Desert Island Discs

David Puttnam, now a very successful film producer, began his career as a messenger boy. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how he worked his way up and was able to create films like Chariots of Fire and Bugsy Malone, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Violin Concerto in D Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: The Wisden Anthology of Cricket by Benny Green Luxury: Goose-down pillow

Vernon Handley, Associate Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has made his name through his devotion to British music. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes the long struggle he had to obtain regular work with professional orchestras and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Garden of Fand by Arnold Bax Book: The Principles of Art by R G Collingwood Luxury: Sodastream and gas cylinders

Tom Sharpe spent much of his early career in South Africa doing social work, teaching and finally running a photographic studio, until he was deported. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his experiences in South Africa and how, after lecturing in History at Cambridge, he finally became a full-time novelist, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 20 in D MInor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Oxford Book of English Verse Luxury: Ton of snuff

David Rendall, the tenor, is singing in the new production of Madame Butterfly at the Coliseum in London, just one of the many engagements around the world which fill his diary until 1988. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls how, in only six years, he jumped from being a clerk in the BBC Gramophone Library to singing principal roles at Covent Garden, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Die Schone Mullerin No 7 by Franz Schubert Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: Wine - Chateau Lascombes 1966

Jonathan Lynn began his acting career in the Footlights at Cambridge University. From 1970 he also began directing plays and, for a while, he ran the Arts Theatre in Cambridge. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his diverse career, which includes a lot of writing for television, in particular the very successful series Yes, Minister.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Le Nozze Di Figaro Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Collection of Jeeves & Wooster stories by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Pen and paper

Michael Ffolkes, the cartoonist, works principally for the Daily Telegraph and Punch, which first published one of his cartoons when he was only 17 years old. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls his training for the job which included art school, the Royal Navy and the snooker table, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: My Very Good Friend, The Milkman by Fats Waller Book: The Adventures of Alice by Lewis Carroll Luxury: Artist's lay figure

John Surman, who plays the baritone saxophone, has acquired an international reputation as a jazz musician and so spends much of his time abroad.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the various groups he has formed like SOS and the Brass Project, about his work as a composer, including that for the Carolyn Carlson Dance Theatre at the Paris Opera, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: St Matthew Passion No 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Set of Wisden Almanack Luxury: Vat of Bordeaux wine

John Hurt has built up a tremendous reputation as an actor, particularly for his performances in The Elephant Man, The Naked Civil Servant and Champions. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career, including his role in the new film version of 1984, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Bean Dubh Ab Ghleanna by Paddy Moloney Book: The complete works by Lewis Carroll Luxury: Pillow

Alfred Eisenstadt gave up being a belt-and-button salesman in 1929 to become a professional photographer, concentrating on what is now called 'photojournalism'. Six years later, he moved from Europe to America, where he joined the new Life Magazine for which he has worked ever since. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes some of the many stories he has covered, including the rise of Nazism, crossing the Atlantic in a Zeppelin and Marilyn Monroe, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Le Notti De Cabiria by Nino Rota Book: A book of quotations Luxury: Camera

Gerry Cottle's latest circus is a fast-moving show with no ring-master and no animals, but it is very popular. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls how he ran away from school to join a circus, how he made the jump from being a juggler to being a circus owner who toured many countries, and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: American Pie by Don McLean Book: I Love You, Honey, but the Season's Over by Connie Clausen Luxury: Juggling clubs

Catherine Cookson is a very successful writer with 61 novels, all in print, to her name. But she was brought up in very poor circumstances on Tyneside by her mother, leaving school at the age of 13. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her days 'in service', about how she came to run a workhouse laundry, how eventually she became a full-time novelist, and she chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Thora by Adams/Wetherey Book: Her own autobiography Luxury: Piano

George Abbott, who is 97 years old, has just directed a revival of his musical On Your Toes. He began his career as an actor, but before long he was also writing plays and staging them. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his remarkable career and some of his hit shows, including Call Me Madam, The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Falling In Love With Love by Ellen Hanley & Orchestra Book: Encyclopaedia Luxury: Writing paper

The writer Ved Mehta unfortunately lost his sight at the age of four: "Most blind people in India at that time were beggars, or stayed with their relations like wounded animals."He describes to Roy Plomley how, in spite of tremendous odds, he gained an education at Oxford University and Harvard, and went on to become a staff writer for the New Yorker, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: String Quartet No 14 in C Sharp Minor (Last Movement) by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: 11th edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Willie Rushton is a cartoonist, actor, writer and a regular member of quiz game panels. He tells Roy Plomley about how he came to be one of the founders of Private Eye, about the early days of the TV programme That Was the Week That Was, and he chooses eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan by Sam Browne Book: Anthology by G.K. Chesterton Luxury: Piano

