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
7 snips
Oct 28, 2021 • 52min
Corals
Join Steve Jones, Senior Research Fellow in Genetics, Nicola Foster, Lecturer in Marine Biology, and Gareth Williams, Associate Professor in Marine Biology, as they dive into the fascinating world of corals. They discuss Darwin's revolutionary insights into coral reefs and their slow geological changes. The conversation highlights the alarming threats corals face from climate change and human activity. Topics include the vibrant and intricate ecosystems of coral reefs, their resilience, and even the surprising locations of corals beyond tropical zones.
4 snips
Oct 21, 2021 • 54min
Iris Murdoch
In this discussion, celebrated novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch, alongside philosopher Anil Gomes and researcher Anne Rowe, delves into her profound ideas on morality, shaped by her experiences during World War II. They explore how Murdoch's philosophy rejects subjective morality, emphasizing the significance of seeing the world clearly. The guests also reflect on her creative letters, which reveal her playful character development, and discuss the transformation of her writing amidst Alzheimer's, highlighting enduring themes of love, moral reflection, and personal integrity.
Oct 14, 2021 • 49min
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
In this engaging discussion, historian Robert Frost, expert Katarzyna Kosior, and renowned scholar Norman Davies dive into the fascinating history of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They explore its formation and unique governance system that promoted parliamentary power over absolute monarchy. The guests highlight Jan Sobieski's pivotal role in defeating the Ottomans at Vienna and discuss the Commonwealth's cultural diversity. They also tackle the external pressures that led to its decline, and reflect on its lasting legacy in modern Poland and Lithuania.
9 snips
Oct 7, 2021 • 48min
The Manhattan Project
In this enlightening discussion, physicists Bruce Cameron Reed and Frank Close, along with Cynthia Kelly of the Atomic Heritage Foundation, delve into the monumental Manhattan Project. They explore the urgency sparked by early nuclear fission discoveries and the fear of Nazi Germany's potential atomic bomb. Leadership from figures like Oppenheimer and Groves in Los Alamos is examined, alongside the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists. The catastrophic impact of the bombs dropped on Japan and the ongoing legacy of nuclear weaponry and disarmament efforts are also thoughtfully analyzed.
Sep 30, 2021 • 50min
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Alexandra Lewis, a lecturer in English and Creative Writing, Marianne Thormählen, a Professor Emerita in English Studies, and John Bowen, a Professor of Nineteenth-Century Literature, delve into Anne Brontë's groundbreaking novel, 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.' They discuss its contentious publication history and themes of male violence and autonomy. The guests explore Helen Graham's rebellious spirit, the impact of addiction, and the societal critiques inherent in the story. They also reflect on Anne's legacy and her literary significance alongside her sisters.
9 snips
Sep 23, 2021 • 52min
Herodotus
In this insightful discussion, Tom Harrison, a Professor of Ancient History at the University of St Andrews, Esther Eidinow from the University of Bristol, and Paul Cartledge from Clare College, University of Cambridge, delve into the life of Herodotus, the so-called 'father of histories.' They explore his narrative style, the Persian Wars, and his motivations for documenting history. The guests also tackle the complexities of truth in Herodotus’s accounts, his criticisms as the 'father of lies,' and how his observations shaped cultural identities of the ancient world.
Sep 16, 2021 • 53min
The Evolution of Crocodiles
Anjali Goswami and Philip Mannion delve into the extraordinary evolutionary journey of crocodiles, revealing their dominance during the Triassic period with formidably large ancestors. They discuss how these reptiles thrived through mass extinctions, adapting to diverse habitats over millions of years. The conversation highlights recent advances in studying their evolution, like CT scans and ancient DNA, debunking the myth of crocodiles as 'living fossils' while addressing their current vulnerabilities in a changing climate.
Jun 24, 2021 • 52min
Shakespeare's Sonnets
Hannah Crawforth, a Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Literature, joins poet Don Paterson and professor Emma Smith to dive into the world of Shakespeare's sonnets. They explore the enigmatic historical backdrop of these poems, published in 1609 but overlooked in favor of his plays. The guests discuss the rich themes of love, beauty, and identity, as well as the complexities within relationships portrayed in the sonnets. With insights on wordplay and the paradox of love in Sonnet 116, the conversation reveals the layered meanings that have captivated audiences through the ages.
Jun 17, 2021 • 52min
Edward Gibbon
David Womersley, a foremost expert on Edward Gibbon, and Charlotte Roberts, a lecturer at University College London, dive into the fascinating life of this pivotal historian. They discuss Gibbon's transformative experiences in Lausanne and the profound impact of his conversion to Catholicism. The conversation highlights Gibbon's unique views on the decline of the Roman Empire, the cultural dynamics he explored, and how his literary legacy shaped European thought. They also touch on the irony of historical interpretation during Christ's crucifixion, illustrating Gibbon's enduring relevance.
Jun 10, 2021 • 49min
Booth's Life and Labour Survey
Emma Griffin, a professor of Modern British History, and Sarah Wise, an expert in Victorian social history, join Lawrence Goldman, an Emeritus Fellow at Oxford, to discuss Charles Booth's monumental survey of London life and labor. They delve into Booth's shocking revelation that a third of Londoners lived in poverty, reflecting on his innovative mapping techniques to visualize wealth distribution. The conversation highlights Booth's influence on social reforms, advocating for pensions and welfare, while exploring the dynamic urban landscape of late 19th-century London.
