We all love stories. But why do we tell them? And why do all stories function in an eerily similar way? John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, has brought a vast array of drama to British screens. Here he takes us on a journey to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms - one that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods and, like any great art, comes from deep within. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day. 'Fresh, enlightening, gripping.' Sunday Times 'The best book on the subject I've read. Quite brilliant.' Tony Jordan, creator/writer, Life on Mars, Hustle 'Brilliant.' Ken Follett 'Marvellous' Julian Fellowes 'Terrifyingly clever . . . Packed with intelligent argument.' Evening Standard 'Oh, how I wanted to hate it! I didn't. I loved it.' Jimmy McGovern, creator/writer Cracker, The Street 'The most important book about scriptwriting since William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade.' Peter Bowker, writer, Blackpool, Occupation, Eric and Ernie