Ron Goodwin has composed the scores for many films, including Where Eagles Dare, 633 Squadron and Monte Carlo or Bust, but he started his career in an insurance office. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how his apprenticeship with a music publisher enabled him to become a composer and later a conductor, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Tintagel by Arnold Bax Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: Tuba

Gayatri Devi, the Maharani of Jaipur, was brought up in the sumptuous Palace of Cooch Behar with its staff of 500. She tells Roy Plomley how she shot her first panther at the age of 12, how she became the third wife of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and how, with his encouragement, she won a seat in the Parliament of India.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: As Time Goes By by Andy Williams and his Orchestra Book: Omnibus of books by James Herriot Luxury: Can of insect repellant

Sir Alfred Ayer, the philosopher who was for many years the Wykeham Professor of Logic at Oxford University, is perhaps best known for Language, Truth and Logic, a book he wrote when he was only 25, and Philosophy in the Twentieth Century. He talks to Roy Plomley about the life of an academic and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Italian Girl In Algiers by Gioacchino Rossini Book: Life of Johnson by James Boswell and A Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides by James Boswell Luxury: Le Moulin de la Galette by Renoir

Natalia Makarova is starring in a revival of the musical On Your Toes, but she trained as a classical ballet dancer at the Kirov School in Leningrad. She tells Roy Plomley about her defection to the West during a tour with the Kirov Ballet in 1970, about her work with the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet and she chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Violin Concerto No 2 in E by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Poetry by Aleksandr Pushkin Luxury: Wine - Chateau Margot 1961

The pianist Vlado Perlemuter, who was born 80 years ago in Lithuania, has spent most of his life in Paris, where he taught at the Conservatoire between concert tours. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls some of the many musicians and composers he knew, including Cortot, Faure, Ravel and Dukas.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in G Major by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Complete plays by Molière Luxury: Painting from the Louvre

Lord Rothschild has spent much of his life as Assistant Director of the Research Department of Zoology at Cambridge University, but that has not prevented him from taking active roles in industry, heading the government's think tank and writing several books. He talks about the many facets of his career to Roy Plomley, and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Get Happy by Art Tatum Book: Book on pure mathematics Luxury: Pad of A4 paper

Zubin Mehta is the Musical Director of the New York and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestras.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his upbringing in India, where his father ran the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, his studies at the Vienna Academy which eventually led to him becoming conductor of the Montreal and Los Angeles orchestras, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Hugh Johnson's career was spawned when he became a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University. He soon made a name for himself as a writer on wine and produced the best-selling World Atlas of Wine in 1971. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his interest in wine, about his other great enthusiasm - gardening - and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Mass In B Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: The complete works by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Writing materials and lots of bottles

Rosalind Plowright, the soprano, began singing professionally with the Glyndebourne Touring Opera Company, but her career did not really take off until she won a competition in Sofia in 1979.In conversation with Roy Plomley, she describes her rise to international recognition, she talks about her role in Verdi's The Sicilian Vespers for the English National Opera and she chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams Book: The collected works by William Wordsworth Luxury: Windsurfer

Leo McKern tried various careers like engineering and art before he decided to become an actor. Although he now concentrates mainly on films and television, he did several seasons at the Old Vic and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre after the war. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and not forgetting his characterisation of Rumpole of the Bailey.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Serenade For Tenor Horn and Strings by Benjamin Britten Book: Encyclopaedia Luxury: Watercolours and hot-pressed paper

David Lodge, who has written several successful novels, including Changing Places and The British Museum is Falling Down, is Professor of Modern Literature at Birmingham University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his work, which also includes writing revues for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Enigma Variations - No 9: Nimrod by Edward Elgar Book: Ulysses by James Joyce Luxury: Nymph in a Landscape by Palma Vecchio

Lucy Irvine has experienced the reality of life on a desert island, although for her year-long sojourn she did have a companion. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about the terrible problems she encountered, particularly the lack of water, and she chooses the eight records she would take if she were to be castaway again.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: All By Myself by Big Bill Broonzy Book: Language Made Plain by Anthony Burgess Luxury: Mosquito coils and an apple pip

Christopher Reeve is probably best-known for his film performances as Superman and Clark Kent, but he has made several other films, including Deathtrap and The Bostonians, and he has appeared on stage many times, particularly in the United States. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his many activities, which include being a professionally qualified pilot.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Imagine by John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band Book: The Inner Reality by Paul Brunton Luxury: Scuba-diving equipment

Paul Tortelier was born in Paris, where his first job at the age of 12 was playing the cello in a cinema orchestra. Although he was a prize-winning student at the Conservatoire in 1930, it was some years before his career took off. In conversation with Roy Plomley, this internationally-famous soloist and teacher talks about his colourful life and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Piano Concerto in G, 2nd Movement by Maurice Ravel Book: The Cathedrals of France by Auguste Rodin Luxury: Photograph of wife

'Honest' Ed Mirvish is a Canadian high-school drop-out who became a multi-millionaire by running a discount house selling goods at bargain prices. When he was offered the run-down Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto at a bargain price he could not refuse, and before long it was paying its way. His latest venture was to buy the Old Vic in London, which he has restored beautifully.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his various enterprises.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole Book: Complete Webster's English Dictionary Luxury: Barbeque

Michael Quinn is the Head Chef at the Ritz Hotel; the first British Chef in the history of the hotel. His ambition was always to be a cook, so as soon as he left school he became an apprentice cook in Leeds, winning within five years a competition for the 1966 Top Apprentice Chef of Great Britain.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how he worked his way to the top via Claridge's and two country hotels, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: North Country Fantasy by Black Dyke Mills Band Book: Le Repertoire de la Cuisine by Louis Saulnier Luxury: Pair of waterwings

Don McCullin has won an enormous reputation for his photographic coverage of the many wars which have torn the world apart in the last 20 years.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his exceedingly dangerous career and about his travels, which have even taken him to a desert island, and, in light of this experience, he chooses the eight records he would like to have for a prolonged island sojourn.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 3 in C Minor by Camille Saint-Saëns Book: One year of issues of the Times Luxury: Mirror

Gerald Priestland began his career in the news department of the BBC, becoming in 1954 the foreign correspondent in India. Many years later, he was appointed Religious Affairs Correspondent and he was responsible for the very popular radio series Priestland's Progress.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career, including his move into television, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Vergnugte Ruh by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Poetry by Gerard Manley Hopkins Luxury: Air conditioner

Michael York began his acting career with the National Youth Theatre, but his big break came when he successfully auditioned for the National Theatre at the Old Vic. He has appeared in many films, including Accident, Cabaret and Conduct Unbecoming. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clarinet Concerto in A by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Luxury: Telescope

Woody Herman played saxophone and clarinet with various bands until 1936, when the Isham Jones Band in which he was working broke up and he organised a group of his own with the key players. Since then he has led many bands, most of which have been called 'herds'. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island, but he does not include his most famous, Woodchopper's Ball.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Moonlight In Vermont by The Johnny Smith Quintet Book: Music is My Mistress by Duke Ellington Luxury: Jaguar XJ6

Lord Elwyn-Jones began his career as a barrister, combining it with that of a Labour Member of Parliament from 1945. He was Counsel for the Prosecution at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial and later he was appointed Lord Chancellor and Speaker of the House of Lords.In conversation with Roy Plomley about his eventful life, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 40 In G Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: English Social History by G M Trevelyan Luxury: Comic collage by Pearl Binder

The American actor Stubby Kaye worked in vaudeville before he made his name in the musical Guys and Dolls, on Broadway and in London, as Nicely-Nicely. When it was filmed, nobody else could be considered for the part. He went on to make several more film musicals, including Li'l Abner and Sweet Charity.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career which includes some work in this country where he now lives, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: New York, New York by Liza Minelli Book: Diary Luxury: Hard hat

Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent was born in Czechoslovakia but she was educated mainly in Australia. She came to England specifically to study interior design and eventually set up her own design company. Her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent was in 1978. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life and chooses the eight records that she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Violin Concerto No 3 in G by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Histories by Herodotus Luxury: Cat

Quentin Crewe has always been an enthusiastic traveller and even the onset of muscular dystrophy has not curbed him. His other great interest is in food. He has paid for both of these enthusiasms by journalism and by writing books about them. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his fascinating life and his travels, which have included a journey across the Sahara with his wheelchair.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor - 3rd Movement by Max Bruch Book: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable Luxury: Potter's wheel

