Berna Paul

Bernadette Fisers

Bernadette Jiwa is a recognized global authority on the role of story in business, innovation and marketing and the author of five bestselling books on marketing and brand storytelling. She advises, consults and speaks to entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to build meaningful brands. Her work takes her from Sydney to New York (and everywhere in between).

Bernadette Jiwa

Bernadette McDonald

Bernadette Murphy was born and brought up in the UK. She has lived in the south of France for most of her adult life and worked in many different fields. A series of chance events led her to start investigating the life of Van Gogh in Arles, but little did she know at the time quite what an exciting adventure it would turn out to be. Van Gogh’s Ear is her first book.

Bernadette Murphy

Bernal Diaz del Castillo

Bernard Azulay

Bernard Edward Joseph Capes (1854-1918) was a prolific Victorian author who published more than 40 books - romances, ghost stories, poetry and history - and won awards in England and America. He is best remembered as an accomplished writer of horror stories in the vein of M.R. James, and has the distinction of writing the first detective novel commissioned and published by Collins - The Skeleton Key in 1919,

Bernard Capes

Bernard Cornwell, bestselling author of the Warlord Chronicles and the Sharpe series, is married and lives in Cape Cod, USA.

Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Crick (1922—2008), was a political philosopher and author of In Defence of Politics – hailed as a modern classic and in print since 1962. He is also author of the prize-winning George Orwell: A Life and of Essays on Citizenship and Crossing Borders.

Bernard Crick

Bernard Donoughue

Bernard Dunne

Bernard Kops

Bernard Lietaer

Bernard Mac Laverty

Bernard MacLaverty lives in Glasgow. He has written five previous collections of stories and five novels, including Grace Notes, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and Midwinter Break, the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Novel of the Year. He has written versions of his fiction for other media - radio and television plays, screenplays and libretti.

Bernard MacLaverty

Bernard Malamud, one of America's most important novelists and short-story writers, was born in Brooklyn in 1914. He took his B.A. degree at the City College of New York and his M.A. at Colombia University. From 1940 to 1949 he taught in various New York schools, and then joined the staff of Oregon State University, where he stayed until 1961. Thereafter, he taught at Bennington State College, Vermont. 
 
His remarkable, and uncharacteristic first novel, The Natural, appeared in 1952. Malamud received international acclaim with the publication of The Assistant (1957, winner of the Rosenthal Award and the Daroff Memorial Award). His other works include The Magic Barrel (1958, winner of the National Book Award), Idiots First (1963, short stories), The Fixer (1966, winner of a second National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize), Pictures of Fidelman (1969), The Tenants (1971), Rembrandt's Hat (1973, short stories), Dubin's Lives (1979) and God's Grace (1982). Bernard Malamud was made a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters, USA, in 1964, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1967, and won a major Italian award, the Premio Mondello, in 1985. Benard Malamud died in 1986.

Bernard Malamud

Bernard Mandeville

Bernard O'Donoghue

Bernard O'Mahoney served in the army for three years and saw a tour of duty in Northern Ireland (described in his book Soldier of the Queen). He then travelled extensively and worked in the building and security industries. Renouncing a criminal past, he wrote about his experiences of the dark side of the nightclub world in the bestselling Essex Boys: A Terrifying Expos of the British Drugs Scene and has written numerous true-crime titles.

Bernard O'Mahoney

Bernard Pearson

George Bernard Shaw was one of the greatest 20th Century dramatists. He wrote over 60 plays, including Arms and the Man (1894), Man and Superman (1903), Pygmalion (1912-13) and Saint Joan (1923). In addition, he also authored five novels and two collections of short stories. He is the only person to have been honoured with both a Nobel Prize for Literature (1925) and an Academy Award (1938, for Pygmalion). Shaw was offered a knighthood, but turned it down, as he refused most awards. He died in 1950, aged 94.

Bernard Shaw

Born in Salford in 1956, Bernard Sumner went on to be a founder member of Joy Division and the singer and lead guitarist of New Order.

Bernard Sumner

Bernard Venables

Bernard Wasserstein is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Chicago and a corresponding Fellow of the British Academy. Born in London, he now lives in Amsterdam. His previous books include The Secret Lives of Trebitsch Lincoln (CWA Gold Dagger Prize for Non-fiction), On the Eve: The Jews of Europe Before the Second World War (Yad Vashem International Book Prize), and Barbarism and Civilization: A History of Europe in Our Time.

