Simon Shama argues for Leo Tolstoy over Charles Dickens. He says the Russian writer is as much part of our experience today than he was in 19th century. John Hilsden, who has just returned from a trip to Africa, makes his case for Dickens. They're joined by star actors including Tom Hilsden to bring the arguments to life. This is part two of a three-part episode and if you'd like to get the member-only part three then head over to IntelligenceSquared.com slash membership or subscribe on Apple.
This is the second instalment of a three-part episode. Dickens. Tolstoy. Their names and reputations shake the ground – and so do their books, if you drop one. But whose legacy is more enduring? Whose vision truer and more relevant today? Should you embark on War and Peace or Our Mutual Friend? To battle it out, in 2018 Intelligence Squared brought two celebrated writers, John Mullan for Dickens and Simon Schama for Tolstoy, to our stage. They called on a cast of star actors, including Tom Hiddleston, to bring their arguments to life with readings from the authors’ finest works. The debate was chaired by author, playwright and broadcaster Bonnie Greer.
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