Chas Newkey-Burden, a writer, reflects on how the BBC drama 'Threads' shaped his childhood fears about nuclear disaster and calls for a faithful reboot. Sean Thomas shares amusing travel stories of getting lost in remote locations, revealing the surprising joys and discoveries that come from abandoning a strict itinerary. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion that intertwines nostalgia, adventure, and the enduring relevance of media in shaping societal attitudes.
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English Pools' Social Dance
Arabella Byrne shares personal joy in English private swimming pools and the social complexities around using them.
She highlights the etiquette of waiting for explicit invitations before swimming in someone else's pool.
insights INSIGHT
Joy of Getting Lost
Sean Thomas finds joy and human connection in getting lost during travel.
Lostness offers unique adventures and a revival of faith in human kindness around the world.
insights INSIGHT
14th Century’s Political Reality
Matthew Lyons describes 14th century England under Edward III as a time of vivid realities shaped by war and plague.
Political power was symbolic and often struggled against harsh human and political realities.
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Tim Gregory's 'Going Nuclear' champions nuclear energy as the key to addressing global warming and meeting the world's energy needs. Gregory, a nuclear scientist, tackles the widespread fear of radioactivity, arguing that it is largely unfounded. He presents evidence to counter the negative perceptions associated with nuclear power, highlighting the relatively low death toll from nuclear disasters compared to other energy sources. The book emphasizes the potential of breeder reactors to provide a sustainable energy supply for centuries. Gregory challenges both climate change deniers and those who oppose nuclear power, advocating for a balanced and informed approach to energy policy. 'Going Nuclear' ultimately makes a compelling case for embracing nuclear technology as a safe and essential component of a sustainable future.
Sceptred Isle
Sceptred Isle
A New History of the 14th Century
Helen Carr
Helen Carr's 'Sceptred Isle' delves into the tumultuous history of 14th century England, dominated by Edward III and the Black Death. The book examines the political power struggles, the impact of war, and the effects of the plague on society. Carr illustrates how human concerns were shaped by power dynamics and political choices. Edward III's reign, marked by his pursuit of the French crown, is a central focus. The book illuminates the vivid and desperate nature of the era, capturing its glories and terrors. Carr's narrative brings to life the individuals and events that shaped this transformative period in English history.
On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Arabella Byrne on the social minefield of private swimming pools (1:13); Sean Thomas says that not knowing where you are is one of the joys of travel (5:34); reviewing Helen Carr’s Sceptred Isle: A New History of the 14th Century, Mathew Lyons looks at the reality of a vivid century (11:34); reviewing Tim Gregory’s Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the World, Bryan Appleyard analyses the three parties debating global warming (16:07); and, Chas Newkey-Burden looks back to the 1980s nuclear drama that paralysed his childhood, Threads (20:42).
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