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This tale of Greg Dyke's unprecedented rise from unlikely lad to Director General of the BBC encompasses some of the most important developments in British social, political and economic life since the 1970s. It also looks at Dyke's role in the group of "gunslingers" - which include Michael Grade, John Birt and the founders of Channel Four; his work in reviving the ailing TV-AM and the introduction of Roland Rat; his political battles and TV takeovers; and his arrival at the BBC.

Sir David Attenborough is Britain's best-known natural history film-maker. His career as a naturalist and broadcaster has spanned nearly five decades and there are very few places on the globe that he has not visited. In this volume of memoirs David tells stories of the people and animals he has met and the places that he has visited. Sir David's first job - after Cambridge University and two years in the Royal Navy - was at the London publishing house Hodder & Stoughton. Then in 1952 he joined the BBC as a trainee producer and it was while working on the Zoo Quest series (1954-64) that he had his first opportunity to undertake expeditions to remote parts of the globe to capture intimate footage of rare wildlife in its natural habitat. He was Controller of BBC2 (1965-68), during which time he introduced colour television to Britain, then Director of Programmes for the BBC (1969-1972). However in 1973 he abandoned administration altogether to return to documentary-making and writing. Over the last 25 years he has established himself as the World's leading Natural History programme maker with several landmark BBC series, including Life on Earth (1979), The Living Planet (1984), The Trials of Life (1990), The Private Life of Plants (1995) and Life of Birds (1998). Sir David is a Trustee of the British Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; an Honorary Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge; a Fellow of the Royal Society and was knighted in 1985.

David Dickinson is a household name, the king of the catchphrase, undisputed darling of daytime TV and a rising star. He's a respected antiques expert and exudes a taste for the finer things in life. But the road to his success has not been as smooth as his patter and he's learnt a lot at the school of hard knocks. In his autobiography David tells how he grew up in a working class district of Manchester, and reveals how he discovered at age 12 that he was adopted. David also describes his early foray into wheeling and dealing in the garment industry in Manchester, as well as his stint in Manchester's notorious prison, Strangeways. David was first introduced to showbiz when he travelled the world as the manager of his international cabaret star wife, Lorne. In his book David describes some of the remarkable people they met on their travels, and discloses the dark and dangerous side of showbiz he had no idea existed. Finally, after building himself a reputation as an antiques dealer to the rich and famous with an eye for treasures, a chance meeting with a TV exec at a barbecue began David's journey to primetime TV on Bargain Hunt, and in his autobiography David shares some of his experiences of sudden celebrity.

Michael Palin has kept a diary since newly married in the late 1960s, when he was beginning to make a name for himself as a TV scriptwriter (for the Two Ronnies, David Frost etc). Monty Python was just around the corner. This first volume of his diaries reveals how Python emerged and triumphed, how he, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, the two Terrys - Jones and Gilliam - and Eric Idle, came together and changed the face of British comedy. But this is but only part of Palin's story. Here is his growing family, his home in a north London Victorian terrace, which grows as he buys the house next door and then a second at the bottom of the garden; here, too, is his solo effort - as an actor, in Three Men in a Boat, his writing endeavours (often in partnership with Terry Jones) that produces Ripping Yarns and even a pantomime. Meanwhile Monty Python refuses to go away: the hugely successful movies that follow the TV (his account of the making of both The Holy Grail and the Life of Brian movies are pager-turners), the at times extraordinary goings on of the many powerful personalities who coalesced to form the Python team, the fight to prevent a American TV network from bleeping out the best jokes on US trasmission, and much more - all this makes perceptive, funny and rivetting reading.

In this autobiography Eric's son, Gary Morecambe, describes what it's like to grow up in the presence of one of the best-loved and most fondly remembered of all British comedy greats. It includes photographs from the Morecambe family archive and unseen extracts from his father's personal diaries. Frank and outspoken, this book provides an insight into the man behind the laughter, a man who was constantly worried that one day he would be found out , who never lost his love of Long John Silver impressions, and who continued to work until disease finally killed him at only 58 years of age.

