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And Now On Radio 4: A Birthday Celebration of the World's Best Radio Station
And Now on Radio 4 offers an enthusiast's guide to the shows that have made Radio 4 what it is, and also explores some of the wonderful corners of the network's history that are long forgotten by all but a few. Who, for instance, now recalls Ronnie Barker's starring role on Radio 4 in a sophisticated cabaret-cum-sketch-show called Lines from My Grandfather's Forehead ? What about Spike Milligan's intimate, soul-bearing account of his upbringing in colonial India, Plain Tales from the Raj? And who now remembers that Start the Week was once hosted by Russell Harty, a bit of programming compared by one insider to letting Graham Norton run Newsnight . In order to reflect the way devotees listen to Radio 4, the book is organized not on simple chronological lines but in the form of a typical day. Chapter by chapter, the day evolves, from Farming Today , through the daily feast that is Today , through the morning menu of conversation, Woman's Hour , documentary and comedy. Lunchtime brings The World at One. The early evening, of course, yields The Archers. And finally there's Book at Bedtime and Sailing By. An addictive mix of history, biography, anecdote, and occasional useless fact, this is the perfect book for Radio 4 aficionados.
- GenresNonfiction
332 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 12, 2012
An interesting read for me as I grew in the days when radio was the main source of entertainment. I have to say though I found the layout of the book difficult with articles placed randomly amongst the text meanig page turning to make sense of it.
December 30, 2025
2.5 rounded to 3
The idea of describing the history of Radio Four via the mechanism of an hourly breakdown of a typical day was interesting but greatly diluted by each separate breakdown going through the same process of recording the changes brought about by the relatively small number of controllers that have been in charge; the listing of names became monotonous despite their outstanding achievements.
The page layout was very unhelpful, with inserts about notable characters being spread over two or three pages with the main narrative cut into small sections at the bottom of the page; needlessly distracting.
Some interesting nuggets scattered throughout made it worth reading but the way it was put together made it a difficult book to read fluently.
The idea of describing the history of Radio Four via the mechanism of an hourly breakdown of a typical day was interesting but greatly diluted by each separate breakdown going through the same process of recording the changes brought about by the relatively small number of controllers that have been in charge; the listing of names became monotonous despite their outstanding achievements.
The page layout was very unhelpful, with inserts about notable characters being spread over two or three pages with the main narrative cut into small sections at the bottom of the page; needlessly distracting.
Some interesting nuggets scattered throughout made it worth reading but the way it was put together made it a difficult book to read fluently.
April 13, 2022
An excellent overview of the BBC's flagship station, with anecdote, detail, personalities all added to the mix. The structure takes us through the day, from Farming Today to the Shuping Forecast. Good to be reminded of forgotten personalities and programmes.
Two major quibbles with this audio version, Nigel Anthony is an excellent reader, suggesting the many voices that make up Radio 4. But in audio it seems strange not to have actual clips. And since the book dates from 2007, we long for a sequel. Much has changed since then, though despite the misgivings expressed here, I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue did survive the sad departure of Humph ...
Two major quibbles with this audio version, Nigel Anthony is an excellent reader, suggesting the many voices that make up Radio 4. But in audio it seems strange not to have actual clips. And since the book dates from 2007, we long for a sequel. Much has changed since then, though despite the misgivings expressed here, I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue did survive the sad departure of Humph ...
January 21, 2023
A cultural history of the big shows on BBC radio 4 and some of the voices listeners heard over the years. If the shipping forecast and Sorry I Haven't a Clue mean anything to you you'll get something out of this.
August 15, 2017
Abandoned on page 70 of 320. Jumped around too much and assumed a greater knowledge of Radio 4 than I had.
March 2, 2019
I enjoyed it very much - so much detail!
September 22, 2015
This was really a good OK read, hard to disentangle a fondness for the subject matter from the execution. It made a pretty fine bag book to read at odd moments.
The framing device of moving through a day on BBC Radio 4 seems at least as good as any and Simon Elmes makes a strong case for its particular relevance with the evidence that people live their lives by it or listen to it in a pattern according to their lives. The boxes spotlighting particular people, programmes or issues were a big mistake though and should have been presented differently.
The book seems quite superficial in some areas but that is perhaps because it wisely doesn't repeat other work focussing on particular beloved programmes. It was interesting sometimes to see the different angle from which he approaches a topic. There is a good deal about internal politics which he handles fairly deftly and just about manages not to make soporific. It calls itself a celebration but whilst proud, it is not gushing.
The framing device of moving through a day on BBC Radio 4 seems at least as good as any and Simon Elmes makes a strong case for its particular relevance with the evidence that people live their lives by it or listen to it in a pattern according to their lives. The boxes spotlighting particular people, programmes or issues were a big mistake though and should have been presented differently.
The book seems quite superficial in some areas but that is perhaps because it wisely doesn't repeat other work focussing on particular beloved programmes. It was interesting sometimes to see the different angle from which he approaches a topic. There is a good deal about internal politics which he handles fairly deftly and just about manages not to make soporific. It calls itself a celebration but whilst proud, it is not gushing.
February 8, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. Well written in an engrossing and engaging style. recommend it to anyone who loves Radio 4.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews