The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is the historian Professor Eric Hobsbawm. A life-long Communist and author of a series of books on the history of the 19th century which is regarded by many as a seminal work of scholarship, he has now turned his attention to the 20th century. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his views on the major historical events of the century, its future and his part in it.

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

Favourite track: Slow Grind by The Kenny Barron Trio

Book: Canto General by Pablo Neruda

Luxury: Binoculars