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
Mar 2, 2023 • 54min
Tycho Brahe
In this engaging discussion, Ole Grell, an Emeritus Professor in Early Modern History, Adam Mosley, an Associate Professor at Swansea University, and Emma Perkins, an Affiliate Scholar at Cambridge, explore the life of Tycho Brahe. They delve into his revolutionary discovery of a new star, the impact of astrology on royal societies, and his innovative astronomical instruments. The conversation also highlights the political and religious influences of Brahe's time and the legacy of his meticulous research, culminating in his collaboration with Johannes Kepler.
15 snips
Feb 23, 2023 • 51min
Superconductivity
This discussion features Nigel Hussey, an expert on superconductivity from the University of Bristol, Suchitra Sebastian from the University of Cambridge, and Stephen Blundell from the University of Oxford. They delve into Heike Kamerlingh Onnes's revolutionary 1911 discovery of superconductivity. The conversation highlights the baffling nature of zero resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields in superconductors. They also explore the significance of high-temperature superconductivity and its groundbreaking applications, including MRI technology and potential impacts on nuclear fusion.
121 snips
Feb 16, 2023 • 1h 1min
Rawls' Theory of Justice
Fabienne Peter, a Professor of Philosophy, dives into John Rawls' transformative theory of justice, while Martin O’Neill sheds light on Rawls' background and philosophical influences. Jonathan Wolff evaluates Rawls' radical ideas on economic inequality and the 'justice as fairness' framework. The conversation also tackles the feasibility of Rawls' property-owning democracy and critiques associated with racial justice. They discuss how Rawlsian principles can guide public policy and the ongoing relevance of his insights in today’s democratic societies.
40 snips
Feb 9, 2023 • 52min
John Donne
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.
7 snips
Jan 26, 2023 • 50min
The Great Stink
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.
7 snips
Jan 19, 2023 • 51min
Persuasion
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.
22 snips
Jan 12, 2023 • 54min
Citizen Kane
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.
7 snips
Jan 5, 2023 • 55min
The Irish Rebellion of 1798
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.
9 snips
Dec 29, 2022 • 55min
The Nibelungenlied
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.
17 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 51min
The Challenger Expedition 1872-1876
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.
