Clare Balding

Clare Balding on Isle of Dogs

We are looking forward to welcoming presenter and journalist Clare Balding, who joins us this November in discussion of her latest book celebrating the joys of the animal kingdom, Isle of Dogs: A Canine Adventure Through Britain.

There's nothing the British love quite as much as their dogs. From hunting to our hearths, and from herding sheep to guiding humans, our dogs have accompanied us through centuries of change, and that special relationship is still evolving today. So, just what is it that makes our bond so special?

In this fascinating adventure across Britain, Clare Balding explores our unique heritage of canine tradition and meets just some of the many people who live, work and innovate with their dogs. From the mysteries of extinct breeds to the ancient dogs still thriving today, and adventuring from Battersea Dogs Home to Shetland via Buckingham Palace, we journey through the beloved canine story of our nation.

A tale of hard work, companionship and a great many long dog walks, Isle of Dogs is an unmissable read for anyone whose life has been transformed by a faithful hound.

Clare Balding is an award-winning presenter, writer and broadcaster who has been presenting sports on television since 1998, when she became synonymous with horse racing on the BBC. In addition she has presented Crufts; and hosts BBC Radio 4's walking series Ramblings. Her autobiography, My Animals and Other Family, was published in 2012 and won the National Book Award for biography of the year. Clare is also the author of Heroic Animals and the children's series The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop.