The pre-eminent quiz show that first gripped the nation in the 1970s returns for a new series, the first since 1997. Each week four contenders are interrogated on a chosen subject and general knowledge in the famous black chair by new host John Humphrys, who takes over from Magnus Magnusson.

John Humphrys tests four contestants on their chosen specialised subjects - Life and Times of Maximilien Robespierre; TV Series Blackadder; History of Victorian Britain 1837-1901; and Life and Films of Audrey Hepburn.

Four more contestants brave the spotlight to answer questions on specialist subjects and general knowledge. John Humphrys is the man asking the questions.

Four more contestants aiming to prove mastery of their specialist subjects brave John Humphrys 's black chair.

Four more contestants aiming to prove mastery of their specialist subjects brave John Humphrys's black chair.

Four more contestants brave John Humphrys 's black chair. Tonight's specialist subjects are British History post-1945, 20th-century Fashion, English and Scottish Racecourses and their Races, and the Academy Awards.

Four more contestants occupy the famous black chair as John Humphrys asks questions on English castles, British television comedy from 1970 to 1990, the flora and fauna of Great Britain and the folk band Fairport Convention.

The Simpsons, Emperor Nero, the Who and Laurie Lee are this evening's specialist subjects. John Humphrys quizzes four more contestants on the famous black chair.

The House of Godwin AD 1000-1066, the life and films of Grace Kelly, the life and work of chanteuse Dalida and World Cup cricket 1972-2003 are the specialist subjects as four more contestants brave the famous black chair and a barrage of questions from John Humphrys.

The religious works of Rembrandt van Rijn, BBC radio comedy 1940-1960, the fiction of Graham Greene 1938-1983 and Manic Street Preachers are the specialist subjects as four more contestants brave the famous black chair and probing questions from John Humphrys.

The Harry Potter films, English league football grounds since 1945, the songs of Randy Newman and romantic literature 1789-1830 are the specialist subjects as four contestants face probing questions from John Humphrys.

Red Dwarf, the life and works of Shostakovich, the life and works of Kingsley Amis, and the life and times of Florence Nightingale are tonight's specialist subjects as four more contestants face questions from John Humphrys.

The films of Alfred Hitchcock; the six wives of Henry the VIII; the history of video games; and the life of Benjamin Franklin are the specialist subjects in the first of the quarter-finals as four contestants face questions from John Humphrys.

The films of director Vincente Minnelli, the life and works of Dickens, boys' comics and papers 1940-1960 and the city of Buenos Aires are specialist subjects in the second of the quarter-finals. John Humphrys has the questions.

Lawrence of Arabia; the works of horror supremo Clive Barker; comedian Tony Hancock; and operetta writers Gilbert and Sullivan are the specialist subjects in tonight's third quarter-final. Hosted by John Humphrys.

Occupants of the famous black chair tackle abstruse questions on pop music of the 1980s; Monty Python; the War of the Roses; and children's books from 1860 to the present day. John Humphrys hosts the last quarter-final.

Salford's Lowry Centre hosts the grand final as four finalists brave the famous black chair and John Humphrys's rapid-fire questions on the life and works of Marc Chagall, international golfing 1970-2003, life and music of Jim Morrison and life and career of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The life and career of Joyce Grenfell, the RMS Titanic, the life and works of Gustav Mahler and world heavyweight boxing championships 1895-1978 are the specialist subjects as the celebrated quiz returns for a new run. John Humphrys invites the contestants to take the lonely walk to the black chair.

The black chair beckons another four contestants as John Humphrys fires questions on the life and times of president Warren G Harding, the Test career of Geoffrey Boycott, the series Doctor Who and the novels of Tom Sharpe.

The quiz's new nightly run continues. The life and music of George Gershwin, western Europe in the Dark Ages AD 400-800, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and US manned space flights 1961-1975 are the specialist subjects of tonight's four first-round contestants braving the black chair. John Humphrys asks the questions.

The life and films of Maureen O'Hara, punk and new-wave music 1976-1979, the history of Halifax rugby league football club and classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses form the diverse range of specialist subjects facing the quartet of contestants on tonight's first-round heat of the classic quiz. Presented by John Humphrys.

The week of back-to-back rounds concludes as four more contestants face rapid-fire questions from John Humphrys on the subjects of the fantasy novels of Andre Norton, the Tour de France, the works of satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer and the history of the Jewish East End of London.

The history of European Cupfinals since 1970, the life and times of Emma Hamilton, the music of Elvis Costello and the fiction novels of Michael Crichton are the specialist subjects in tonight's first-round clash. John Humphrys invites the contestants to step up to the black chair.

The life and works of Russian expressionist artist Vasili Kandinsky, Anthony Powell's A Dance to the Music of Time series of novels, the history of world outdoor athletics championships, and David, the second king of Israel comprise the varied range of specialist subjects chosen by the contestants in tonight's first-round heat.

With question master John Humphrys.

Four more intrepid contestants reach the infamous black chair, with John Humphrys asking quick-fire questions on the history of the European Union, Susan Coolidge's What Katy Did novels, the TV series Star Trek: the Next Generation and the history of Manchester United Football Club.

The history of Essex county cricket club, British tank development from 1915, the life and music of Paul McCartney and British mammals form the eclectic group of subjects chosen by tonight's four contestants in another first-round heat of the classic quiz. Presented by John Humphrys.

The second week of back-to-back first-round heats concludes as four more contestants face rapid-fire questions from John Humphrys. Their chosen specialised subjects are the novels of Frederick Forsyth, the life and films of Marilyn Monroe, the life and works of Edward Elgar, and the 1981 Ashes Test series.

