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

Other links:

The Laurence Sterne Trust at Shandy Hall
BBC World Service idents over the years aka ’Lillibulero’
Dexys Midnight Runners, ‘Dance Stance’
Desert Island Discs archive
Wesley Stace sings C18th ballad of ‘Tristram Shandy’
A Cock and Bull Story (Michael Winterbottom, 2005)
Martin Rowson interview re: his graphic novel adaptation of Tristram Shandy
Hunky Funky Woman by Tristram Shandy (1973)