Many people consider Tony Hancock to be the finest comic actor of them all. November 2004 sees the 50th anniversary of his best-loved work, Hancock's Half-Hour, which began as a radio series, penned by the writers Galton and Simpson. Two years later, the first of 58 TV instalments had been screened, and Hancock's genius, coupled with Galton and Simpson's brilliant scripts, ensured that the show soon became a yardstick against which all subsequent British sitcoms have since been measured. Amazingly, no book has ever been written about the show. Fully authorised by Galton and Simpson, Fifty Years of Hancock's Half-Hour is a full history of the show, including how the show came about, behind-the-scenes stories from Hancock's fellow artists and members of the crew and production team, and the story of its demise. Incorporating extracts from the shows, the book will also feature photographs and a full listing of the radio and TV episodes.

"Fred Dibnah's World" celebrates the life and work of Britain's best known steeplejack and national treasure, Fred Dibnhah. Before his death in 2004, Fred presented many popular series, including Magnificent Monuments, The Age of Steam and Made in Britain, all of which attracted viewers in their millions. "Fred" is the companion to the 12-part "BBC2" series celebrating the life of this great man, which combines highlights from some of Dibnah's classic programmes with previously unseen footage. The book can of course go much further than the series, including an extraordinarily account of Fred's childhood which evokes a lost England and our great industrial heritage. Fred's passion for the glories of the Victorian age and his fascination with the landscape he grew up in, plus his admiration for the craftsmen and labourers who made it all possible, captivate us on every page. Fred is the personification of everything that made England great in the first place. And, this is a glorious tribute to a man whom millions came to love.

"Fred" celebrates the life and work of Britain's best known steeplejack and national treasure, Fred Dibnhah. Before his death in 2004, Fred presented many popular series, including "Magnificent Monuments", "The Age of Steam" and "Made in Britain", all of which attracted viewers in their millions. "Fred" is the companion to the 12-part "BBC2" series celebrating the life of this great man, which combines highlights from some of Dibnah's classic programmes with previously unseen footage. The book can of course go much further than the series, including an extraordinarily account of Fred's childhood which evokes a lost England and our great industrial heritage. Fred's passion for the glories of the Victorian age and his fascination with the landscape he grew up in, plus his admiration for the craftsmen and labourers who made it all possible, captivate us on every page. Fred is the personification of everything that made England great in the first place. And this is a glorious tribute to a man whom millions came to love.

The eagerly awaited, frequently explosive and always entertaining memoirs of the recent Director-General of the BBC, whose departure in January 2004 caused a huge popular outcry. Greg Dyke grew up in the 1950s in the small West London suburb of Hayes. Written off as a dud by his schoolteachers, he attended York University before becoming a local newspaper reporter. At the age of 30, he was unemployed. Then came his lucky break: he became a current affairs researcher at London Weekend Television. LWT, TVAM, TV5, Pearson Television -- Greg Dyke's progress has been an extraordinary rollercoaster ride through some of our favourite programmes, and his descriptions of the personalities and rivalries are animated by an irrepressible love of the medium. Then, on 28 January 2000, he became Director-General of the BBC. His appointment was almost as controversial as his departure was to be exactly four years later; he was accused of being a 'Tony crony' and his instincts were regarded as being far too populist: Yet, in his relatively brief spell at the helm, he not only launched four new TV channels and five radio stations, but also transformed an organization blighted by his predecessor, John Birt.

Published to tie in with the major BBC 1 series, a full and gloriously colourful social history of the nation through its buildings.In this meticulously researched and stunningly illustrated book, David Dimbleby tells the dramatic and heroic story of Britains architecture the extraordinary buildings that define a nation and which grew out of the experiences and beliefs of the British people. How did we get from the fortified tower to the grand open mansion and back again to the gated communities of today? When did it become so important how libraries and prisons look? What does the way we arrange our city centres say about us? Can architecture really make a difference to our quality of life? This fascinating and authoritative account of a thousand years of change in Britains buildings tackles these questions and many more.

Richard Holmes's insightful new biography of one of Britain's greatest leaders is both a study in character and the story of an extraordinary career. Much has been written about Churchill's role as British prime minister during the crisis years of the Second World War, but in this book Holmes uses new material to investigate the influences that shaped the man: his troubled schooldays, his flamboyant politician father, Randolph, and his famously attractive American mother, Jennie. Holmes argues that the qualities that made Churchill great also led him to commit catastrophic blunders. The same recklessness that made him a hero when he was a young correspondent during the Boer War arguably cost thousands of Allied lives during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, and may also have contributed to the fall of Singapore in 1942.

To commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Churchill's death, renowned historian Richard Holmes brings his unparalleled knowledge of the military together with his eye for illuminating detail to his biography of one of Britain's greatest leaders. Although much has been written on Churchill's management of Britain through the crisis years of the Second World War, In the Footsteps of Churchill takes the reader back to the explosive colour of his early life to discover the influences that shaped the man. Holmes examines how the qualities that made Churchill great also led him to commit catastrophic blunders. The recklessness that made him a hero when he was a young correspondent during the Boer War, for example cost thousands of Allied lives when it emerged during his planning of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. From the beginning, we are immersed in the colourful detail and atmosphere of Churchill's world. From his aristocratic birth to a syphilitic father and a famously attractive mother, through Churchill's struggles at school and his adventures as a foreign correspondent in Rajasthan, Churchill's extraordinary character is illuminated by Holmes's portrait of a flawed but brilliant and humane man.

Joe Royle became the youngest player to play for Everton in February 1966 and went on to win six caps under Alf Ramsey and Don Revie. Injury forced a premature end to his career at 32, after spells with Manchester City, Bristol City, and Norwich. Then he became 'the manager who fell of the back of a lorry' when joining Oldham in 1982. Fourteen fantastic, fairytale years followed at the hard-up, homespun Lancashire club which Royle put on the soccer map. Oldham achieved the impossible by going to Wembley and spending three years in the Premiership. Then, it was off to Everton, to Manchester City, to Ipswich and beyond... With a foreward by Sir Alex Ferguson, this book is an honest account of Joe's career and life, written with his full cooperation.

Tony Blackburn is probably one of the most recognisable disc jockeys working in Britain today, and is always busy doing what he does best - playing music to listeners. With Radio One celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Tony feels the time is right to commemorate his own anniversary, and look back on the time he has spent in radio and the media. The days spent as a radio pirate, to becoming the number one DJ in the UK for the best part of a decade. The stars he befriended, the rivalries in radio he endured, the friendships made, and broken, all will be told in his candid style. Much as John Peels book was a reflection of one style of DJing, so will this book be for Tonys unique brand of playing and enjoying music. Much derided by some comedians, but very much still going strong, and ever popular.

With his astounding victory at the Sydney Olympics, Steve Redgrave has won a record-breaking five Olympic medals and nine world championships for his spectacular rowing achievements, and is consequently regarded with awe, by rivals, crew-mates, and top sportsmen alike. At 38, Steve is now ending an unprecedented career spanning 23 years of competition, jubilation, and immense hard work. The autobiography that marks the end of this career discusses Redgrave's partnerships with Matthew Pinsent and first partner Andy Holmes, with whom he had a tense relationship. He will talk about the difficulty of maintaining a balanced family life when work is always a priority, and his attitude to his honeymoon was concern at its disruption to his training schedule. Redgrave also describes about the strain of battling against the odds with the debilitating diseases of both colitis and diabetes. This honest autobiography promises to be a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and history of one of Britain's most motivated and successful sportsmen, culminating in the recent recognition he has received in the form of the Sports Personality of the Year award, and his knighting in the New Year's honours.

Terry Wogan is one of Britain's best-loved radio and television celebrities - witty, charming and relaxed - and has undoubtedly captured the nation's heart. Here, Terry tells his life story from his beginnings as a young Limerick boy to his incredible success as an enduring celebrity with shows such as Wogan and The Eurovision Song Contest. Is It Me? is written in Terry's own inimitable style, with self-deprecating humour and a wry take on everyday life. The story is a delightfully observed, light-hearted journey through Terry's personal and professional lives. After reluctantly starting his career in banking, Terry escaped to make a sucessful break into broadcasting with RTE. Fronting Children in Need, Wogan and The Eurovision Song Contest and collecting millions of listeners to his morning BBC 2 radio show, Wake Up To Wogan, he is now the most prolific and popular presenter at the BBC.

