This book's value lies in its steady accumulation of myth-busting data ... its urgent conclusion establishes just how much Britain stands to lose if the BBC as we know it falls.

A "must" for anyone interested in the future of what many regard as Britain's most important cultural institution and our greatest source of "soft power" on the world stage

After reaching the end of the book's more than 500 pages one is left with two overwhelming impressions. The first is how important the BBC is to the healthy life of the nation and the second, how its very long-term survival is now in doubt after the sustained political and financial attacks it's suffered these past few decades ... Written with wit and panache ... like taking a stroll through the social and political history of Britain from Thatcher onwards

A a thorough and perceptive analysis of some of the big challenges facing the BBC, and the malevolent and dishonest forces raging against it

Scrupulously researched... exposes the myths behind the onslaught. The idea of a "silent majority" exasperated by the BBC's liberal values is at odds with trust ratings that put it above every other news provider

The value of this book is to remind us that arguments against the BBC are often dishonest or partial, often strongly motivated by vested interests - and often hope for its destruction while affecting to hope for its reform. It may make you, as it did me, think that in this accursed year there's something to be said for keeping a-hold of nurse in fear of finding something worse.

A frighteningly informative torrent of history, politics, global economics and warm sympathy

Hair-raising

A gorgeously funny, deeply affectionate and fully costumed swallow-dive into the great – and historic – amateur theatrical tradition. I loved it

A hilarious, informative amdramoir – a love-letter to her father and a fascinating insight into the much maligned minority: the amateur

Highly entertaining... [Landreth] has cleverly - and wittily - conflated memoir with the history of am-dram, its practical application and a close look at some of our most venerable companies."

I thoroughly enjoyed this beguiling ensemble of memoir, social history, interviews and manifesto, which tells the story of am-dram in Britain

A touching and vivid nostalgia trip - with great photos

Top 50 gift picks for the book lovers in your life

A fond look back at the Wham! star's life in the group that helped define Eighties pop

Will no doubt appeal to the fanbase . . . Humorous and touching

Joyful nostalgia

As a hard-nosed ex-detective, it was a source of much hilarity that I am such a Wham! fan but my copy of this is a prized possession

A composer who can write as eloquently as he sings. A rare bird, indeed!

With our new-found love of wildlife, this book promises to lift the spirits of not just bird enthusiasts, but nature lovers, too.

The exuberance of folk-singer Sam Lee's The Nightingale is irresistible

A master storyteller