James Herbert has now sold more than 16 million copies of his novels. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in the East End of London where his parents were street traders, his training at art college which led to a career in advertising, and The Rats, his first and successful attempt at writing when he was 28.

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

Favourite track: Morning (from Peer Gynt Suite No 1) by Edvard Grieg Book: Anthology including The History of Mr Polly by H G Wells Luxury: Grand piano