Main content

James Herbert

Michael Parkinson's castaway is novelist James Herbert.

James Herbert has now sold more than 16 million copies of his novels. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in the East End of London where his parents were street traders, his training at art college which led to a career in advertising, and The Rats, his first and successful attempt at writing when he was 28.

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

Favourite track: Morning (from Peer Gynt Suite No 1) by Edvard Grieg
Book: Anthology including The History of Mr Polly by H G Wells
Luxury: Grand piano

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 19 Sep 1986 09:05
麻豆社 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Andrew Davis

Next

Suzi Quatro

See all episodes from Desert Island Discs

Music Played

  • Fats Domino

    Blueberry Hill

  • The Diamonds

    Little Darlin'

    • Hits From American Graffitti.

  • Pat Boone

    Love Letters In The Sand

    Artist: Billy Vaughan

  • Gustav Holst

    Mars (The Bringer of War) From The Planets 鈥� Suite, op.32

    Orchestra: The London Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Sir Adrian Boult

  • Mike Berry

    Don't Ever Change

  • Eddie Cochran

    Summertime Blues

    • Eddie Cochrane.
    • Cinephonic.

  • Harry Nilsson

    I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City

    • Greatest Hits.

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Edvard Grieg

      Morning (from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1)

      Orchestra: Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Jonel Perlea

  • Book Choice

    • Anthology including The History of Mr Polly - H G Wells

  • Luxury Choice

    • Grand piano

Credits

Presenter Michael Parkinson
Interviewed Guest James Herbert

Broadcasts

  • Sun 14 Sep 1986 12:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4
  • Fri 19 Sep 1986 09:05
    麻豆社 Radio 4

Featured in...

The Desert Island Discs podcast

The Desert Island Discs podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes.

Listen to over 2,000 programmes

Click above to browse castaways, from 1942 to today.

Articles

Read the surprising things we've learned about some stand-out castaways.

Podcast