This three CD compilation forms part of the British Library's series of documentary recordings by English-Language authors and playwrights. Around 30 writers will be represented, talking about their lives and work. The recordings derive primarily from BBC broadcasts, the earliest of them dating from the 1930s, and include historic recordings of the first generation of writers whose voices survive through to senior figures of the present day. Among the writers included will be Rudyard Kipling, Virginia Woolf, Ian Fleming and Harold Pinter. The majority of the recordings have not been published before. A three CD compilation devoted to American writers, containing never-released audio footage is in production and will accompany this set.