Books

Celebrating the written word
Coming Soon
The World of Words: editing, typography and print—Word of Mouth
Michael Rosen finds out about fascinating literary errors from editor Rebecca Lee.
Today15:30BBC Radio 4![]()
Thinking with Food—Free Thinking
Felicity Cloake, John Lanchester, Prof Barry Smith, Suki Finn and Samantha Ellis.
Tomorrow21:00BBC Radio 4![]()
Conversations on a Bench - Ilford—Poetry Extra
Daljit Nagra finds a highlight from the BBC's poetry archive featuring a bench in Ilford.
Sunday07:00BBC Radio 4 Extra![]()
Dark nights of the Soul, Brian Bilston, JH Prynne, Daljit Nagra, William Blake and Martha Sprackland—The Verb
Ian McMillan, Brian Bilston, Daljit Nagra, William Blake, JH Prynne and Martha Sprackland.
Sunday17:10BBC Radio 4![]()
James Baldwin—Words and Music
Adrian Lester reads from the novels and essays of James Baldwin, set alongside music.
Sunday19:45BBC Radio 3![]()
Yasmin Khan & David Mitchell—A Good Read
Yasmin Khan and David Mitchell talk good books with Harriett Gilbert.
Tuesday10:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
Available Now
Wildflowers and weeds—Words and Music
From the beloved bluebell to the stinging nettle: prose poetry and music about nature.
BBC Radio 3Letters to a Young Poet and Super-Infinite—Poetry Extra
Daljit Nagra selects two highlights from the BBC's poetry archive.
BBC Radio 4 ExtraTechnologies of the Self—Free Thinking
From journaling to prayer: Shahidha Bari on the history and politics of self improvement
BBC Radio 4Oracy: We Need to Talk—Word of Mouth
Michael Rosen talks to Amy Gaunt about how children are learning oracy, also known as talk
BBC Radio 4Stories In Verse - Robert Stephens reads Browning and Longfellow—Poetry Extra
Daljit Nagra selects another highlight from the World Service poetry archive. From 1993.
BBC Radio 4 ExtraThe middle—Free Thinking
Middle - England, ground, child, age, pig in... Anne McElvoy hosts a middling discussion.
BBC Radio 4Michael Rosen and Dara Ó Briain talk about time—Word of Mouth
Michael Rosen in conversation with Dara Ó Briain on how we talk about and understand time.
BBC Radio 4Nicola Barker—Bookclub
The award-winning writer on her 2007 Booker-shortlisted novel, Darkmans.
BBC Radio 4Letters to a Young Woman Poet—Poetry Extra
Daljit Nagra selects another highlight from the BBC's poetry archive. With Grace Nichols.
BBC Radio 4 ExtraAttenborough at 100: a World of Animals—Words and Music
Readings by Hugh Bonneville, Anne-Marie Duff and excerpts from David Attenborough's memoir
BBC Radio 3John Connolly - The Book of Lost Things—World Book Club
Harriett Gilbert talks with John Connolly about 'The Book of Lost Things'.
BBC World ServiceWeapons, real and symbolic—Free Thinking
Matthew Sweet and guests discuss tanks, guns, gaming, drones and what weaponisation means.
BBC Radio 4
More from Books
500 Words 2019
Everything you need to know about this year's story-writing competition for kids.
![]()
BBC National Short Story Award 2019
Judges for the competition are announced as submissions open.
![]()
Neil Gaiman on science fiction
The author of the Sandman comics shares the sci-fi novels that inspired him.
![]()
Lenny Henry's guide to graphic novels
The actor compiled a list of his favourite comics during the recording of Anansi Boys.
![]()
Are you magic or muggle-born?
Test your knowledge of the world of Harry Potter with our ultimate quiz.
![]()
Are you a Jane Austen superfan?
Quiz time: Test your Austen knowledge to see if you qualify.
![]()













