific exploration, why not try these ground-breaking tomes:
Charles Darwin: On The Origin of Species
When first published 150 years ago, it presented an evolutionary view of the world which challenge all contemporary beliefs. Possibly the most influential book of its time, ti remains a key contribution to scientific thought.
Stephen Hawking: A Brief History of Time
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History Of Time which became an international publishing phenomenon with its cutting edge insights into the workings of the universe. Beginning with the theories of Newton and Einstein, Hawking then explores the secrets which lie at the heart of space and time. having sold 10 million copies worldwide, it’s regarded as a modern classic.
If you liked Virginia McKenna’s The Life In My Years, try these books for further compelling accounts of wildlife:
Diane Fossey: Gorillas In The Mist
Gorillas In The Mist is the remarkable autobiography of Diana Fossey who dedicated her life to trying to protect gorillas from the threat of poachers. It’s a personal account of her time in a far-flung African rainforest and records of her unique insights into mountain gorillas before her tragic murder in 1985.
David Bret: Doris Day: Reluctant Star
Doris Day: Reluctant Star is the life story of a glittering film star and campaigner for animal welfare. The biography offers a fascinating look at the woman behind the legend, and the love of animals which has dominated her later life.
If you liked Seamus Heaney’s Stepping Stones: Interviews with Seamus Heaney, give these poetic giants a try:
Derek Walcott: Selected Poems
Born in St Lucia in 1930, Derek Walcottm is another recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature, winning in 1992. His Selected Poems is a retrospective of a six decade career drawing on twelve collections and offers the perfect introduction to the extraordinary range of one of the most gifted poets of our time.
Ted Hughes: Collected Poems
Collected Poems by Ted Hughes spans fifty years of work by the former Poet Laureate from his groundbreaking debut poem Hawk In The Rain, published in 1957, to the best-selling Birthday Letters. It also includes a selection of children’s poems that Hughes felt crossed over into adult poetry.
Fine Line
Charles Darwin’s great great granddaughter Ruth Paddell reveals her favourite line from Darwin: A Life In Poems.
Book Club
This week we visit The Movie Shop in Norwich for a book club recommendation.
Write Place
We visit Louis de Bernieres’ study where he has penned his bestseller novels, including The Partisan’s Daughter.
Guests’ literary heroes and heroines
Each week our guests tell us about their favourite characters in literature. This week, Steve Jones’s reveals his literary hero is from Arthur Ransome’s Coot Club; Virginia McKenna;s favourite character is from Michael Morpurgo’s The Butterfly Lion; and Seamus Heaney has found a character to admire in P.G. Woodhouse’s Jeeves. But who have they chosen?
Tune in at 7pm on 19 March, Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts HD, for the full story
