BBC Radio 4 LW

Desert Island Discs

Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

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

Desert Island Discs: Sir Martin Rees

04/05/1997

Sir Martin Rees

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Sir Martin Rees

Sue Lawley's castaway is Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees

Sue Lawley's castaway is Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees.

Sue Lawley's castaway on this week's Desert Island Discs is Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees. As well as choosing his eight records, book and luxury, Sir Martin will be discussing his work in cosmic evolution, or, to put it more simply, how the Earth and Solar System were formed. He tells of his belief that it is more difficult to understand a frog than the cosmos.

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

Favourite track: In Paradisum by Gabriel Fauré
Book: Collective Cartoons by Gary Larson
Luxury: A Jefferson reclining chair

BBC Radio 4

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

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 – 2004.

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics, as broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from 1946 – 2004.

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics. Over 900 programmes, as broadcast from 1946 – 2004.

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: Franklin D Roosevelt monument 

Franklin D Roosevelt monument 

BBC Radio 4 - Letter from America by Alistair Cooke, Franklin D Roosevelt monument

The problems that arise when erecting statues of notable figures.

The unveiling of a Franklin D Roosevelt monument in Washington DC reminds Alistair Cooke of the problems that arise when erecting statues of notable figures.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke

Franklin D Roosevelt monument

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4

About this data