Melvyn Bragg is an English broadcaster, author and parliamentarian, best known to TV audiences for his long-running role as presenter of arts showcase The South Bank Show, which enjoyed a decades-long run on ITV before finding a new home on Sky Arts. He is also the host of BBC Radio's history show much-loved In Our Time.
In a career spanning a half-century, Bragg has also published numerous works of fiction and non-fiction; now aged 82, he's published his first-ever memoir, Back In The Day, an intimate account of growing up poor in post-war Cumbria, and the events that shaped an extraordinary life and career in the arts.
In an illuminating conversation with Ryan Tubridy, Melvyn talks Back In The Day, why television still matters, the magic of discovering books at a young age and his love for Ireland - listen above.
Back In The Day: A Memoir by Melvyn Bragg is published by Sceptre
