The Archers is the longest-running radio serial in the world. This is a definitive account of how the programme was born and how it evolved, and includes behind-the-scenes dramas that listeners never heard, and the truth behind many rumours which have long puzzled Archers' addicts. What was the real reason why Grace Archer was killed in 1955? What happened to Doris Archer's secret sister? Why did radio chiefs complain about Dan Archer's indelicacies? What was the plot that nearly killed Peggy Archer? Who threatened resignation over Shula's sex life? Why was Princess Margaret unhappy at Grey Gables? The text is illustrated throughout and includes historic photographs specially taken by Picture Post's photographer Bert Hardy in 1950.