Terry Wogan is one of Britain's best-loved radio and television celebrities - witty, charming and relaxed - he has undoubtedly captured the nation's heart. Here, for the first time ever, Terry tells his life story from his beginnings as a young Limerick boy to his incredible success as an enduring celebrity of shows such as Wogan and The Eurovision Song Contest. Is It Me? is written in Terry's own inimitable style, with self-deprecating humour and a wry take on everyday life. The story is a delightfully observed, light-hearted journey through Terry's personal and professional lives, which will delight his millions of fans. After reluctantly starting his career in banking, Terry escaped to make a sucessful break into broadcasting with RTE. Fronting Children in Need, Wogan and The Eurovision Song Contest and collecting millions of listeners to his morning BBC 2 radio show, Wake Up To Wogan, he is now the most prolific and popular presenter at the BBC. 'I am sure it's a challenging read' Sir David Frost 'I don't remember him' Jimmy Young

Terry Wogan is one of Britain's best-loved radio and television celebrities - witty, charming and relaxed - he has undoubtedly captured the nation's heart. Here, for the first time ever, Terry tells his life story from his beginnings as a young Limerick boy to his incredible success as an enduring celebrity of shows such as Wogan and The Eurovision Song Contest. Is It Me? is written in Terry's own inimitable style, with a wry take on everyday life. The story is a delightfully observed, light-hearted journey through Terry's personal and professional lives, which will delight his millions of fans. After reluctantly starting his career in banking, Terry escaped to make a sucessful break into broadcasting with RTE. Fronting Children in Need, Wogan and The Eurovision Song Contest and collecting millions of listeners to his morning BBC 2 radio show, Wake Up To Wogan, he is now the most prolific and popular presenter at the BBC.

Written in a style familiar to his millions of listeners, rich with warmth and irony, Musn't Grumble is Terry's definitive autobiography. Not only does he introduce the reader to post-Emergency Ireland, his chain-smoking maiden aunts, his quick-witted mother and hard-working father and the (not so) Christian Fathers who tried to knock his hands off, he explains how he's managed to avoid a hard day's work from childhood to knighthood, and entertained a few million people along the way. Terry talks in full about his past 35 years with the BBC: his hugely popular Radio 2 show, his TV shows Wogan (Now & Then) and Blankety Blank, the Eurovision Song Contest, working on the BBC's Children in Need programmes, and where he learnt to breakdance so brilliantly. It is the autobiography his fans - and TOGs - have been waiting for: fresh, honest, a real craic and completely the same ... but different.

In 1957 a whole day's play of a Test Match was broadcast on BBC Radio for the first time with the slogan 'Don't miss a ball, we broadcast them all'.This book celebrates 50 years of Test Match Special with anecdotes, stories, reminiscences and champagne moments of five decades of cricket commentary. Sprinkled throughout are 'My First TMS match' articles by top-class writers and commentators such as Jonathan Agnew, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Henry Blofeld, Bill Frindall, Simon Mann, Vic Marks, Mike Selvey and Angus Fraser. Edited by Peter Baxter, the organising brain behind TMS and the producer for 29 years, this is a comprehensive and celebratory account of this most respected and prestigious brand in cricket.

Ronnie Barker is one of the best-loved and most celebrated entertainers in British television history. As well as starring in the ever popular and critically acclaimed sitcoms Porridge and Open All Hours, he was, of course, one of the bespectacled Two Ronnies, who topped the TV Charts for more than 15 years This book contains original contributions from people who have worked with and know him best including John Cleese, David Jason (who provides the foreword), David Frost, Eric Idle, Michael Palin. Written with the full consent and collaboration of Ronnie himself, this biography is full of interviews and unseen personal illustrations from his own collection.

Chris Moyles is the nation's most popular DJ. 7.6 million people wake up to his Radio 1 breakfast show every morning. He is part motormouth, part loveable rogue. Like you and me, he likes nothing better than a bit if banter with his mates down the pub, or to share a good joke. And he's not averse to sharing gossip with the countless celebs who come on his radio show either. You see, he has a talent for befriending all sorts of people and getting into all sorts of situations, and does so with his trademark humour and charm. So then, to read his book, is to revel in gossip, banter and anecdote. "The Chris Moyles Book" will take you on a journey from his idyllic childhood in Leeds, through his discovery of radio and onto his new found fame as the saviour of Radio 1. Along the way you'll meet some colourful characters, some of whom you'll know and some of whom you'll be glad you don't. This is a unique and funny book from Britain's best loved DJ.