The fascinating people behind some of the world's most popular and influential books
Jane Austen is 17 and beginning to write stories.
Alan Yentob talks to acclaimed and curiously divided Irish writer Colm Toibin.
Nigel Williams trace the origins of Raymond Chandler's private eye Philip Marlowe.
A film from 1971 about writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon and the countryside where he grew up.
Author Jeanette Winterson talks to Jeremy Isaacs.
How women writers, women readers and women's lives have been central to the novel.
Programme from 1980 profiling writer/performer Victoria Wood and playwright Andrea Dunbar.
Acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie talks to Emma Barnett.
Programme following the late Canadian novelist Carol Shields over the course of a year.
John le Carre talks about his writing and the main influences on his work. (1966)
Andrew O'Hagan journeys to the places in Scotland that inspired poet Robert Burns.
An immersive journey through the trailblazing life of Jackie Collins.
Jackie Kay explores the lives of some extraordinary, and often overlooked, Scottish poets.
Artist and illustrator Charlie Mackesy takes us on a journey through his life.
Anjelica Huston tells the story of the life and work of Irish novelist James Joyce.
Moving portrait of Raymond Briggs, with contributions from friends and admirers.
Delving into the life of Hilary Mantel.
A celebration of the life and work of Julia Donaldson.
Writer Ronald Blythe narrates a film essay about his life, work and friends.
Armando Iannucci examines the development of Charles Dickens through his work.
Alan Yentob meets the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel Shuggie Bain.
A look at the life and work of iconic writer, director and entertainer Noel Coward.
A celebration of Joyce's literary masterpiece, a century after its publication.
Author Damian Barr goes in search of the legacy of novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott.