The department of Guadeloupe and its dependencies; the Moody Blues; the life and work of 19th-century fossil collector Mary Anning; and aircraft carriers from 1912 are tonight's subjects. John Humphrys asks the questions.

The history of 11th-century England, the television comedy drama Auf Wiedersehen Pet, the life and works of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, and the life and music of Rod Stewart are tonight's subjects. John Humphrys asks the questions.

The history of the Second World War, the films of Gregory Peck, the history of Plymouth Argyle football club and instruments of the symphony orchestra are tonight's diverse subjects. John Humphrys asks the questions.

The life and works of Vaughan Williams; the life and career of Sir George Cayley; the legends of King Arthur; and the M*A*S*H TV series are tonight's diverse subjects. John Humphrys is the man with all the answers.

The brave quartet in the black chair tonight will be facing questions on the life and works of Titian, Steve Coogan's failed broadcaster Alan Partridge, the history of football's World Cup 1930-2002 and Boswell and Johnson's tours of the Hebrides. John Humphrys is the man with the answers.

Another four contestants brave the lonely walk to the forbidding black chair. Tonight's specialist subjects are the life and reign of Richard III, the history of Burnley Football Club, Homer's Odyssey and the films of Billy Wilder. John Humphrys is the man with the answers.

British top 30 hit singles 1960-1989, the life and works of Cesar Franck, the films of Satyajit Ray and the life and reign of Queen Victoria are tonight's diverse subjects. John Humphrys is the man with all the answers.

Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot murder-mysteries, film dramatisations of Bram Stoker's gothic novel Dracula, the Battle of Britain, and the life and music of Buddy Holly are the specialist subjects. John Humphrys asks the questions.

Cole Porter, the Duke of Wellington, the first two series of sci-fi drama Babylon 5, and photographer Ansel Adams are the specialist subjects. John Humphrys is the interrogator.

The life and works of Wilfred Owen, unicorns, Alexander the Great, and the life and works of Ludwig Wittgenstein are tonight's specialist subjects. John Humphrys invites four contestants to step up to the forbidding black chair.

A broad range of eras are represented, as the contestants face questions on Victorian Britain, British pop music of the 1950s, the journeys of St Paul from the New Testament's Acts and the films of Sergio Leone. With John Humphrys.

A broad range of subjects are represented, as contestants face questions on the life and works of Offenbach, British films of the 1960s, the life and times of Arbella Stuart and wild cats of the world. Hosted by John Humphrys.

Capital punishment in the UK since 1945, the history of the rugby union world cup, the life and films of John Belushi and the history of the Birmingham Royal Ballet are the topics on which John Humphrys grills the four contestants.

The history of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the band XTC, the life and work of George Hudson and the history of Moscow are the topics. Hosted by John Humphrys.

Fawlty Towers, British prime ministers of the 20th century, the life and works of poet Robert Fergusson and English civil wars 1642-1651 are the specialist subjects in the first of six semi-finals. John Humphrys has the questions.

The life and reign of King Charles II, the Conservative government of John Major 1992-1997, the life and work of Albert Einstein and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio series and books are the specialist subjects in the second of six semi-finals. John Humphrys has the questions.

Historical buildings of England, the 1879 Zulu War, British murders and murderers 1850-1950 and The Adventures of Tintin by Herge are the specialist subjects in the third of six semi-finals. John Humphrys has the questions.

The life and reign of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the novels of Margery Allingham, the life and work of Erwin Schrodinger and British popular music from 1972-1984 are the eclectic range of specialist subjects in the fourth of six semi-finals. John Humphrys has the questions.

The history of Manchester City Football Club, the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, the history of Babylonia 2000-539 BC and the US presidential elections 1940-2000 are the specialist subjects in the fifth of six semi-finals. John Humphrys hosts.

In the last of six semi-finals, contestants put their knowledge of Scottish infantry regiments, the history of Liverpool, the life and works of composer Orlande de Lassus and the England football team to the test. John Humphrys asks the questions.

From 96 original contenders, six remain and tonight just one will walk away with the title of Mastermind 2004. Specialist subjects are American presidents of the 20th century, FA Cup finals since 1970, Homer's Iliad, British pop music of the 1960s, the life and reign of Elizabeth I and English Test cricket since 1877. John Humphrys asks the questions.

The forbidding black chair beckons as the evergreen general-knowledge quiz returns. What weird and wonderful subjects will the four contestants choose? John Humphrys asks the questions.

The life and works of Benjamin Britten and Sylvia Plath , aircraft of the First World War and the travels of Michael Palin are tonight's four specialist subjects. John Humphrys asks the questions.

From philosophy to film, pilots to pop stars, tonight's diverse range of subjects are the Pre-Socratics, the life and films of Judy Garland , the Royal Air Force 1939-1945 and the Beatles. With John Humphrys.

Contestants field questions from John Humphrys on the French Revolution 1789-1794, the life and novels of George Eliot , the history of the World

Chess championship and the Trumptonshire Trilogy of Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley.

The specialist subjects are the Age of the Welsh Princes 800-1283, the life and career of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry, the Swallows and Amazons novels of Arthur Ransome and orchestral film scores 1933-1980. John Humphrys asks the questions.

Tonight's specialist subjects include the Horatio Hornblower novels of CS Forester, English international rugby union since 1990, the life and works of artist Stanley Spencer and English silver 1478-1837. Presented by John Humphrys.

British political history 1905-2004, the life and career of Muhammad Ali , the musicals of Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Conan Doyle 's

Sherlock Holmes are the specialist subjects. John Humphrys puts the questions to the black chair's occupants.

Plays, poetry, piety and pictures all feature, as the contenders demonstrate their knowledge of the life and works of Dylan Thomas , the Old Testament, the films of Clint Eastwood and the life and works of Guillaume Apollinaire. With John Humphrys.

Contestants answer questions on Henry VIII , Emily Bronte , opera singer Andrea Bocelli and locomotive pioneer Richard Trevithick. With John Humphrys.

The Clash, the libretti of WS Gilbert , the history of spirits and liqueurs and Ancient Egypt 1570-1070 BC are the specialist subjects. With John Humphrys.

The series returns after a six-week break with a varied mix of specialist subjects: the Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871, the plays of Noël Coward, World

Snooker championships from 1977 and the life and novels of J.R.R. Tolkien. Host John Humphrys invites the contestants to occupy the forbidding black chair.

Tonight's varied mix of specialist subjects are: the life and career of political economist and reformer

Henry Fawcett , TV sitcom Dinnerladies, the life and work of TE Lawrence, and the literary associations of Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Lake District. John Humphrys fires the questions at the occupants of the forbidding black chair.

Tonight's varied mix of specialist subjects are: the Harrier and other vertical take-off and landing aircraft; Chequers, the incumbent prime minister's grand country residence in Buckinghamshire; the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett ; and rock giants the Who. John Humphrys fires the questions.

Specialist subjects for the contestants are the life and career of American president

Lyndon B Johnson , the Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1658, 1, Claudius, and the Just William books by Richmal Crompton. John Humphrys poses the questions.

It's bonnets to ballroom dancing as contestants are quizzed on the novels of Jane Austen, naked eye astronomy in Britain, the American Civil War 1861-1865 and the musical films of Fred Astaire.

John Humphrys asks the questions.

Specialist subjects for the quartet of contestants are the Labour government 1974-79, the life and work of comic songwriters Flanders and Swann, the ecclesiastical calendar and the Manchester music scene from 1976 until 1991. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects are the life and novels of Raymond Chandler , pop group the Go-Betweens, the ex-leader of the Labour Party Hugh Gaitskell , and the films of Hollywood star Bruce Willis. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects for the quartet of contestants are the life and work of Marie Curie , Ireland during the Second World War, the novels of Raymond Zazie dans le Metro Queneau and the history plays of Shakespeare.

John Humphrys fires the questions.

Specialist subjects tonight are the life and times of Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1788), the work of Edward Hopper , 20th-century Parliamentary scandals, and the life of Nancy Mitford. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects are the life and reign of Louis XI of France, the stage plays of Tom Stoppard , cult 60s series The Prisoner, and the life and work of composer Frederick Delius. With John Humphrys.

Another typically wide-ranging selection of specialist subjects includes the life and work of Sir Peter Scott , national flags, Test cricket since and TV sitcom The Good Life. With John Humphrys.

Tonight's specialist subjects are the life and work of composer Giacomo Puccini , the novels of Sebastian Faulks , European nobility in the 16th century, and the classic sitcom Dad's Army. With John Humphrys.

Igor Stravinsky , ice dance, Lord Randolph Churchill (the father of Winston) and Status Quo are tonight's specialist subjects. Presented by John Humphrys.

The life and career of Bishop John William Colenso, the Anne novels of LM Montgomery, European birds and the work of Galton and Simpson are tonight's specialist subjects. Presented by John Humphrys.

City churches of Sir Christopher Wren , the Sword of Honour trilogy, life and work of George Eastman and the life and films of James Stewart are the subjects as the second round heats begin. With John Humphrys

The partnership of Rogers and Hammerstein, the history and culture of the Maya, rock group Queen, and the literary work of Lewis Carroll are the topics in this second-round heat. With John Humphrys.

Britain's first abstract art movement, Vorticism; pleasure piers of the English seaside: the life and work of novelist Elizabeth Smart: and sitcom One Foot in the Grave, are the topics in this second-round heat.

The life and work of Diego Velazquez , Pink Floyd , the life and work of George Crabbe and wines of the Loire Valley are the topics in this second-round heat.

The role of Garibaldi in the Italian Unification, The Archers since 1970, the science-fiction novels of Arthur C Clarke, and rivers of Britain and Ireland are specialist subjects in the first of the semi-finals.

The life and work of physicist Niels Bohr, the "Culture" novels of lain M Banks, the life and career of Warwick the Kingmaker and the life and films of Barbara Stanwyck are the specialist subjects in the second semi-final.

It's the climax to this year's contest that, over the past few months, saw 96 contenders whittled down to just six. John Humphrys has the questions.

The forbidding black chair awaits its next nervous occupants as the demanding quiz returns for its 30th season.

Tonight's quartet of contenders will be answering questions on a typically eclectic mix of specialist subjects - the history of US submarines, Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern books, the Blackadder TV comedy series and the life and works of Ivor Novello. John Humphrys asks the questions and delivers the verdicts.

The forbidding black chair awaits its next nervous occupants. The quartet of contenders tonight will be grilled for two minutes on the history of American jazz, 17th-century English radicals Gerrard Winstanley and the Diggers, the cult supernatural TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the life and times of medieval monarch Eleanor of Aquitaine. John Humphrys asks the questions and delivers the verdicts.

The black chair awaits another quartet of contestants. Specialist subjects are Verdi's operas, Inspector Morse, Anne Boleyn and the locomotives of Sir Nigel Gresley. John Humphrys is quizmaster.

Specialist subjects tonight are the Marlow family books by Antonia Forest, India v Pakistan Test cricket, British dreadnoughts, and Star Wars films episodes IV-VI. John Humphrys is quizmaster.

