In Our Time
BBC Radio 4
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.
History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation.
If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements.
Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets.
Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis?
In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation.
If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements.
Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets.
Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis?
In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 52min
The Waltz (Archive Episode)
Theresa Jill Buckland, an Emeritus Professor of Dance History, discusses the waltz's evolution from its German roots to its rise in British ballrooms. Derek B. Scott, a music expert, highlights the influence of Johann Strauss on the dance's distinctive sound. Susan Jones, an English Literature scholar, explores the waltz's representation in literature and its moral complexities. Together, they delve into how this once-controversial dance bridged social divides, reshaped popular culture, and remains a significant force in music and literature today.
45 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 48min
Hannah Arendt (Archive Episode)
Join Robert Eaglestone, a professor of Contemporary Literature, Frisbee Sheffield, a philosophy lecturer, and Lyndsey Stonebridge, a modern literature expert, as they unravel the legacy of Hannah Arendt. They discuss her profound insights on totalitarianism, the concept of the 'banality of evil,' and how her personal experiences shaped her political thought. The conversation highlights Arendt's philosophical ties to Greek thinkers and her call for active civic engagement as a defense against tyranny. Prepare for a riveting exploration of moral thought and politics!
32 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 52min
The Time Machine (Archive Episode)
In this insightful discussion, Simon Schaffer, Professor of History of Science, Amanda Rees, Historian of Science, and Simon James, Professor of English Studies, dive deep into H.G. Wells' groundbreaking novella. They explore the evolution of the Eloi and Morlocks as a reflection of class struggle and the implications of science fiction on societal warning. The guests unravel Wells's innovative human-made time machine, his critique of progress, and the ecological themes predicting urban decay. Their analyses offer a rich blend of literary, scientific, and social perspectives.
29 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 52min
The Waltz (Archive Episode)
Join Theresa Buckland, a dance history expert, Derek B. Scott, a specialist in 19th-century music, and Susan Jones, an English literature scholar, as they explore the captivating world of the waltz. They delve into how this dance transformed social interactions and influenced literature, from Byron to Woolf. The guests discuss its revolutionary techniques, the cultural anxieties it sparked, and the unique connections it forged across social classes. Discover why the waltz remains a staple in dance and its ongoing evolution amid changing musical trends.
11 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 58min
Sir Thomas Wyatt (Archive Episode)
In this engaging discussion, guest Brian Cummings, a professor at the University of York, reveals how Thomas Wyatt revolutionized English poetry by integrating Italian forms. Susan Brigden, a retired fellow at Oxford, shares insights into Wyatt’s tumultuous court career and dangerous ties to Anne Boleyn. Laura Ashe dives into the nuances of Wyatt's poems, emphasizing their innovative tone and emotional depth. Together, they explore themes of political peril, humanism, and how Wyatt's work laid the groundwork for future poets like Shakespeare.
256 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 51min
Civility: talking with those who disagree with you
Join Teresa Bejan, a political theory professor at Oxford, John Gallagher, an early modern history expert from Leeds, and Phil Withington, a history professor at Sheffield, as they explore the multifaceted concept of civility. They discuss its historical evolution from the Renaissance thinkers like Erasmus to Hobbes, and how it informs modern discourse. Delve into the balance between toleration and civil disagreement, and learn why civility remains crucial in navigating diverse opinions today, while also reflecting on its historical misuse in society.
203 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 46min
Dragons
Kelsey Granger, a postdoctoral researcher in Chinese history, shares insights on the cultural significance of dragons in China. Juliette Wood, an expert in Welsh folklore, contrasts Welsh dragons with their male counterparts, exploring gender dynamics. Daniel Ogden, a professor of ancient history, discusses the symbolism of dragons in Greek and Roman mythology. The conversation dives into dragons' evolving roles as terrifying beasts and revered deities across cultures, revealing their influence on literature, national identities, and contemporary media.
43 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 49min
Barbour's 'Brus'
Join Rhiannon Purdie, an expert in Older Scots literature, Michael Brown, a scholar of Scottish history, and Steve Boardman, a specialist in the early Stewart kings, as they unravel John Barbour's epic poem 'The Brus'. They discuss its role in depicting Robert the Bruce’s victory at Bannockburn and how Barbour's narrative stirs national pride in Scotland. The conversation explores the poem's historical context and its impact on Scottish identity, as well as the intricacies of medieval chivalry and the cultural significance of the Stewart lineage.
118 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 48min
The Evolution of Lungs
Join experts Jonathan Codd, Steve Brusatte, and Emily Rayfield as they unravel the fascinating evolution of lungs. They discuss how lungs began with ancient fish adapting to land, showcasing the incredible transition from gills to lungs. The guests highlight striking continuities in respiratory systems, from tiny birds to massive dinosaurs. Bet you didn't know hiccups trace back to our amphibious ancestors! This enlightening conversation also touches on unique adaptations in birds that enable high-altitude flight, offering a whole new perspective on breathing.
167 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 54min
The Vienna Secession
Diane Silverthorne, an art historian focused on Vienna 1900, Mark Berry, a professor specializing in music and intellectual history, and Leslie Topp, an architecture historian, delve into the dynamic world of the Vienna Secession. They discuss how Gustav Klimt led this artistic revolution in 1897 to blend fine art, music, and design against a backdrop of Vienna's cultural vibrancy. Topics include the significance of Klimt's gold-leaf paintings, the societal impact of Jewish patrons, and the movement's legacy in modernism and architectural innovation.
