Robert Harris

Robert Harris returns to Books Of The Year to discuss his new novel, 'Precipice', with Simon and Matt. A new Robert Harris novel is always a big moment - and once again, he hasn't let us down! They chat about the extraordinary letters that were sent from Prime Minister H.H. Asquith to the woman he was besotted with, Venetia Stanley, and how that relationship changed the shape of government forever. 'Precipice' like many of Robert's novels is based on true events - and so these letters, and Asquith's love for Venetia Stanley, form the backbone of this book. He also discusses his research, 'The War Book' which he got to hold in the national archives - and what he thinks Asquith would have made of our current government.