Specialist subjects are mountaineering in the UK; US military aircraft of the Second World War; Ian Rankin's Rebus novels; and the life and career of Michael Schumacher. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects are the history and geography of enclaves and exclaves; the life and works of Caravaggio; British TV sitcoms 1970-1990; and the films of David Cronenberg. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects are the life and films of Cary Grant, reformation in England 1500-1600, British track and field athletics, and the life and works of Friedrich Nietzsche. Hosted by John Humphrys.

Another eclectic mix of specialist subjects includes the history of metal mining in Britain, Kettle's Yard and its artists, the life and films of Lindsay Anderson and the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. With John Humphrys.

Another eclectic mix of specialist subjects features the films of Stanley Kubrick, Anglo-Scottish warfare, the life and music of David Bowie and cricket's Bodyline Ashes tour of 1932/3. John Humphrys hosts.

The specialist subjects tonight are the history of the crossword, civic heraldry of the Russian Empire, the life and work of the Venerable Bede, and the history of London Zoo. John Humphrys has the questions.

Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition aboard the Endurance, the life and works of W. Eugene Smith, the California sound 1965-1975 and the history of forensic science are tackled. With John Humphrys.

The American Revolution 1775-1783 and the lives and careers of Sir Richard Goodwin Keats, Bette Davis, and Douglas Adams are tackled. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects tonight comprise 20th-century Liechtenstein, the life and work of singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen, the Titanic, and the life of pioneering nurse Mary Seacole. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects tonight comprise NBA (National Basketball Association) finals from 1985 to 2005, Napoleonic Wars 1796-1815, and the life and work of both author Nevil Shute and film-maker/actor Woody Allen. John Humphrys has the questions.

Specialist subjects tonight comprise the life and work of acclaimed Argentinian writer and critic Jorge Luis Borges, the history and culture of Arabic dance, Charlton Athletic Football Club and the history of firearms from the 12th to the 18th century.

Tonight's eclectic range of specialist subjects comprises the philosophy of existentialism, the Little Women novels by Louisa May Alcott, the life and work of Gwen John and mod rockers the Jam. John Humphrys asks questions on these and general knowledge.

Brain-boxes in the black chair are quizzed on the life and work of Hunter S Thompson, Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds, the life and career of Kenneth Williams and the history of the Academy Awards.

Specialist subjects tonight comprise venomous snakes, the life of British naval officer and colonial governor Robert FitzRoy, Henry Reed's Hilda Tablet plays and World Cup football from 1930 to 2002.

Prehistoric art up to 8,000 BC, the novels of Charles Dickens, the life and music of Edith Piaf, and the life and films of James Dean, are tonight's specialist head-scratchers. John Humphrys is the inquisitor.

The political and physical geography of Europe, the rock band Ash, 15th-century Florentine ruler Lorenzo de Medici, and the life and career of darts player John Lowe, are tonight's specialist subjects.

The history of the modern marathon, Dawn French's show The Vicar of Dibley, the life and times of Anne Frank, and Middle Egyptian literature are the black chair bafflers. John Humphrys is the inquisitor.

Croatian geography, George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman novels, the life and films of Powell and Pressburger and the life and career of Winston Churchill are tonight's specialist subjects.

Tackling the history of the Hammer films 1945-1983, the Little House novels by Laura Ingalls, the British motorcycle industry from 1945 to 1985 and the Rolling Stones. With John Humphrys.

Contestants opt for the band REM, the Roger Brook novels of Dennis Wheatley, the Summer Olympics from 1896 to the present day, and the life and career of Ernesto "Che" Guevara. With John Humphrys.

Fascist propagandist William Joyce, the Sandman graphic novels of Neil Gaiman, the Nobel Prize and the novels of Jilly Cooper are tonight's specialist subjects. John Humphrys asks the questions.

John Humphrys asks questions on M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin thrillers, the life and gospel of St Mark, the history of cryptography and code breaking and the life and music of Ian Dury.

Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot novels, German anarchist Gustav Landauer, rock band Led Zeppelin and the writings of HP Lovecraft make up tonight's eclectic range of specialisms. With John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects include Hercule Poirot novels of Agatha Christie, Gustav Landauer, Led Zeppelin and the fiction of HP Lovecraft. With John Humphrys.

The Bernard Samson novels of Len Deighton, the life and music of Stevie Wonder, the life and reign of Elizabeth I, and the Reginald Perrin novels and TV shows of David Nobbs comprise another eclectic range of specialist subjects. With John Humphrys.

The final batch of semi-finalists answer questions on the Regency novels of Georgette Heyer, the work of physician Edward Jenner, the career of former US president Andrew Jackson, and boxing heavyweight championship fights since 1950. With John Humphrys.

The remaining six contenders, whittled down from 96, answer questions on the life of painter Thomas Girtin, Margaret Mitchell and Gone with the Wind, King Edward VII, the life and fictional works of Albert Camus, television series Porridge and Going Straight, and the Ottoman Empire 1878-1924. With John Humphrys.

Four contestants answer questions on the famous black chair. Tonight's specialised subjects include Tottenham Hotspur FC, The Alan Clark Diaries, the electric guitar and the medieval abbeys and priories of England. With John Humphrys.

John Humphrys poses questions on French political history from 1815-1914, composer Gustav Holst, Harrison Ford films and Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.

John Humphrys poses questions on mountaineer Chris Bonington , Thomas Harris 's Hannibal Lecter novels, Kett's Rebellion and the life and music of Tom Lehrer.

John Humphrys poses testing questions on Peter Cook , Claude Monet , Errol Flynn and Edward VI.

