A Short History of Nearly Everything - by Bill Bryson

I actually read this book a while back, when it first came out last year. I tend to get Bill Bryson's books when they first come out in hardback, as I am a great admirer of his work. So I was very pleased to hear that he would be featured in BBC R4 Bookclub in February next year and I applied to attend the recording, which is where I went earlier this week.

I travelled into London - it took a bit over 2 hours door to door [a drive, a mainline train, 2 underground trains and a short walk]. The recording was at Bush House, the home of the BBC World Service, but apparently the studios are used by other bits of the BBC, as their main site is being remodelled.

I met other people who were going to be in the audience. There were about 20 of us in total. We were escorted down to the studio. I headed down the passage first, hearing two familiar voices ahead: Bill himself and Jim Naughtie, the presenter, who is also familiar from the Today programme. There was also the producer, Dymphna, with whom I had been in email communication. This was an opportunity to chat informally with Bill and Jim, both of whom are very easy to be with.

I have no experience of how radio programmes are made. So there was lots to learn. The recording itself took something over an hour, even though the programme is less than 30 minutes. There were a few slight interruptions, but we were told that they put it all together later. Jim actually wrapped up the programme less than two-thirds of the way through and then explained that there was a natural flow that led to the finish, so he's grabbed at it. We then carried on for a while with more questions and discussion. I did ask a question, but I have no idea whether they will use it. I look forward to hearing how the final programme is assembled when it's broadcast.

When we had finished, Jim apologised because he needed to depart promptly, as he was going to interview a member of George Bush's cabinet, who was in town, for the Today programme. The following morning, I put the radio on at breakfast time and there was the interview. I listened with a "new ear", as now I know how it's done!

Bill stayed around, chatting and signing books. I got mine signed and shook his hand. My evening was complete.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will certainly go again, if the opportunity arises. I look forward to Bill's next book, which will be a biography of William Shakespeare.