Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

One of the most popular authors writing today, Sir Terry Pratchett, is to deliver Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One's annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture on 1 February 2010.

This will be the 34th lecture held in honour of the veteran broadcaster who died in 1965.

The first novelist to give the lecture, Sir Terry Pratchett is the acclaimed creator of the bestselling Discworld series. The first Discworld novel, The Colour Of Magic, was published in 1983 and there are now 37 books in the series.

Regarded as a significant satirist, Pratchett has won numerous literary awards, was awarded an OBE in 1998, Knighted in 2009 and has received eight honorary doctorates. His novels have sold more than 65 million copies and have been translated into 37 languages.

In December 2007, he announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Since then, he has become Patron of The Alzheimer's Research Trust and has been closely involved in fundraising as well as making a sizeable donation to the charity himself.

In this keynote lecture, Shaking Hands With Death, Sir Terry Pratchett will explore how modern society, confronted with an increasingly older population, many of whom will suffer from incurable illnesses, will need to redefine how it deals with death.

Jay Hunt, Controller of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One, says: "I'm absolutely delighted that one of our most popular and best-loved authors has agreed to give this lecture. Sir Terry Pratchett has spoken with great bravery and honesty about his battle with Alzheimer's and I look forward to an intelligent and thought-provoking speech."

Other previous Richard Dimbleby lecturers include the Prince of Wales, Bill Clinton, Dame Stella Rimington and Dr Rowan Williams.

The lecture will be executive produced by Phil Dolling and the producer is Victoria Simpson.

EDA