Subjects include the first duke of Wellington, Stephen King novels, Johannes Kepler and The West Wing.

Tonight's specialised subjects include Henry Ford, German wines, Jennifer Aniston and Frida Kahlo.

Subjects include the battle of Gettysburg, Mario Lanza , Dante's Divine Comedy and Sir Edwin Lutyens

Tonight's specialist subjects are The Royle Family the life and music of Dimitri Tiomkin ; RF Delderfield's Swann novels and the life of Richard Nixon.

Tonight's specialised subjects are Peter Gabriel and Genesis, author David Eddings , inventor Barnes Wallis and snakes. With John Humphrys.

The specialist subjects this week are the University Boat Race, the novels of Evelyn Waugh , English coronations since 1066 and the life of Bob Marley.

This week's subjects are the life and work of William Thomson , Round the Home, the history of Tamla Motown and the career of chess player Alexander Alekhine.

Specialist subjects this week include the life and career of Frank Sinatra , Dorothy L Sayers 's Lord Peter Wimsey books and Polish history between AD 960 and 1696.

Tonight's specialist subjects are British Top 20 singles of the 1970s, The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency novels by Alexander McCall Smith , Hornby Railway and Joe Jackson and the Black Sox scandal of 1919.

Specialist subjects include Irish history 1916-1923, heavy metal band Iron Maiden, life and works of John Piper and the world war series of novels by Harry Turtledove.

This week's specialist subjects are the life and work of Joe Orton , American independent cinema, trees of the British Isles and Chelsea Football Club.

This week's specialist subjects are the life and work of Joe Orton, American independent cinema, trees of the British Isles and Chelsea Football Club.

Tonight's specialist subjects are the naval career of Nelson and Collingwood, the life and works of Primo Levi, the English pop band Erasure, and the life and career of Sir Richard Attenborough.

Tonight's subjects are the life and music of Johnny Cash, the development of photography since 1900, the life and works of Rene Magritte and ships of the Royal Navy from 1945 to 2007.

Specialist subjects are the life and career of politician Charles James Fox, the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association, real ale breweries of Britain and the life and works of writer Marcel Proust.

Tonight's subjects are the Adrian Mole novels by Sue Townsend, the works of French playwright Moliere, the history of sound recording from 1887 to 1925 and European female painters up until 1900.

Specialist subjects are the Anglo-Boer War, US soul group the Temptations, the Cotton Nero manuscript and Scottish monarchs from 843 to 1371.

As the contest reaches the semi-finals, specialist subjects are British butterflies, the life of Franz Kafka , 1985 TV drama Edge of Darkness and Red Clydeside 1914-1939, an era of political radicalism in Glasgow.

Contestants compete for a place in the Grand Final. Today's specialist subjects are: the novels of Joanne Harris , the Cricket World Cup, the life of Mary Tudor and the life and career of Robert Clive - also known as Clive of India. John Humphrys hosts.

In the final first-round heat, the specialist subjects are Punch magazine, the life of Kurt Cobain , the novels of Thomas Love Peacock , and TV series Survivors.

As the competition reaches the semi-final stage, specialist subjects are British butterflies, the life and work of writer Franz Kafka , cult 1985 TV drama Edge of Darkness and Red Clydeside 1914-1939, an era of political radicalism in Glasgow. With John Humphrys.

With another place in the final up for grabs, tonight's specialist subjects are the novels of Joanne Harris , the Cricket World Cup, Mary Tudor and the life of Robert Clive - aka Clive of India.

Specialist subjects are the life and career of Bobby Charlton , the Roman Republic to 43 BC, the life and poetry of Wilfrid Owen and the spoof TV programme The Day Today. John Humphrys asks the questions.

With another place in the final up for grabs, specialist subjects comprise the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs, the life and work of Italian painter Botticelli, folk/rock group Steeleye Span , and film director Sam Peckinpah. Hosted by John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects in this semi-final are the novels of Jasper Fforde , the horror films of Val Lewton , the Battle of the Somme and the life of the Prince Regent.

Specialist subjects in the last semi-final are the Barsetshire novels of Anthony Trollope ; Mary, Queen of Scots: American Civil War general William Sherman ; and the Poldark novels of Winston Graham.

The grand final of the quiz where specialist subjects are the history of Venice, actor Steve McQueen, the D-Day landings, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, London Bridge and the Godfather trilogy. With John Humphrys.

New series John Humphrys quizzes on Simon Raven, Newcastle United, Edward IV and Laurence Olivier.

Specialisms tonight are Billy the Kid, the Short Stories of Saki, the Great Western Railway and the films of John Carpenter. With John Humphrys.

John Humphrys asks about Noor Inayat-Khan, Ferdinand Magellan, Edith Wharton and Mods

Questions on the late Stuart age, Steely Dan, boxer Joe Frazier and Robert Parker's Spenser novels.

John Humphrys asks questions on subjects including Arthur Conan Doyle's Challenger novels.

Specialist subjects this week include Rasputin, the Gospels of the New Testament, and West Indies Test cricket. John Humphrys asks the questions.

John Humphrys poses the questions as four contestants test their specialist knowledge of Stax Records, the Romney Marsh novels of Monica Edwards, German battleship the Bismarck and the Welsh castles of Edward I.

Specialist subjects include Scottish mathematician James Clerk Maxwell and the Mitford sisters.

Tonight's specialist topics include the Harry Palmer novels and folk singer Tom Paxton.

Tonight's specialist topics comprise the Victoria Cross, chess player Bobby Fischer, the Le Mans 24-hour race, and the life of Thomas Cochrane.

Tonight's specialist subjects include the Coventry blitz and the Merthyr Rising of 1831.