Bernard Wasserstein

Bernard Werber

Bernardine Evaristo, MBE, is the award-winning author of eight books of fiction and verse fiction that explore aspects of the African diaspora. 
 
Her novel Girl, Woman, Other made her the first black woman to win the Booker Prize in 2019, as well winning the Fiction Book of the Year Award at the British Book Awards in 2020, where she also won Author of the Year, and the Indie Book Award. She also became the first woman of colour and black British writer to reach No.1 in the UK paperback fiction chart in 2020. 
 
In 2025 she was awarded the Women's Prize Outstanding Contribution Award. Her other awards and honours include an MBE in 2009 and an OBE in 2020. Her writing spans reviews, essays, drama and radio, and she has edited and guest-edited national publications, including The Sunday Time's Style magazine. 
 
Bernardine is Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University, London, and President of the Royal Society of Literature. She lives in London with her husband. 
www.bevaristo.com

Bernardine Evaristo

Bernardo Atxaga was born in Gipuzkoa in Spain in 1951 and lives in the Basque Country, writing in Basque and Spanish. He is a prizewinning novelist and poet, whose books, including Obabakoak and The Accordionist's Son, have won critical acclaim in Spain and abroad. His works have been translated into twenty-five languages.

Bernardo Atxaga

Bernardo Carvalho

Bernd Greiner

PublicationStatus

Brand

Format

AgeRange

Series

Imprint

CategoryLabel

James Fritz

What is life really like behind prison walls? 
 
In six interlinked full-cast plays, acclaimed playwright James Fritz take us into that world, exploring the experiences of both prisoners and jailors. From prisoner scandals to the pressures on officers and the high-stakes decisions faced by the parole board, Life and Time shines a light on the hidden workings of England’s flawed penal system.Series 1, The Prisoners: Two inmates are on ‘Imprisonment for Public Protection’ sentences – open-ended, indeterminate sentences that leave them trapped inside with no fixed release date. First-time offender Martin is tormented by the feeling that time is spinning out of control, falling through his fingers day by day. Will there ever be an end to this Kafkaesque nightmare? Meanwhile, elderly John falls seriously ill while his cellmate is on work duty. Alone and incapacitated, he can’t even call for help – will anyone come and save him?Series 2, The Officers: Veteran Prison Officer, Michael, is becoming increasingly disillusioned by the prison crisis. Assigned to show new recruit Rihanna Campbell the ropes, he fears that for all her polished boots and shining ideals, she hasn’t a clue what lies ahead… Soon, Rihanna finds herself under pressure as she struggles to cope with her role as key worker to a particularly challenging prisoner. Can a young, poorly trained officer perform miracles, or will she be broken by the system?Series 3, Parole: Martin becomes eligible for release. As the day of his hearing arrives, he must convince the two members of the parole board that he deserves his freedom. But his record outside implies he might be dangerous, while his record inside implies he is potentially unstable. It’s up to the parole board to decide his fate – and it’s not going to be easy...Featuring hyper-realistic sound design, naturalistic dialogue and compelling characters, this powerful, gritty drama won Bronze at the 2025 ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry Awards). It stars Kenneth Cranham as John, Connor Finch as Martin, Robert Glenister as Michael and Rebekah Murrell as Rihanna.Production creditsWritten by James FritzProduced and directed by Tracey NealeSound Design/Technical Producer: Keith GrahamProduction Coordinators: Ben Hollands and Mike Etherden© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Life and Time

A Full-Cast BBC Radio Prison Drama

Michael Gilbert

Ten full-cast vintage BBC Radio crime dramas featuring Michael Gilbert’s most enduring characters, including Mr Calder and Mr Behrens, Inspector Hazlerigg and Inspector Petrella 
 
A treat for any fan of crime dramas, this collection stars legendary voices including Prunella Scales, Maurice Denham, Peter Gilmore, Carleton Hobbs and James Bolam. 
 
Smallbone Deceased: When Marcus Smallbone, a trustee of a large trust fund, disappears, it at first causes irritation in that most eminent firm of solicitors, Horniman, Birley and Craine. When his body is discovered in one of the firm's deed-boxes, irritation turns to shock and shock to fear as one by one, the members of staff come under suspicion… Starring Hywel Bennett as Inspector Hazlerigg. 
 
After the Fine Weather: In the tiny province of Lienz, a bishop is assassinated in the presence of his people. Laura Hart saw the crime, but she finds that in the tangled world of international frictions you might tell the truth but it's difficult to be believed – and dangerous when you are... Starring Prunella Scales. 
 
