What did Ackroyd say before publishing “Thames: sacred river”? — You might wish to watch the interview.

Conversations: Peter Ackroyd  with Krista Kaer (25 min)
DVD+CD with interview text

Peter Ackroyd, one of the most prolific contemporary writers, is interviewed by his translator Krista Kaer. He is a master of the historical novel and a biographer (Dickens, Blake, More and Shakespeare) whose concept of a wider family is far from ordinary. Born in 1949 in London – the city that has occupied a central place in almost all his writings – Ackroyd confesses that he owes London almost everything, in terms of personality and upbringing and also in terms of inspiration.

Ackroyd`s first success came with "The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde". While writing the book he realised that he had talent for historical narrative. In this unique interview the author explains about his readers` unflagging interest in history and biography. Ackroyd stresses the importance of knowing the history of one`s country. In conclusion, he suggests that the past fulfils the need for a religion and the process of time has the force of divinity.