Headlines and Hedgerows

Take a trip down memory lane with the memoir from national TV treasure John Craven, as he recounts both the highs and lows of one of the longest entertaining careers in history, and the people and animals that have helped to shape it.

'Magical memoirs. A BBC legend. A broadcasting icon. The best bits from cub reporter to Countryfile' Daily Mail

He began by reading the front page of the evening newspaper in the kitchen to his mother and aunt.

Since then, he's spoken to the nation on the BBC almost every week for more than half a century and is one of the most-beloved broadcasters of our time.

Presenter of treasured programmes Newsround, Countryfile and Swap Shop, John brought us the headlines and breaking news of our childhood and later helped us discover the magic and wonder of the British countryside.

Now, in his first ever autobiography, he recounts a life in news, his childhood, the great impact that the absence of his father - held prisoner for three and a half years while fighting for his country - had on him. He writes too about the people, the major events - and, of course, the animals - that have shaped his life.

This is John Craven. And this is the story behind the man so many of us grew up watching on our television screens.

'A cracking read' Chris Evans

Reviews

Amusing and insightful. Thoroughly enjoyable