Robert Maxwell

Robert Maxwell was born in Czechoslovakia, the son of a peasant farmer. He arrived in Britain in September 1940, one of the remnants of the Czech Army that had escaped from occupied France. He subsequently became an MP and is now recognised as one of Britain's most formidable businessmen, his activities ranging from publishing to managing a first-division football team. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his remarkable career. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Summertime (from Porgy & Bess) by George Gershwin Book: A book on Plato Luxury: Chess computer game