A few years ago I ran into an old college contemporary in a London club.

Storm Thorgerson was one of those people instantly recognised by their manner or bearing. On this occasion, he was sitting in a corner reading a volume of Shakespeare. Rather ostentatiously I thought, but that was Storm. He'd achieved success in life as a graphic artist, notably on album covers for the likes of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

Anyway, his career was a long way from the English and Philosophy degrees for which we had both opted at university. When I asked him about the Shakespeare, he said he'd always been grateful    for studying literature. It had provided him with a lifelong interest and pleasure.