The cricketer David Gower, who is to be the captain of Leicestershire next season, is thought by many to be one of the world's most exciting batsmen. He is in New Zealand with the England team, of which he is the vice captain, for the test series.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 5 In E Flat by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Compendium of wines Luxury: Video cassettes of Rumpole of the Bailey

Bertice Reading's career took off when she won a talent contest and for the prize sang with the Lionel Hampton Band for a week. Later, she started to act and was in the first production of Sandy Wilson's musical Valmouth. In both America and Europe she appeared in cabaret and musicals, and she was a great success here in the musical One Mo' Time. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career and chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The War of the Worlds - Epilogue by Jeff Wayne Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: King-size, brass bed with a feather mattress

The novelist MM Kaye was born and has spent much of her life in India, and this experience has provided the background to several of her novels, including The Far Pavilions. She has also written a series of thrillers set in other places around the world to which she has been sent with her soldier husband. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her adventurous life and chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Julie's Theme by Lanning Book: Indian Tales by Rudyard Kipling Luxury: Writer's kit

James Stewart, with his inimitable slow drawl and gangly walk, has been making films since 1935, from The Philadelphia Story to The Far Country and Mr Hobbs Takes a Vacation. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Luxury: Family photo album

The artist John Piper is a man of many talents. Not only is he a distinguished painter, but also he is particularly interested in tapestry and stained glass, and he has done windows for cathedrals at Coventry and Liverpool.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the many facets of his life, especially his designs for many of the operas of Benjamin Britten, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninov Book: The complete works by William Blake Luxury: Pianola

Marvin Hamlisch got into the Juilliard School of Music at the age of seven and he has been successful ever since. His two hit musicals - Chorus Line and They're Playing our Song - and his scores for over 20 films have won him many awards, including three Academy Awards in a single night. His most recent musical, Jean Seberg, opened at the National Theatre in 1983.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Everything's Coming Up Roses by Rosalind Russell Book: Phone book Luxury: Picture of mother when she was 17

Thomas Keneally, the Australian writer, won the Booker Prize last year with Schindler's Ark after being on the shortlist twice. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his writing, about his years in a Catholic seminary and as a teacher, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Four Seasons - Winter by Antonio Vivaldi Book: Oxford Book of Twentieth-Century English Verse by Philip Larkin Luxury: Collection of Times crosswords

Sir Hugh Greene began his career as a foreign correspondent. During the war, he joined the BBC and was in charge of wartime broadcasts to Germany. After a variety of jobs, including that of Head of Emergency Information Services in Malaya conducting psychological warfare against the Communist guerrillas in the jungle, he was appointed Director-General of the BBC.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his fascinating life and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Forefathers by Edmund Blunden Book: The Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Luxury: Portable typewriter and lots of paper

Sir Peter Hall was appointed Director of the National Theatre in 1973. Before that, he ran the Royal Shakespeare Company and he was responsible for setting up their London base at the Aldwych. In spite of this heavy administrative responsibility, he has always found time to produce many plays and operas, including this year's Ring Cycle at Bayreuth. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his amazingly active life and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Man That Got Away by Judy Garland Book: The New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians Luxury: Photograph of children

Shirley Maclaine began her career as a singer and dancer in the chorus of a Broadway musical. Success came quickly when, as an understudy, she had to take over a leading role in The Pajama Game, and she went on to make many successful films including The Apartment, Sweet Charity and The Turning Point. She regularly tours the world with her own song and dance show. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her life and chooses eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: If My Friends Could See Me Now by Shirley MacLaine Book: Dictionary and Hexalingual thesaurus Luxury: Blank paper

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has had many adventures since he was removed from the SAS for the illegal use of explosives, but without a doubt his greatest exploit was the Transglobe Expedition. Swamps, deserts and arctic ice fields were just some of the many hazards he encountered on the first round-the-world journey via the two poles.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes some of his exploits and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Book: The Oxford Book of Quotations Luxury: Tube of Antisan cream

Linda Esther Gray, the Scots soprano, made her operatic debut as Mimi in La Boheme with Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1972, and she went on to win the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship and the John Christie Award. But her first big success was as Isolde with the Welsh National Opera in 1978. She also tackles the role of Brunhilde in Valkyrie with the English National Opera.In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career and chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Die Walkure Act 3 by Richard Wagner Book: Anthology of poetry Luxury: Garlic, chocolate and wine