In Our Time

In this engaging discussion, guests Mary Ann Lund, Sue Wiseman, and Hugh Adlington delve into the life of John Donne, the renowned poet and preacher. They explore his complex background as a Catholic in Protestant England and the dramatic twists of his personal life, including his forbidden marriage. Their conversation touches on the dual themes of love and mortality in Donne's work, and how his innovative sermons captivated audiences in London. They also reflect on Donne's lasting impact on poetry and his rediscovery in Victorian America.

Rosemary Ashton, an expert in 19th-century literature, Stephen Halliday, who authored a detailed account of the Great Stink, and Paul Dobraszczyk, a lecturer on architectural history, delve into the foul odors of the River Thames that horrified Victorian London. They discuss how the summer of 1858 spurred drastic sanitation reforms attributed to engineer Joseph Bazalgette. The conversation highlights the connection between urban growth, public health crises, and the revolutionary sewer systems that transformed the city and its hygiene for future generations.

Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, explores Jane Austen's life and her last novel, 'Persuasion.' Fiona Stafford from Oxford highlights themes of love and regret through Anne Elliot’s journey. Paddy Bullard discusses the novel's critique of social status and its literary context. The conversation delves into Anne's emotional evolution, societal pressures, and the experimental storytelling techniques Austen employed. Listeners gain insights into how Austen's health and personal experiences influenced her writing, rendering 'Persuasion' a profound exploration of human relationships.

Stella Bruzzi, a film studies expert, Ian Christie, a historian of media, and John David Rhodes, a visual culture analyst, dive into the cinematic masterpiece, Citizen Kane. They discuss Welles' innovative techniques that redefined filmmaking and the film’s ties to media mogul William Randolph Hearst. The symbolism of 'rosebud' as a representation of lost childhood is explored, alongside Kane's complex emotional journey of loneliness and megalomania. The trio also examines the struggles of Kane's second wife, Susan, highlighting themes of authenticity versus societal expectations.

Ian McBride is the Foster Professor of Irish History at Oxford, while Catriona Kennedy and Liam Chambers teach Modern History and serve as heads of history departments at their respective universities. They discuss the spark behind the 1798 Irish Rebellion, fueled by the United Irishmen's desire for liberty, and the complex sectarian tensions at play. Betrayal by British spies contributed to its suppression. The legacy shaped future Irish nationalism, while the tragic fate of figures like Wolfe Tone adds a personal touch to this tumultuous history.

In this gripping discussion, Sarah Bowden, a Reader in German and Medieval Studies, unveils the dark allure of the Nibelungenlied. Mark Chinca, Professor at Cambridge, contextualizes its historical roots, while Bettina Bildhauer from St Andrews dives into its complex themes and narrative structures. They explore female power dynamics, the process of vengeance, and the epic's evolution through ages and adaptations. The conversation highlights the text's haunting legacy, fraught morality, and its intricate portrayal of heroism and gender roles.

Join Sam Robinson, a marine research fellow, Giles Miller, a micropalaeontology expert, and Erica Jones, a curator of navigation, as they dive into the groundbreaking Challenger Expedition of 1872-1876. They discuss the astonishing discoveries of new marine species and the first evidence of life in the ocean's depths. The conversation highlights the logistical challenges faced by the crew and the influence of telegraphy in sharing their findings. This voyage is revealed to be as revolutionary as the Apollo missions, laying the groundwork for modern oceanography.

Join esteemed guests Paul Cartledge, a leading expert on ancient Greek history, Kathryn Tempest, a scholar in Roman literature and history, and Jon Hesk, a specialist in Greek studies, as they unpack the electrifying speeches of Demosthenes against Philip II of Macedon. They delve into Demosthenes' rise as a master orator, his passionate calls for military action, and the historical context of Athenian democracy. The discussion also touches on his legacy and how his rhetoric has influenced political discourse throughout history.

Join experts Robin Schuldenfrei, Alan Powers, and Michael White as they unpack the revolutionary Bauhaus movement. Schuldenfrei highlights its origins as a school merging art and craft, while Powers delves into its architectural innovations. White provides historical insights into the school's impact and its eventual closure under Nazi pressure. Discover how Bauhaus ideas influenced design across the globe, the role of women in its workshops, and its legacy in modern architecture and art. An engaging exploration of creativity and community!

Matthew J Smith, Professor of History, leads a captivating discussion on the Morant Bay Rebellion, highlighting its roots in post-emancipation Jamaica and the desperate socio-economic conditions that fueled the protest led by Paul Bogle. Diana Paton dives into the political dynamics post-slavery, emphasizing the community's push for rights. Lawrence Goldman analyzes Britain's divisive reactions, with some supporting violent suppression while others condemned the governor's actions. This conversation uncovers the complexities of colonial power and the fight for justice in Jamaica.