1 9 7 9 – 1 9 8 9 (UK)
Yorkshire Television’s The Book Tower won many prizes and attracted much praise during its long run between 3 January 1979 and 30 May 1989.
Initially presented by Doctor Who star Tom Baker (1979–81), each episode explored one or more books, using dramatic presentations, with the aim of getting children interested in reading.
Later presenters included Stephen Moore (1982–83), Alun Armstrong (1984), Neil Innes (1985), Roger McGough (1986), Bernard Bresslaw (1987), and Timmy Mallett.
The theme tune, based on Paganini’s 24th Caprice, was taken from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s album Variations.
The opening sequence of the original tv series showed images of Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire.
Sadly, in a world of increasing commercial pressure, it did not survive.