Specialist topics comprise the cricketer Ian Botham, the Munros of Scotland, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the James Bond novels by Ian Fleming.

Topics tonight include rare breeds of British farm animals, Ghenghis Khan and Gothic architecture.

Topics comprise WC Fields, Jonathan Creek, Tacitus and the life and career of Keith Moon.

Tonight's four specialist subjects are the Ashes series of 1902, AE Housman, British punk rock and the Trans-Siberian Railway. With John Humphrys.

Tonight's specialist subjects are the Peninsular War, pop singer Morrissey, the history of Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex, and the Great Fire of London. John Humphrys asks the questions.

Tonight's specialist subjects are actor Sidney Poitier, British Trotskyism, number one hit singles, and the life and career of model and actress Edie Sedgwick. John Humphrys asks the questions.

John Humphrys presents the general knowledge quiz, in which the specialist subjects tonight are the history of Chester Zoo, the Father Brown stories, Edward Carson and Tony Hancock.

Tonight's four specialist subjects are John Wesley, Seinfeld, Kazimir Malevich and the Wars of the Roses. John Humphrys poses the questions.

Specialist subjects are the Battle of Coronel and the Falklands War, British birds, sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and Anglo-Saxon kings 871-1016.

In the first semi-final John Humphrys asks questions on Scott's last expedition, Blake's 7, the School stories of PG Wodehouse and the Popish Plot.

Tonight's specialist subjects are Jackie Stewart, the novels of Wendy Holden, Honore de Balzac and Kraftwerk. John Humphrys poses the questions.

Tonight's specialist subjects are the novels of George Orwell, musician Gram Parsons, Italian politics and composer Dmitri Shostakovich.

Tonight's subjects are the Battle of Coronel and the Falklands War, British birds, sculptor Barbara Hepworth , and Anglo-Saxon kings from 871 to 1016.

In tonight's semi-final the specialised subjects are Scott's last expedition, cult TV series Blake's 7, the School stories of PG Wodehouse and the Popish Plot

Four contenders compete for a place in the final.

Tonight's specialist subjects comprise film director Fritz Lang, tennis legend Billie Jean King, Private Eye magazine and the life and work of Robert Maxwell.

Tonight's specialist subjects for the four semi-finalists comprise the Bonaparte dynasty, former prime minister Herbert Asquith, glam rock band Slade and the life and writings of Gilbert White. With John Humphrys

Tonight's specialist subjects for the four semi-finalists comprise the life and works of Mozart, the ghost stories of MR James, planets of the solar system and Norwich City FC. Presented by John Humphrys.

Specialist subjects in the fifth semi-final are Doctor Who in the 1970s, former US president John F Kennedy, singer/songwriter Billy Bragg and the Montalbano novels of Andrea Camilleri. John Humphrys hosts.

Tonight's specialist subjects are poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, the life of Paddy Mayne, Northampton Town FC and the life and work of Alfred Russel Wallace.

Six contenders battle it out to be crowned champion. Their specialist subjects comprise the Lewis and Clark expedition across America, Britain between the wars, Russian novels from 1831 to 1894, songwriting partnership Rodgers and Hart, the Ryder Cup and American presidents of the 19th century. Presented by John Humphrys.

The general knowledge series returns for the 32nd time. Tonight's topics comprise the life and works of Louis Wain, the Greeks in Sicily from to 212 BC, the Sherlock Holmes films of Basil Rathbone and the life of Kurt Vonnegut. With John Humphrys.

Topics comprise Apple Records, fictional works of Paul Auster , the life of Maximilien Robespierre , and world heavyweight boxing champions from 1882 to 1929.

Topics tonight are the history of the George Cross, the documentary series The Ascent of Man, the first Latin kingdom of Jerusalem and former PM Clement Attlee.

Tonight's topics are the life and work of Oscar Wilde, Germanic languages, the history of jazz music 1917-30 and the life and films of Akira Kurosawa.

Tonight's subjects are the life and films of Groucho Marx, the novels of Dorothy Whipple, the Battle of Britain and the life and work of Thomas Arnold.

Topics comprise the Cazalet books of Elizabeth Jane Howard, the life and times of John Hume, Egyptology, and British New Wave cinema of the 1960s.

Topics tonight are the life and work of Paul Nash, the films of Tim Burton, ancient Greece from to 323BC and the life and work of Paul Dirac

Topics tonight are the life and career of Bill Hicks , the Mont Blanc massif, George Frideric Handel , and the life and work of Isaiah Berlin. With John Humphrys.

Topics are British indie music 1979-89, the life and work of Leonhard Euler, Graham Greene's short stories and transatlantic ocean liners from 1907 to the present day.

Topics tonight are Richard III, the life and times of Morihei Ueshiba, the Chartist movement and the life and work of Edouard Manet. With John Humphrys.

Tonight's specialist subjects comprise British female cabinet ministers, angels, the Stone of Destiny and the Birdcage novels of Victor Canning.

Subjects are the NFL 1920-74, Henry VII, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels and Aberdeen architecture since 1800.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the islands of Micronesia, the life and music of Johnnie Ray, and the London borough of Wandsworth.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, Caesar's Gallic Wars, the life and works of Ayn Rand and Florence during the Renaissance 1400-1550.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are the life and music of Lou Reed, Carl Gustaf Mannerheim, classical Greek mythology and the life and times of Martin Nadaud.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are the work of Gerry Anderson, the Summer Olympics 1968 - 1988, the life and work of Sir John Everett Millais and the life of Mustafa 'Ataturk' Kemal.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are the novels of Stan Barstow, the history of Portmeirion, motorcycles of the 1950s and the history of Lords Cricket Ground.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are TV westerns of the 50s and 60s, the life and work of Tolkien, the government of Gough Whitlam 1972 -1975, and the life and career of Dixie Dean.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are Charles Darwin, the life and works of Francis Poulenc, the history of mountaineering on Everest and the break-up of Yugoslavia.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are the life and career of Sir Alex Ferguson, 17th-century English history, Star Trek Voyager and the life and worlds of Edward Elgar.