Double Double: Mr. Behrens and Mr. Calder belong to a very secret organisation headed by Mr. Fortescue – an organisation even more secret, and apparently more deadly, than the celebrated M.I.5. In this story, a terrorist group is plotting to assassinate a visiting Sheikh. Starring Stephen Murray as Calder, Peter Howell as Behrens and Carleton Hobbs as Fortescue. 
 
On Slay Down: Counter-intelligence agents Calder and Behrens are back, and this time the story begins with a tea-party. But the host and his guest come from the world of espionage... and there is work to be done. Read by Geoffrey Beevers. 
 
The Last Chapter: A man is found dead in circumstances which point to suicide – but was it suicide? Starring Maurice Denham, James Bolam and Anna Cropper. 
 
Flash Point: Will Dylan is an electoral favourite – intelligent, sharp and good-looking. Jonas Killey, a small-time lawyer, is hounding Dylan in the hope of bringing him into disrepute. But no government can afford bad press during a general election, and Jonas finds himself pursued by those who want to keep him quiet… Starring Brian Haines and Alan Rowe. 
 
This gripping collection also presents five full-cast detective stories written for radio, starring Peter Gilmore as Inspector Petrella. A missing baby, a strange suicide, a mysterious arson, a protection racket run by an elusive master criminal, and a large cache of money discovered during an office block demolition all feature, and Detective Inspector Petrella is on the case… 
 
Michael Gilbert was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century. He published over 30 novels and 185 stories during his lifetime. His stories encompass police procedurals, spy novels, short stories, courtroom dramas, classical mysteries, adventure thrillers, and crime novels. He was called the ‘Grandmaster’ by the Mystery Writers of America and given the Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers' Association for lifetime achievement. This is an audio treat for anyone looking to listen to a thrilling full-cast production of classic crime drama. 
 
Please note: several of the programmes in this collection are vintage radio recordings. Given the age of these productions, the sound quality may vary. 
 
©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Smallbone Deceased & other stories

10 Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Crime Dramas

Laurie Wyman

Jimmy Edwards stars in this spin-off from The Navy Lark, chronicling life in and around the higher echelons of British United Plastics Ltd 
 
Following in the footsteps of The Navy Lark, The TV Lark and The Embassy Lark, The Big Business Lark aired for 13 episodes over the summer of 1969. Blending satire with farce, it charted the business machinations at a fictional plastics company. 
 
Ruling the roost at this chaotic commercial enterprise is managing director and chairman Sir Charles Bonniface, a crafty, cricket-loving tycoon who likes to keep one hand firmly on the tiller and the other on his secretary’s posterior. Waiting in the wings is his son Frank, stoically enduring his father’s bluff and bluster as he bides his time to take over the top job. Ensuring that all runs smoothly is Edith, Sir Charles’ put-upon personal assistant, who bears her boss’s lecherous attentions with equanimity. 
 
Together, they endeavour to promote British United Plastics’ sole product – Polystumer, a seemingly indestructible synthetic material with a surprising number of uses, from bathroom fixtures to breakfast cereal toys. In these entertaining episodes, they swing a contract with a camping company to make speedboat shells, land an order to supply the Red Army with tents, attempt to create camel-proof plastic to seal a deal with a Sultan, and make a TV commercial to try and impress a Hollywood film mogul... 
 
Starring Jimmy Edwards as Sir Charles, with Frank Thornton as Frank and Gwen Cherrell as Edith, The Big Business Lark also benefits from the considerable talents of Alexander John, Elizabeth Morgan and Nigel Graham, who between them play over 50 larger-than life characters. So mix business with pleasure, and enjoy this lively, laughter-filled Lark! 
 
Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes 
 
Production credits 
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman 
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston 
Starring: Jimmy Edwards, Frank Thornton and Gwen Cherrell 
With Elizabeth Morgan, Alexander John and Nigel Graham 
Announcer: Michael de Morgan 
 
With thanks to Keith Wickham and The Radio Circle 
 
Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here are taken from the closing announcements of the episode. 
 
