Picture Postcards
The Bodleian Library has published two books of postcards - images from World War I and one of the Russian Revolution. Historian Andrew Roberts has written an introduction for the books.
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Award-winning novelist Ian McEwan has written his first libretto for a new opera by his friend the composer Michael Berkeley.
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Magical Thinking
Joan Didion's book, the Year of Magical Thinking, comes to the stage. Our Arts correspondent Rebecca Jones talks to the American writer, the director Sir David Hare and the lead actress Vanessa Redgrave.
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Frederick Forsyth unveils a new plot - this time in Dorset.
What's the worst opening line for a book? or .
Hear Andrew Motion's poem about the last Tommy. or .
Seamus Heaney reads us his new poem in tribute to Burns.
Dan Dare
The legendary super hero Dan Dare coming out of retirement.
See pictures from the first edition.
Listen to with the authors on the shortlist for the prestigious literary award includingÌýIan McEwan's doubts over the prize itself.
Listen to our with actor Sir Michael Gambon, 100 years after the birth of one of Britain's greatest actors.
Miller's son Tony Penrose showed Nicola Stanbridge around the V&A's exhibition of the acclaimed photojournalists's work.
and
Listen to our with grand old man of letters.
Brian Wilson
The creative force behind the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, returns to the UK.
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Reporter Nicola Stanbridge in Cookham.
We introduce James Salter; one of America's most respected writers yet he remains a well kept secret in this country. or .
A Fable for Shambo
Author Michael Morpurgo has written a fable in tribute to Shambo, the sacred bullock thought to have bovine TB lives as part of a community of Hindu monks in Wales.
Find out more about the exhibition and .
A illustrates how an artist came to be a dictionary definition.
We headed down to Glastonbury in style. .
Extended Interview - Don De Lillo
The American writer Don de Lillo's "Underworld" has become a classic. A Penguin classic. A great accolade, but usually one reserved for the dead.
Do we need new verses to our national anthem to reflect our changing political society? your suggestions.
George Melly
Arts Correspondent Rebecca Jones went to Surreal Things at the V&A with jazz singer George Melly, who knew the world of surrealism from the inside.
Unlocking our secret history by playing the records we've thrown away.
Nick Cave Interview
Australian musician, poet, author and sometimes actor Nick Cave talks to our reporter Nicola Stanbridge about his new project Grinderman.
A selection of work from the political cartoonist known as Gabriel
Extended Interview - Ralph Fiennes/ John Le Carre (31/01/06)
The Constant Gardener is tipped for a place on the Oscar shortlist.ÌýPolly Billington spoke Ralph Fiennes and to the author, John le Carre, about the film and its chances at the Oscars.
50 years on from the death of the great horn player, a new fanfare has been writen in his honour.
Pictures from the audio visual show from theÌýBritish film director..
We asked you to write an opening paragraph to a novel.
Author Will Self talks to our reporter Polly Billington about various smells and London
Hear poems read by the nominees of one of the most coveted award in poetry.
WeÌýrevisit the musical staged 20 years ago by Einsturzende Neubauten.
Journalist Richard Heller has written a play based on the true life story of Labour backbenchers, called "Waiting for Gordot."
See recipes for the Italian Renaissance foodÌýAntonio Carluccio cooked forÌýusÌýon the programme.
We go in search of the most resonant historical places in Britain.
Ian McMillan's poem which celebrates 15 years of the world wide web.
Take Frederick Forsyth's spoof quiz for urbanites planning a move to the country.
We managed to smuggle a gnome into the RHS Chelsea Flower Show...
The house inÌýLondon where the French poets lived is up for sale.Ìý
We asked for help in finding the lost copies of poetry magazines by Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon.
Read your emails following the announcement that the UK theme will go.
The "Poet Laureate of Essex" Martin Newell has written a poem redefining the county.
After claims thatÌýpoetry is becoming as obsolete in British culture as morris dancing,ÌýweÌýtested our listeners knowledge ofÌýour most distinguished contemporary poets.
We asked Ian McMillan to come up with a poem reflecting George Galloway's time in the Big Brother House.
A campaign to save the Penzance Sleeper service will be lobbying parliament, and later in the week holding a rally at the Eden centre. Cornwall poet Murray Lachlan Young has re-worked Auden's Night Train as a tribute to the sleeper.
