Sir Ernst Gombrich

The castaway on Desert Island Discs this week is art historian Sir Ernst Gombrich. His most famous book, The Story of Art, was written more than 40 years ago, yet it remains the world's most popular introduction to great artists and their work.

He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his life and work recalling his first impressions of England to which he came from Vienna in 1936, his time translating German propaganda broadcasts for the BBC during the Second World War and explaining why he prefers to help people appreciate art rather than own it himself.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Divertimento For Violin In E Flat by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Goethe's Poems by Johann Wolfgang Goethe Luxury: Bath tub with an endless supply of hot water