What drives a musician to write extraordinary songs? How do writers create their worlds? How does an actor achieve greatness? For over thirty years of the South Bank Show, Melvyn Bragg has interviewed many of the greatest cultural icons of our age. These interviews offer revelatory insights into the lives and work of writers, actors, artists and musicians. Melvyn Bragg has revisited some of these artists and used the interviews as the basis for fuller portraits. The range of artists is remarkable and in this book Melvyn Bragg is true to the South Bank Show's ethos of seeking out the highest quality whatever the art form. Melvyn Bragg's unique perspective make this book indispensable for anyone interested in the work and lives of some of the best artists of our time.