Rosemary Sutcliff began her career as a painter of miniatures and some of her work was shown at the Royal Academy. Since turning to writing, she has produced 43 books, most of which are historical novels for children. She particularly enjoys setting them in Roman Britain.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career, about the difficulties caused by arthritis since she was a child and she chooses the eight records that she would take to the mythical island.

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

Favourite track: The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Book: Kim by Rudyard Kipling
Luxury: Flowers delivered daily by bottle