Host John Humphrys invites four contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The specialist subjects are the life and career of Lester Piggott, the Weimar Republic, the life and trials of Edward Marshall Hall and the life and films of Preston Sturges.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Four more contenders are questioned on their specialist subject and general knowledge. Subjects are: the life and times of Robert Peel, Gertrude Jekyll, the Child Ballads and the life and work of Baudelaire.

Host John Humphrys asks the questions as four contenders take the walk to the black chair. The specialist subjects are Victorian and Edwardian poisoners, the life and music of Lead Belly, the life and work of Bishop John Robinson and the Football World Cup 1930-1958.

Host John Humphrys asks the questions as four contenders take the walk to the black chair. The specialist subjects are the films of Billy Wilder, the Nuremberg Trials, Charles II and the fictional works of CS Lewis.

The subjects are: The Lord Peter Wimsey Novels of Dorothy L Sayers; The Anglo-American War 1812-1815; Hindu Gods and Goddesses; The Life and Work of Cecil Sharp; and the TV Series The Wire.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Five contenders battle it out for a place in the grand final. Subjects are the history of the British Army 1660-1914, the life and music of Burt Bacharach, Dance to the Music of Time novels by Anthony Powell, Ealing Studios 1838-1959 and the London and North Eastern Railway.

John Humphrys puts five contenders through their paces. At stake is a place in the grand final. The subjects are: the life and career of Ayrton Senna, the Jeeves and Wooster novels of PG Wodehouse, broadway stage musicals 1927-present, the life and work of Alan Moore, and the the life and reign of James VI and I.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Five contenders battle it out for a place in the grand final. Subjects are the life and times of Sir Walter Raleigh, TV series Ever Decreasing Circles, the Sharpe novels of Bernard Cornwell, British hit singles of the 1960s and the life and reign of Henry VIII.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Five contenders battle it out for a place in the grand final. The subjects are William the Conquerer, the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the history of glam rock, the Manhattan Project, and Robert the Bruce.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Five contenders try to claim the one remaining grand final place.

The subjects are the life and work of Antoni Gaudi, British history 1815-1914, the Pliocene and Galactic Milieu novels of Julian May, the films of Powell and Pressburger and the life and reign of Henry VI.

John Humphrys asks the questions as six contenders battle it out to become the nation's Mastermind in the series grand final. The subjects are: Hollywood in the 1980s; the granddaughters of Queen Victoria; Liverpool Anglican cathedral, English cricket's county championship since 1960; the general strike of 1926; and 17th century Venetian opera.

Britain's toughest quiz returns for a new series. Host John Humphrys invites four contestants to answer questions in the black chair, first on their chosen specialist subject and then on general knowledge in their quest to become the nations's Mastermind.

The hunt for the nation's Mastermind continues. John Humphrys quizzes four more contenders on their specialist subject and their general knowledge. Subjects are the television series To the Manor Born, the life and career of Lance Armstrong, Napoleon's marshals, and the life and works of Charles Ives.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. Topics are the Tudor monarchy, the travelogues of Michael Palin, postage stamps of the 19th century and Belle and Sebastian.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. Topics are the Academy Awards, the life of Bertrand Russell, the life and career of Vivienne Westwood, and Julius Caesar.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. Topics are sharks, Leeds United - the Don Revie years, Louis XIV of France and the Manic Street Preachers.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Four more contenders are questioned on their specialist subject and general knowledge. Topics are: The Life and Works of Charles M Schulz; The 2nd Ranger Battalion in World War Two; The Plays of Tennessee Williams; and UK Prog Rock 1968-1978.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Four more contenders are questioned on their specialist subject and general knowledge.

Topics are the football World Cup finals 1970-2006, the TV plays of Alan Bennett, Bletchley Park and U2.

John Humphrys hosts Britain's toughest quiz. Four more contenders are questioned on their specialist subject and general knowledge.

Topics are: the Hannibal Lecter novels of Thomas Harris, the history of Alcatraz, the Carry On films and The Beatles.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. Topics are the solar system, the life and career of Andy Kaufman, the Scottish Covenanters and the Byrds.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. The subjects are: the life and films of Marlon Brando, the history of the Tour De France, the life and works of Ralph Reader and 20th-century American presidents.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. The subjects are: the life and career of Richard Pryor, the Louie Knight novels of Malcolm Pryce, the Grand National since 1960 and the life and works of Robert Doisneau.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. The subjects are: the life and career of Richard Pryor, the Louie Knight novels of Malcolm Pryce, the Grand National since 1960 and the life and works of Robert Doisneau.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt continues for the nation's Mastermind. Subjects tonight are: Mott the Hoople, the life of Robert Baden-Powell, the geography of South America, and Rameses II.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt continues for the nation's Mastermind. The subjects are: History of the SAS; Novels of Evelyn Waugh; Formula 1, 1960-1980; and Life and Films of Charlie Chaplin.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt continues for the nation's Mastermind. Subjects in this edition are: The War Memoirs of Spike Milligan, The Life and Times of Mark Antony, The Life of Lillie Langtry and The History of the Henley Royal Regatta.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt for the nation's Mastermind continues. Subjects in this edition are the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan; Burgess and MacLean; the life and works of Lewis Carroll; the life and career of Nikola Tesla.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are the films of Alfred Hitchcock, the life and works of John Hunter, the Harry Potter books and the Welsh settlement of Patagonia.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are the life and works of John Steinbeck, Iron Maiden, the life of Mahatma Gandhi and English First Division football of the 1970s.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Topics include the life and works of Armistead Maupin, prehistoric Orkney, the films of Michael Mann, and the Finnish Winter War.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Topics are: the Witches of Pendle, the England Football Team in the World Cup, the life and music of Gary Numan, and Operation Barbarossa.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Topics are: The Avengers and New Avengers TV series, the Romanov Dynasty, the history of the London Underground, and Scottish malt whiskies.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Topics are: the life and music of Richard Thompson, the life and films of Ray Harryhausen, King Stephen and the plays of Shakespeare.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Topics are: Dante’s Commedia, Fresh Water Fish of the British Isles, RAF Bomber Command 1939-1945 and the rock band Queen.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Topics are: Brandon Family Novels of Peter Tinniswood, Orde Wingate and the Chindits, The Life and Career of Douglas Jardine and British Domestic Politics.

