The Shipping Forecast

The rhythmic lullaby of `North Utsire, South Utsire' has been lulling the nation's insomniacs to sleep for over 90 years. It has inspired songs, poetry and imaginations across the globe - as well as providing a very real service for the nation's seafarers who might fall prey to storms and gales. In 1995, a plan to move the late-night broadcast by just 12 minutes caused a national outcry and was ultimately scrapped. Published with Radio 4 and the Met Office, The Shipping Forecast is the official miscellany for seafarers and armchair travellers alike. From the places themselves - how they got their names, what's happened there through the ages - to the poems and parodies that it's inspired, this is a beautifully evocative tribute to one of Britain's - and Radio 4's - best-loved broadcasts.