John Wilson

So there's nuclear physics down here, there's lots of travel, there's a philosophy section clearly up there, isn't there?

What about at home as a child?

Can you remember books at home?

You were born in 1933.

What are your earliest memories of home life, family life?

Did you have asbestos in the house?

Did he bring samples home?

In your 2010 memoir, which was called My Father's Fortune, you explored your family backstory and it also recalls the tragedy of your mother's death when I think you were 12 years old.

She died very suddenly, didn't she?

What do you remember of that day?

On This Cultural Life, Michael Frayn, my guests choose the influences and experiences that have most inspired their own creativity.

And the first choice on the list that you sent us is Arthur Ransom, author of the Swallows and Amazons series.

So when did you first read him and those stories?

Inspiration or plagiarism?

Puppets?

You had puppets as a child?

So did you know as a child that writing was the future for you, do you think?

Mr. Brady, yes.

He saved me.

It was a particular encouragement.