In this semi-final, John Humphrys quizzes five returning contenders, all aiming to book their place in the Grand Final.

The subjects are: Glamorgan County Cricket Club, the Dark Ages in Britain, Thomas Paine, the Jack Reacher novels and the television drama Our Friends in the North.

John Humphrys hosts another semi-final. Subjects include Sean Connery, world heavyweight boxing, Butch Cassidy, and the life and times of John Adams.

John Humphrys hosts as five contenders return for the third semi-final. Subjects include Black Books, Oskar Schindler, Richard Brindsley Sheridan, Deep Purple and Martin Luther.

John Humphrys hosts another semi-final. Subjects include Jane Austen, Scottish Post-Punk Bands, Pre-historic Marine Reptiles and Sibelius.

John Humphrys hosts as five contenders return for the third semi-final. Subjects include Calvin and Hobbes, Aphra Behn, Ronnie Barker, Burnley FC and John Shuttleworth.

John Humphrys hosts the last semi-final. Subject's include Clive James, the Discworld novels, the novels of Raymond Chandler and Victorian churches of London.

John Humphrys hosts the series Grand Final as six contenders battle it out for the title and the glass bowl. Subjects include William Wilberforce, David Byrne, Paintings in the National Gallery and the Life and Career of Frankie Howerd.

The hunt for the nation's Mastermind gets under way once more as John Humphrys questions four contenders on their specialist subject and general knowledge. Topics in this first heat are the life of Robert Bruce Lockhart, human parasites, the siege of Malta and the life and work of AC Swinburne.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The topics are: the Sandman graphic novels of Neil Gaiman, the life and work of Gerard Hoffnung, the Scottish Enlightenment and wines of the Loire Valley.

John Humphrys puts questions to four more contenders. Subjects are: Maximilian I, The Russian Revolution, Led Zeppelin and British speedway 1945-1970.

John Humphrys puts questions to four more contenders. Subjects are: The Richard Hannay novels of John Buchan; the Peak District; aircraft of World War II; Billboard no 1 singles, 1955-1994.

John Humphrys puts questions to four more contenders. Subjects are: Field Marshal Montgomery, the life and career of former world chess champion Tigran Petrosian, the Cathars and the Chicago Bears 1920-1970.

John Humphrys puts questions to four more contenders. Subjects are: The Life and Work of George Orwell, The Life of Sir Francis Walsingham, The West Wing and The Valley of the Kings.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. Topics include the Cambridge Apostles, the life and work of Antonia Forest, the French Revolution and the life and work of Gustav Mahler.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are major battles of World War II, Football League grounds, Watergate and the fall of Richard Nixon and the satirical works of Juvenal.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are The Archers from 1980 to the present day; the Apollo space programme; the history of China from 1919-1989; and the life and music of Nick Drake.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are the history of New York, the Women's Institute, the life and work of Augustus Pugin and Wimbledon Singles since 1990.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are the life and work of Mori Ogai, the Anglo-Zulu War, the life of Mary Eleanor Bowes and the films of Clint Eastwood.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are Fleetwood Mac 1967 to 1977, the lost railways of Yorkshire, astronomy and the novels of John Updike.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are Bing Crosby, Eastenders, Joseph Banks and Britain's last hangman Albert Pierrepoint.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. Subjects are the seven wonders of the ancient world, Enoch Powell, the TV comedy Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, and the life and work of Mary Wollstonecraft.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The topics are: the Franco-Prussian war, primitive boats, the detective novels of Agatha Christie and the life and music of Kate Bush.

Host John Humphrys invites four more contenders to answer questions in the black chair. The topics are: the children's fiction of Rudyard Kipling, world passenger liners 1939-79, Motorhead, and the life and work of Federico Fellini.

John Humphrys puts the questions to four more contenders. The subjects are: the life and work of Thomas Jefferson Hogg, The Diggers, the life and short stories of Raymond Carver, and Luton Town FC 1965 to present.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt continues for the nation's Mastermind. Subjects are: the human body, the life and work of James Brindley, the Soviet space programme, and the television career of Victoria Wood.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt continues for the nation's Mastermind. Subjects are: the sitcom Porridge, Queen Victoria's family, the Golfing Stories of PG Wodehouse and the life and times of Eliza Lynch.

John Humphrys asks the questions as the hunt continues for the nation's Mastermind. Subjects are: the Coast to Coast Walk, pop music of the 1980s, the satirical works of William Hogarth and the life and works of Ralph Vaughan Williams.