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
Oct 17, 2019 • 52min
The Time Machine
In this discussion, historian Amanda Rees uncovers how H.G. Wells' challenging childhood influenced his imaginative works. Literary scholar Simon James analyzes the dichotomy between the Eloi and Morlocks, reflecting on class struggle and societal evolution. Simon Schaffer provides insights into the broader scientific context of Wells' life and writing. They explore themes of time travel, Darwinian theory, and the moral responsibilities of speculative fiction, all while humorously navigating the complexities of Wells' legacy. An engaging blend of history, literature, and science!
Oct 10, 2019 • 52min
Rousseau on Education
Join Richard Whatmore, a historian on Rousseau, Caroline Warman, a literature expert, and Denis McManus, a philosophy professor, as they dive into the revolutionary educational ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Discover how Rousseau believed in the natural goodness of children and the importance of experiential learning. They explore his views on gender roles, his tumultuous relationships, and the legacy left behind through his controversial life decisions. The conversation even touches on his critique of consumerism and the significance of genuine human connections.
Oct 3, 2019 • 52min
Dorothy Hodgkin
Georgina Ferry, a science writer and biographer of Dorothy Hodgkin, discusses the groundbreaking achievements of Hodgkin, the sole British woman to win a Nobel Prize in science. They delve into her innovative work in X-ray crystallography, including the structures of insulin and penicillin. The conversation highlights Hodgkin's impact on scientific collaboration and her advocacy for nuclear disarmament. Ferry also addresses the historical challenges women faced in science and Hodgkin's inspiring role in overcoming gender biases.
Sep 26, 2019 • 51min
The Rapture
Join Elizabeth Phillips, a religious studies expert, Crawford Gribben, a historian specializing in early modern Britain, and Nicholas Guyatt, a North American history scholar, as they unpack the fascinating theological ideas of John Nelson Darby. They explore the roots of Rapture beliefs, its biblical interpretations, and how these notions shaped evangelical thought in America. The discussion also delves into the socio-political implications of apocalyptic beliefs, reflecting on their impact on modern evangelicalism and political engagement.
Sep 19, 2019 • 54min
Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow
Join experts Janet Hartley, Michael Rowe, and Michael Rapport as they dissect the chaos of Napoleon's 1812 campaign in Russia. Hartley unveils the complexities of Napoleon's motivations and miscalculations, while Rowe emphasizes the brutal winter conditions and significant casualties during the fateful retreat. Rapport explores the impact of conscription on military manpower and the shifting perception of Napoleon in Europe. Together, they reveal how this catastrophic retreat reshaped alliances and transformed the narrative surrounding one of history's most controversial leaders.
Jul 4, 2019 • 53min
Lorca
Maria Delgado, a Professor of Creative Arts, Federico Bonaddio, a Reader in Modern Spanish, and Sarah Wright, a Professor of Hispanic Studies, explore the life and legacy of Federico García Lorca. They discuss his fusion of Andalusian culture with avant-garde influences and the contradictions in his artistic identity. Topics include his preference for performance over publication, his complex relationships with contemporaries like Dali and Buñuel, and the profound emotional depth captured in his concept of Duende, all set against the backdrop of the turbulent political climate of 1930s Spain.
Jun 27, 2019 • 54min
Doggerland
Join Vince Gaffney, a leading landscape archaeologist, Carol Cotterill, a marine geoscientist, and Rachel Bynoe, an underwater archaeology expert, as they dive into the fascinating world of Doggerland. They reveal how this ancient land once linked Britain to the continent and explore its rich ecosystems, inhabited by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers. Discover underwater artifacts and the geological changes that submerged Doggerland, along with the implications of climate change on human populations and the challenges archaeologists face in uncovering this lost landscape.
Jun 20, 2019 • 54min
The Mytilenaean Debate
Angela Hobbs, a philosophy professor, Lisa Irene Hau, a classics lecturer, and Paul Cartledge, an expert in Greek culture, dive into the Mytilenaean Debate from 427 BC. They explore Athenian democracy's moral dilemmas as Athens reconsidered a brutal decision against Mytilene. The conversation includes Thucydides' insights on governance and power dynamics, and contrasting arguments of Cleon and Diodotus, highlighting the nuances of justice and self-interest in ancient political discourse. The fate of a second ship and its implications adds a gripping layer to this historical event.
Jun 13, 2019 • 53min
The Inca
Join Frank Meddens, a Visiting Scholar at the University of Reading, Helen Cowie, a Senior Lecturer in History at the University of York, and Bill Sillar from University College London as they unravel the fascinating world of the Inca Empire. They delve into how the Incas expanded from small groups into a powerful civilization, discussing their remarkable agricultural innovations and extensive road systems. The group also explores the logistical brilliance of the Inca communication, their cultural practices, and the dramatic effects of the Spanish conquest on their society.
Jun 6, 2019 • 53min
Sir Thomas Browne
In this engaging discussion, guests Claire Preston, Jessica Wolfe, and Kevin Killeen delve into the life and works of Sir Thomas Browne, a 17th-century physician and writer. They explore his groundbreaking texts like 'Religio Medici' and 'Pseudodoxia Epidemica', which challenged prevailing myths and intertwined faith with scientific inquiry. The conversation highlights Browne's unique prose style and complex reflections on mortality, as well as his rich contributions to the English language. Browne's legacy as a polymath and a thinker continues to resonate in literature and science.
