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When it was first published in 1984, Iain Banks' debut novel 'The Wasp Factory', was described as a "a work of unparalleled depravity" and also "a masterpiece". Today the book is considered one of the great novels of the twentieth century, is taught on curricula and sits on many a favourite list. Simon Pegg chose this book on Desert Island Discs, and now he is finding out how it became such a phenomenon.

Forty years after its publication, and over a decade since the author's death, Simon traces how the book was written and its impact on generations of readers since.

The novel centres around Frank Cauldhame, an isolated 16 year old living on an island off the North East coast of Scotland with his father. Frank details his life of strange rituals, confesses to murder and conducts acts of barbarity on the local wildlife. When the news arrives that Frank's brother Eric has escaped from a psychiatric hospital, everything is turned upside down and Frank looks for answers in The Wasp Factory, a huge living contraption presiding in the loft of their old house. As we follow Frank's experiences, even more dark secrets are revealed.

The book is recognised as a biting and witty critique of violent masculinity and the politics of the era, as well as a contemporary gothic classic with indications of the master of Sci Fi that Iain Banks would become. What can we learn from heading inside The Wasp Factory today?

Contributions from:

Irvine Welsh, author of 'Trainspotting', 'Filth' and other novels.
Prof Katharine Cox, formerly Bournemouth University and now The University of Derby.
Ken MacLeod, author of 'The Star Fraction' and other novels.
David Haddock, editor of The Banksoniain Fanzine
Dr Monica Germana, The University of Westminster
Readings by Ian Dunnett Jr.

Extracts from The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks (MacmIllan 1984)