Episode guide 
 
1. Leading You Through 
2. Cruising on the River 
3. Taking You Through 
4. Disposing of a Relative 
5. Playing Ducks 
6. Taking Orders 
7. Strike Breaking 
8. Dining Out 
9. Initiating You Through 
10. Searching For Liberty 
11. Contracting Out 
12. Destructing 
13. Advertising 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2, 6 July – 28 September 1969 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Big Business Lark

The Classic BBC Radio Comedy

Nick Revell

The award-winning 1990s sitcom, written by and starring Nick Revell 
 
Nick Revell plays a slightly stranger version of himself in this surreal comedy – a struggling writer in his mid-thirties who shares his untidy flat with Vince and Alan, a pair of talking geraniums. They, meanwhile, watch on and take stock of his many mishaps and misadventures. 
 
For the beleaguered Nick, even simple tasks like alphabetising his vinyl collection, buying brie and getting rid of Jehovah’s Witnesses are fraught with difficulties – and when it comes to dealing with his imperious agent, Cressida, and his disapproving girlfriend, Caroline, he’s way out of his depth. Fortunately, he can always retreat to the local café run by his friends Shona and Craig – or drown his sorrows at the pub... 
 
In these two series, Nick tries his hand at DIY, quits smoking, heads off on holiday – and acquires a talking Venus flytrap that doesn’t get on with his geraniums. He also finds himself playing surrogate parent when his teenage niece and his oldest rock’n’roll friend come to stay; preparing for the wedding of an old flame (and seething over the way she dumped him); and getting a lucky break with a Hollywood studio. But with his fortunes finally changing for the better, he can’t help asking himself if it’s all going just a little too well... 
 
First broadcast in 1992-3, this offbeat comedy mixes sitcom with a sprinkling of nineties satire – and more than a dollop of the downright odd. Co-starring alongside Nick Revell are a wealth of well-known names, including Doon Mackichan, Alistair McGowan, Stephen Tompkinson and Lesley Sharp. 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by and starring Nick Revell 
With Alistair McGowan, Caroline Gruber, Kate McKenzie, Brian Bowles, Brian Johnston, Doon Mackichan, Alison Sterling, Charles McKeown, Gabrielle Cowburn, Mickey Hutton, Susannah Doyle, Lesley Sharp, Joanna Brookes, Elizabeth Bennet, Stephen Tomkinson, Alison Sterling, John Guerrasio 
Produced by Ioan Magnusson 
 
Series 1 
1. Holy Water 
2. Decoration 
3. Headache 
4. Holiday 
5. Cash 
6. Moving 
 
Series 2 
1. Homeless 
2. Visitors 
3. The Wedding 
4. Health and Fitness 
5. The Promised Land 
6. All’s Well That Ends Well…Well, Well, Well 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 25 January 1991 – 1 March 1992 (Series 1) and 3 June – 8 July 1993 (Series 2) 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Nick Revell Show

A BBC Radio Comedy

biblio.categories.code

biblio.publicationStatus

biblio.brand

biblio.workEditions.format

biblio.ageRange

biblio.series.seriesName

biblio.imprint.description

biblio.type

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Best-Jane-Austen-quotes_Online-Desktop_Penguin

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

Search Results

East of Eden

Wuthering Heights

White Nights

The Brontë Sisters (Boxed Set)

Audiobooks to help you understand yourself, and others, better

Reading lists

Features

'It was a duo that was made in heaven': Why we love Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Weekly Penguin quiz: How well do you know Watership Down?

Quizzes

Weekly quiz: Are you a Virginia Woolf expert?

Vintage Children's Classics for kids and grown-ups

Where to start reading Bernardine Evaristo's books

Quiz | Which Rick Riordan series is for you?

Children's quizzes

Which Rick Riordan series is for you?

The best horror books to give you the chills

Richard Adams at 100: the story behind Watership Down

Beyond Brideshead: why Evelyn Waugh needs to be reclaimed as our funniest writer

The best pubs in literature

The much-missed vitality of Angela Carter

Download Spot’s birthday activity pack!

Crafts &amp; activities

In the age of Zoom, the eyes aren't a window into a person's soul; their bookshelf is

How to create the perfect background bookshelf

8 Classics in translation to transport you around the world

Penguin Classics: deals of the month

News

Penguin donating audiobooks to hospital and prison radio stations to offer comfort and escape during coronavirus pandemic

Mood-lifting books with only happy endings

7 Vintage architecture and design books to inspire you

The books that inspired Alfred Hitchcock

6 books that define the ‘Windrush’ experience

Books that define the ‘Windrush’ experience

Penguin launches partnership with Speakers for Schools to livestream authors direct to students nationwide, and new resources hub for teachers

stemming

Filters

Category

Age

Publication Date

Format

Series

Imprint

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter