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The
Big Read television special to reveal Nation's Top 100 books
The
Nation's 100 best-loved novels as voted for by the British public
will be revealed in The Big Read Top 100 on BBC TWO on Saturday
17 May.
The
poll, which closes on 19 April, has already received more than 100,000
nominations - three times the number received in the first stage
of the Great Britons poll.
The
one-off special programme will reveal the country's favourite works
of fiction and find out, for example, how many are British, how
many are classics, who are Britain's most nominated authors and
which books have failed to make it into the lasting affections of
the British public.
Dozens
of literary luminaries and well-known faces will be on hand to answer
some of the big questions about the people's favourites.
To
complete an evening of programming on the Nation's choices, BBC
FOUR will be subjecting the Top 100 to the scrutiny of a host of
eminent critics and commentators in a round-the-table discussion.
The
panel will analyse trends and themes, and reflect on what the list
reveals about British reading tastes and habits.
But
the programmes will not reveal the order of the Top 100. This won't
be made public until the Autumn, when The Big Read returns to BBC
TWO and presents ten films - one on each of the Top Ten novels.
The
public will then be asked to vote again to decide which book is
the Nation's favourite of favourites.
The
programme uncovering Britain's literary loves follows the huge response
to The Big Read campaign since its launch on 5 April.
Members
of the public still have until midnight on Saturday 19 April to
nominate their best-loved book by phone, on 09011 110 820, or via
the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk/bigread
Jane
Root, Controller of BBC TWO, says: "The response so far has
been tremendous.
"The
project has captured the public's imagination and we hope it will
encourage everyone to read and discuss books this summer, whether
in the home, schools, libraries or through reading groups.
"These
programmes will offer an insight into the fantastic range of books
selected by the Nation and should prove an inspiration to viewers."
The
Big Read is one of the biggest ever campaigns to get the country
reading and the project stretches far beyond BBC TWO; alongside
new programming throughout the year across all BBC networks and
a dedicated BBCi website, the BBC is harnessing the support of schools,
libraries, national literacy organisations and charities, and all
major publishers and book retailers.
The
Big Read hopes to get the whole country enthused, excited and talking
about the books that bring pleasure to the Nation, from avid readers
to anyone who hasn't opened a book since school.
The
Big Read - Britain's biggest ever reading campaign (14.03.03)
All the
BBC's digital services are now available on Freeview,
the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well
as on satellite and cable.
Freeview
offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services
from BBCi, as well as 11 BBC radio networks.
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