In recent years, his classic '70s material which includes timeless hits such as "Wild World, " "Peace Train, " "Moonshadow" and many more has been the subject of an extensive reissue campaign, aided by its continued placement on movie soundtracks.

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"Since Dr Bacher first levelled allegations of match-fixing in the 1999 World Cup, his statement would be crucial and he must provide the material, " he said.

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But the visitor can use his moral - and material - authority to stress that strife in Kashmir must stop, that the world will not be held to ransom by the passions in South Asia.

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Mr Curtin said he had spent his entire childhood building with the toy construction material and was excited to have the "largest set in the world".

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Prof Knowlson's friendship with Beckett has also created a rich and unexpected legacy for his university, the University of Reading, which now holds the biggest archive of Beckett-related material in the world.

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