The announcement that Bob Dylan has signed a six-book deal, and that Yoko Ono is close to signing John Lennon's letters over for publication inspired us to devote much of this week's podcast to the literature of rock.

We invited Kristin Hersh into the studio to discuss her new memoir of music and manic depression, and she treated us to an exclusive performance. We also talked to music writer Richard Williams about the history of the music biography and memoir, and whether collected lyrics can ever make good books of poetry.

Plus, in a week of prizes for poets, we hear from the winner of the Costa book of the year, Jo Shapcott, and listen in to a recital by the poets shortlisted for the TS Eliot prize, which was won by Derek Walcott. Since he was busy celebrating his 81st birthday in St Lucia, Daljit Nagra reads on his behalf
Reading list:
Paradoxical Undressing by Kristin Hersh (Atlantic)
White Egrets, by Derek Walcott (Faber)
Of Mutability by Jo Shapcott (Faber)

You can see more of Kristin Hersh on our video site: