

Professor Alex Calder on Different Matters
Apr 1, 2024
Professor Alex Calder, a noted academic from the University of Auckland, delves into the life of Alexander Aitken, a war veteran and mathematician. They explore Aitken's journey from personal reflections to the poignant memoir 'Gallipoli to the Somme.' The discussion highlights Aitken's struggles with mental health, the impact of war on literature, and the profound lessons of memory during battle. Calder critiques the superficiality of traditional war poetry and emphasizes the need for authentic narratives that capture the emotional complexities of soldiers' experiences.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 5min
The Journey from Private Reflection to Public Literature
04:33 • 2min
Exploring the Genius and Legacy of an Exceptional Mathematician
07:00 • 3min
War, Literature, and Reflection
10:05 • 8min
Reflections of a Soldier at Gallipoli
17:59 • 21min
Echoes of the Somme: Strategies and Sorrows
38:43 • 15min
The Absurdity of War at the Somme
53:29 • 15min