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
Feb 17, 2022 • 50min
Romeo and Juliet
Helen Hackett, a Professor of English Literature at University College London, and Paul Prescott, a Professor of English and Theatre at UC Merced, dive deep into Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. They explore how this iconic play combines tragedy with comedic elements and its profound impact on literature. The discussion highlights the complexities of young love against societal constraints, the failures of authority figures, and the gothic influences that shape the story. They also analyze different adaptations, emphasizing how Shakespeare's themes resonate in modern contexts.
70 snips
Feb 10, 2022 • 51min
Walter Benjamin
Esther Leslie, a Professor of Political Aesthetics, Kevin McLaughlin, a Professor of English, and Carolin Duttlinger, a German Literature expert, illuminate the complex life of Walter Benjamin. They discuss his innovative ideas on art and media, particularly the concept of 'aura' and the impact of reproducibility. The conversation reveals Benjamin's struggles during his exile in France and his significant work on the Arcades Project, exploring the tension between capitalist culture and artistic expression. His tragic end further highlights the personal cost of his intellectual journey.
Feb 3, 2022 • 52min
The Temperance Movement
Annemarie McAllister, a Senior Research Fellow in History, James Kneale, an Associate Professor in Geography, and David Beckingham, an Associate Professor in Cultural Geography, dive into the transformative power of the 19th-century Temperance Movement in Britain. They explore its beginnings in Preston, the rise of abstinence pledges, and the movement's impact on the working class. The discussion also highlights women's pivotal roles, the complex relationship between temperance and health, and how the movement’s vibrant legacy continues to resonate today.
Jan 27, 2022 • 51min
Colette
Diana Holmes, a Professor of French Literature, and Michèle Roberts, a celebrated novelist and Emeritus Professor, discuss the groundbreaking writer Colette. They delve into Colette's unique upbringing and how it influenced her candid portrayals of women's lives. The conversation highlights her challenge against societal norms through works like 'La Vagabonde.' They also explore her exploration of aging and desire, emphasizing her literary evolution and the eventual recognition of her importance in literature.
12 snips
Jan 20, 2022 • 49min
The Gold Standard
Matthias Morys, a Senior Lecturer in Economic History at the University of York, and Helen Paul, a Lecturer in Economics and Economic History at the University of Southampton, dive into the transformative impact of the gold standard from 1870 to the 1970s. They explore how gold's availability boosted world trade and currency confidence, while discussing the constraints it imposed on governments during economic crises. The conversation also highlights the gold standard's involvement in the Great Depression and its legacy in shaping modern monetary systems.
Jan 13, 2022 • 51min
Thomas Hardy's Poetry
Mark Ford, a poet and professor at UCL, Jane Thomas, an emeritus professor at Hull, and Tim Armstrong, a literature professor at Royal Holloway, delve deep into Thomas Hardy's poetic journey. They discuss Hardy's transformation from novelist to dedicated poet after extensive success in fiction. The guests explore the emotional weight of Hardy's 'Poems of 1912 to 13', shaped by the death of his wife, Emma, and how themes of loss and nature permeate his work. Hardy's innovative style contrasts vividly with his contemporary Rupert Brooke, reflecting his unique perspective on war and humanity.
Dec 30, 2021 • 55min
Fritz Lang
Iris Luppa, a Senior Lecturer in Film Studies, joins Joe McElhaney, a Film Studies Professor, and Stella Bruzzi, Dean of Arts and Humanities, to delve into the cinematic genius of Fritz Lang. They discuss his groundbreaking films, including the revolutionary 'Metropolis' and the chilling 'M,' highlighting themes of morality, justice, and the reflection of societal issues. The conversation also explores Lang's transition from Weimar Germany to Hollywood, revealing his lasting influence on film and the evolution of cinematic storytelling.
22 snips
Dec 23, 2021 • 52min
The Hittites
Claudia Glatz, a Professor of Archaeology, Ilgi Gercek, an expert in Hittite language and history, and Christoph Bachhuber, a Lecturer in Archaeology, delve into the enigmatic world of the Hittites, a powerful empire of the Late Bronze Age. They discuss the significance of the Treaty of Kadesh, explore the remarkable archaeology of Hattusa, and highlight the Hittite's advanced grain storage systems. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into Hittite culture, military campaigns, and their mysterious decline, offering a glimpse into a civilization that shaped ancient history.
12 snips
Dec 16, 2021 • 56min
A Christmas Carol
Juliet John, a Professor of English Literature, brings her expertise on Dickens, while John Mee, an Eighteenth-Century Studies expert, provides historical insights. Dinah Birch, a Pro-Vice-Chancellor and literary scholar, analyzes 'A Christmas Carol's' themes. The trio explores Scrooge's transformation through supernatural encounters, emphasizing nostalgia and redemption. They discuss the Cratchit family's role in reflecting the true spirit of Christmas and the novella's critique of capitalism, connecting Dickens' legacy to today's consumer-driven holiday culture.
Dec 9, 2021 • 53min
The May Fourth Movement
Rana Mitter and Elisabeth Forster dive into the May Fourth Movement, a transformative protest in China on May 4, 1919, fueled by national humiliation over the Versailles Treaty. They discuss the uprising's roots in imperialism and the quest for modernization, emphasizing the pivotal role of intellectuals like Chen Duxiu. The conversation explores how this movement challenged Confucian values, leading to significant cultural and political shifts, including the birth of the Chinese Communist Party. The enduring impact on Chinese nationalism and gender relations is also examined.
