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Book at Bedtime

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Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and literature from around the world

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Book at Bedtime: Red or Dead

Gary Lewis

Allegra McIlroy

Robin Brooks

David Peace

Book at Bedtime: Red or Dead: Episode 4

Drama: Biographical

Red or Dead

Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, Red or Dead, Episode 4

1963. Bill Shankly's hard work is paying off, and Liverpool are top of the First Division.

It's 1963. Bill Shankly's hard work is paying off. For the first time since 1947, Liverpool are top of the First Division, but there is a long season ahead.

By David Peace.

One hundred years ago on 2nd September 1913, in a small Scottish mining village in East Ayrshire, Bill Shankly was born.

Shankly's passion was football. It was his job and it was his life, both as a player and then as a manager. He transformed the fortunes of Liverpool Football Club, turning the team into a world class side, and he has been immortalised as a hero. From the very beginning, he was as committed to the fans as they were to him.

David Peace, acclaimed author of the 'Red Riding' series, 'GB84' and 'The Damned United', now turns his attentions to Bill Shankly. David Peace's astonishing book 'Red or Dead' pulls Bill Shankly out of the football world and into the mainstream and tells us the story of the man, not just the manager. Peace describes Shankly as "not just a great football manager. Bill Shankly was one of the greatest men who ever lived."

Now, it's early in the 1963/64 season, and for the first time since 1947 Liverpool Football Club are top of the first division. But it's not where they start the season that counts, it's where they finish. There's a long season of hard work ahead - and Bill must face fellow Scot and brilliant manager Matt Busby, on Bill's home turf, at Anfield.

Read by Gary Lewis
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Producer: Allegra McIlroy.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

By David Peace. Novel about Bill Shankly, manager of Liverpool FC

By David Peace. Novel about Bill Shankly, manager of Liverpool FC. Abridged by Robin Brooks, read by Gary Lewis

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