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Desert Island Discs — Personal Journals
Desert Island Discs

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Copyright: © (C) BBC 2023

Latest Episodes:

Sir Geoffrey Howe Jul 20, 1986

Show notes

The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, was brought up in the Labour stronghold of Port Talbot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in Wales, National Service, and his career in both the law and politics, which began when he won the seat for Bebington in 1964.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: The Magic Flute - Act 2 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Good Food Guide Luxury: Computer bridge game

Sir David Wilson Jul 13, 1986

Show notes

Sir David Wilson, who is the Director of the British Museum, first became interested in archaeology when his family moved to the Isle of Man and he discovered the existence of some people called Vikings. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as an archaeologist and about the problems of running such a large treasure house.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Die Schopfung - Die Himmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes by Franz Joseph Haydn Book: Diaries by Samuel Pepys Luxury: Refrigerator

Brian Redhead Jul 06, 1986

Show notes

Brian Redhead has presented the Today programme for the last 10 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his appearance on Children's Hour as a clarinettist, his early days as a journalist on the Manchester Guardian and his editorship of the Manchester Evening News.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Clarinet Quintet in B Minor - 2nd Movement by Johannes Brahms Book: Commentary on the Bible by Arthur Peake Luxury: Taj Mahal

Anne-Sophie Mutter Jun 29, 1986

Show notes

The violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who is 23 years old today, has been in great demand around the world since she became Herbert von Karajan's protégé 10 years ago. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her career and recalls how, although she won her first major competition in Germany at the age of six, she played in public very little until she came to Karajan's notice.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Romeo & Juliet Suite No. 2 by Sergei Prokofiev Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Luxury: Stradivarius violin

Jackie Stewart Jun 22, 1986

Show notes

Jackie Stewart was world champion in Formula One motor racing before he retired in 1973. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in Scotland and talks about his life as a racing driver and about his more recent career as a businessman. He also 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: Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles Book: Guinness Book of Records Luxury: Blank book and a pen

Max Hastings Jun 15, 1986

Show notes

Max Hastings is the new editor of the Daily Telegraph. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the influence of his father, MacDonald Hastings, about his life as a journalist, first on Londoner's Diary, then as a war correspondent in the Middle East and the Falklands, 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 Tonight Programme by McDonald Hastings Book: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Word processor linked to a Fleet Street newspaper

Ismail Merchant Jun 08, 1986

Show notes

Ismail Merchant, the film producer, went into partnership with the director James Ivory 24 years ago. During those years, their films have included Shakespeare Wallah, The Bostonians, Heat and Dust and A Room With A View.

In conversation with Michael Parkinson, Ismail Merchant talks about his childhood in India, about his break into films and about the very successful partnership. He also chooses the eight records that he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Works by E.M Forster and Works by P D James and Works by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Luxury: Cooking range

Elton John Jun 01, 1986

Show notes

Elton John began his career as a tea-boy for a music publisher. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his first band, Bluesology, about his songwriting partnership with the lyricist Bernie Taupin, about how he became an international pop star and about his long association with Watford Football Club.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Enigma No 9 - Nimrod by Edward Elgar Book: Interview With a Vampire by Anne Rice Luxury: Telephone

Bobby Robson May 25, 1986

Show notes

Bobby Robson is the manager of the England football team, who are about to go to Mexico for the World Cup. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in a Durham pit village, how he came to join Fulham FC after working down the mines, playing for England and his eventual move to become a manager.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Try A Little Tenderness by Frank Sinatra Book: Thesaurus by Roget Luxury: Set of golf clubs and an endless supply of balls

Arthur Hailey Apr 06, 1986

Show notes

Arthur Hailey's novels, which include Hotel and Airport, have made him one of the world's best-selling authors. He was born in England, but emigrated; first to Canada after wartime service in the RAF, and then to the Bahamas. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the many jobs he had before becoming a full-time writer, about the television play with which he made the breakthrough and about his working methods.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 2 in B Flat by Johannes Brahms Book: Webster's International Dictionary Luxury: Hot water

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