Published in nine volumes between 1759 and 1767, and usually abbreviated to Tristram Shandy - Laurence Sterne's cock and bull story - has entertained, baffled, enchanted, infuriated and inspired readers ever since; needless to say, at Backlisted we love it.

Joining John and Andy to celebrate this great, hilarious, digressive novel - or is it a series of great, hilarious, digressive novels? - are award-winning children's author Katherine Rundell and our friend Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who adapted Tristram Shandy for the big screen in 2005 as A Cock and Bull Story. As a bonus, you'll hear Steve Coogan, the star of that film, read from the book(s) - exclusively for Backlisted listeners.

Also in this episode, Andy enjoys a "relentless excursion into style" with Fun in a Chinese Laundry (1965), the autobiography of film director Josef von Sternberg; while John takes a sounding of Jennifer Lucy Allan's fascinating new book The Foghorn's Lament: The Disappearing Music of the Coast

Books metnioned:

Laurence Sterne - The Life & Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman; A Sentimental Journey & Other Writings
Martin Rowson - The Life & Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman
Ian Campbell Ross - Laurence Sterne: A Life
Katherine Rundell - Rooftoppers; The Explorer; The Wolf Wilder
Frank Cottrell Boyce - Millions; The Astounding Broccoli Boy; Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth; Runaway Robot
Josef von Sternberg - Fun in a Chinese Laundry
Jennifer Lucy Allan - The Foghorn’s Lament
T. Coraghessen Boyle - Stories
Sue Townsend - The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