Broadcaster and historian Myles Dungan on his literary likes and influences

Myles Dungan is a broadcaster and historian. He presents The History Show on RTÉ Radio One and his weekly ‘On This Day’ column for Drivetime is in its second year. He is the author of numerous works on Irish and American history and holds a PHD from Trinity College, Dublin. Four Killings is his latest book

How did Four Killings first come to you?

Sitting on a couch in my living room with a laptop on my lap (where else?) looking at my granduncle’s Military Service Pensions Collection file, which had just gone online. When I came across an entry related to his War of Independence activities that read ‘Executed informer’ I almost spilled the laptop. That began a search that unearthed the other three killings of the title.

What is your favourite opening line of any novel?

‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife’ – at least I think that’s how it goes, typed from memory. It’s the delightfully peppery opening of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Is there a book from childhood that has stayed with you?

Indeed there is, and I had the great pleasure of reading Just William’s Luck by Richmal Crompton to my nine-year-old daughter Gwyneth recently, and of introducing her to all the William stories. William was the scamp I always wanted to be but, because of my overwhelming levels of conformity, never actually was. And then there was Winnie the Pooh…!

Which writers have most influenced you (and why)?

I came late to Terry Pratchett but have been making up for lost time since I discovered him about a decade ago. As someone who mostly reads for utilitarian purposes (often broadcast), it is such a pleasure to dive into his Discworld comic fantasy multiverse and just enjoy the pleasure of a rollicking hilarious satirical read. Terry always punched upwards, the only valid form of comic writing in my book.

Why do you write?

Not because I have anything hallowed or momentous to say, but just because I love storytelling. I’ve never very been good with my hands, couldn’t draw a conclusion, am a dreadful piano and guitar player, so fashioning a wellcrafted paragraph is my version of constructing an eye-catching (and functional) chair or table.

What is the one book you would have on that desert island?

It would have to be Catch-22. My Leaving Cert English teacher introduced me to it back in the (insert decade here!) and I don’t know how many times I have read it since. Because I’m a highly privileged sod who gets to interview fascinating people

I would even be carrying a personally signed copy onto the island with me. Eat your heart out Crusoe!