Livi Michael speaks with Frances Byrnes about the longstanding appeal of the epic, and of the writer’s need for courage.

Livi Michael speaks with Frances Byrnes about the longstanding appeal of the epic, and of the writer’s need for courage.
Mavis Cheek, John Siddique, Sanjida O'Connell, Ray French, Gwyneth Lewis and Jonathan Tulloch share their all-time favourite books, and explain why they matter.
Donny O’Rourke finds himself in the book-blessed town of Ullapool in May, celebrating the bonfires and bluebells of the Celtic Beltane festival.
Chris Arthur reflects on the inspirations of his ‘odd-object’ essays, and considers the popularity of this particular form and the most important aspect of oddness within it.
Tiffany Murray takes us to the Forest of Dean, to explore its deep local folklore.
Charles Jennings visits Greenwich, which both fascinates and depresses him.
Amanda Swift introduces the Ridgeway, and the nearby museum celebrating an author who loved it.