Michael Wood, sleeper trains and more

After host Sandi Toksvig talks to journalist Matthew Parris about the renovation of his medieval house in Catalonia, historian Michael Wood and novelist Susan Elderkin -- both graduates of the long distance school of rail travel -- join the conversation to look at the pros and cons of the wagon lit. Historian, broadcaster and presenter Michael Wood's most recent book is In Search of Myths and Heroes (BBC Books); his acclaimed television series have included Art of the Western World, Legacy, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great and Conquistadors; and, whilst his films have predominantly historical themes, there are also travel documentaries, including Great Railway Journeys of the World, River Journeys and The Sacred Way. Freelance journalist Susan Elderkin, author of Sunset Over Chocolate Mountains (Fourth Estate Ltd), and The Voices (Perennial), teaches on the MA in Creative Writing at Manchester University; she has travelled extensively in China, mostly on overnight train journeys. Journalist and writer Matthew Parris, author of A Castle in Spain (Viking) has published many books on travel and politics; his weekly column appears in The Times on Saturdays.