Episode 1
Michael Palin's new book follows the mysterious and tragic voyage of HMS Erebus in 1845. A man called Joseph Hooker and then a press conference draw the author to this story.
Michael Palin reads from his new book, abridged by Penny Leicester, about the mysterious and tragic voyage of HMS Erebus in 1845:
A 19th century botanist, Joseph Hooker, and a press conference in Canada in 2014 sharpen the author's interest in the story. Erebus made a successful journey to the Antarctic and was being rigged and loaded for a second expedition to the Northwest Passage. Hopes were high when she finally set off with HMS Terror from Greenhithe on the Thames estuary..
Producer Duncan Minshull
Last on
Broadcasts
- Mon 1 Oct 201809:45BBC Radio 4 FM
- Tue 2 Oct 201800:30BBC Radio 4
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
BBC Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