We look at a play by the political playwright David Edgar about theÌýcauses of the race riots in Bradford
Find out which painting YOU voted the greatest painting in Britain.
Et Viola!
It's the most reviled instrument in the modern orchestra. Violas - known to their critics as 'diesel violins' - often called the poor relation of the violin.
A traditional orchestra is made up of strings, brass and woodwind sections, but this summer things are about to change...
A stirring hymn that brings back fond memories, or a heretical form of words which should be banned? The great debate over I Vow To Thee, My Country!
Read THE FINAL chapter of our summer short story, written by Today listener Julia Ray and chosen by Alexander McCall Smith.
Find out more about the infamous trial of 'saucy seaside' postcard artist Donald McGill.
Today Visits Stratford
It feels like every time we take the programme out on the road, it gets a little bit grander. This time we visited the RSC Swan Theatre in Stratford.
Saddest Music
You sent us over 400 nominations for your saddest music or song. Now vote for the ultimate sad music from the five most-nominated pieces.
Gulbenkian Winner
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, in Edinburgh, has just been named "Museum of the Year". Find out more about the winning entry, Landform Ueda.
Chant Laureate
You've heard of the Poet Laureate. Now there's a "Chant Laureate" as well. Listen to his ode to the Aston Villa footballer Juan Pablo Angel (pictured) by clicking above.
Search for the Saddest Music
Tell us what you think is the World's saddest music. You can nominate both pop and rock songs, and classical pieces. And learn here what a Chapman Stick is.
Archers Theme
Is the familiar 'dum di dum di dum di dum...' jingle to be relegated to the vaults of history? No. But some listeners got an April 1st scare.
Orkney Postcards
Experts in maritime history are examining hundreds of postcards and photographs which have been recovered from a ship scuttled off the Orkney Islands.
The Tricorn Centre
The Tricorn Centre is consigned to demolition to the delight of many and the regret of - well - a few.
The Rhinegold
Will Hutton thinks Wagner's Ring cycle is about the failings of capitalism. Can he be right?
Literary Works for sale.
It's been described as a "Who's Who" of the nineteenth century, and one of the world's literary treasures. Now the John Murray Archive is up for sale.
Catherine Parr
See the rare portrait of Catherine Parr, the wife who survived Henry VIII, that is to be unveiled by historian David Starkey.Ìý
Sex and the City
The U.S drama 'Sex and the City' has enjoyed cult status since it's first airing in 1998. Women across both sides of the Atlantic have closely followed the storylines and fashion trends.
American 'Office'
Their Golden Globes prove The Office has won the admiration of US reviewers, but will an 'All American' remake hit the spot? Hear from Ricky Gervais.
Is It Cool To Play The Ukulele?
Now available in both original and electronic forms, it seems the ukulele is experiencing a renaissance. Listen to Mark Coles' report.
WWII Photography
The key role of surveillance pictures during WWII highlighted by previously unreleased photos.
Art of Illustration
The man who illustrated the stories of Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, marks 50 years in the industry.
Newspaper Origami
The Times is publishing a tabloid size edition - but how will this impact on origami enthusiasts? We put both papers to the test...
Hospital Design
Can a hospital ward's design impact on the recovery time of patients? See the CABE concept designs and the results of RCN polling.
Architect Vote
See pictures of the six finalists in this year's Stirling Prize for architecture.
Bruce Bairnsfather
See the cartoons of artistand soldier, Bruce Bairnsfather. His famous artwork will be celebrated this weekend.
Frank Gehry
The world renowned architect, Frank Gehry has designed his first UK building - and it's somewhat unexpected...
Musical Damage
Why some experts are warning too much time spent in the orchestra pit could damage a musician's hearing.
Belfast's Gable Murals
The history of loyalist and republican Northern Ireland, depicted through the murals of Belfast.
Harry Potter Mania
As the new Harry Potter book, - "The Order of the Phoenix" is released, we interview some keen readers and publish their reviews!
Causa Belli
Causa Belli is a latin phrase, which translates as 'causes, motives or pretexts of war'. Motion has voiced doubts about the case for war.
Back to Basics Rock
Did the ability to capture music on tape peak in the sixties? Yes, according to Jack and Meg White, known as 'The White Stripes', one of the most exciting rock outfits the music industry's seen for years.
See the winner of our winter photographic competition.
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