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Writer and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg is a prolific and bestselling author, having written 22 novels, many set in the Cumbrian communities in which he grew up. He has also written 18 works of historical non-fiction and biographies. As host and editor of ITV鈥檚 South Bank Show for nearly 35 years, presenter dozens of documentaries, and Radio 4 series including Start The Week and In Our Time he is synonymous with arts broadcasting in the UK. He was ennobled in 1998, taking his seat in the House of Lords as Baron Bragg of Wigton in Cumbria.

In conversation with John Wilson, Melvyn Bragg recalls his working class childhood and how the local library offered him access to literature at a young age. A voracious reader and talented student, Melvyn was inspired by two teachers at his grammar school, and won a scholarship to Oxford University. It was there that he met his first wife Lisa Roche, who he chooses as a major influence having encouraged Melvyn to pursue his creativity. He discusses the grief and depression he suffered after Lisa鈥檚 suicide ten years into their marriage. Winning a place on a 鲍鱼tv production trainee scheme in 1961 was another major turning point in his cultural life, working alongside writers including Irish poet Louis MacNeice at the very start of his six decade career in arts broadcasting.

Producer: Edwina Pitman