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
Apr 28, 2016 • 46min
Euclid's Elements
Explore the timeless impact of Euclid's Elements in revolutionizing mathematics with logical arguments and axioms. Delve into the controversial fifth postulate and its implications on geometry. Uncover the classification theorem for Platonic solids and the absence of algebra in Euclid's work. See how Euclid's legacy continues to inspire scholars and mathematicians, shaping the foundation of mathematical principles.
Apr 21, 2016 • 46min
1816, the Year Without a Summer
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the impact of the eruption of Mt Tambora, in 1815, on the Indonesian island of Sambawa. This was the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history and it had the highest death toll, devastating people living in the immediate area. Tambora has been linked with drastic weather changes in North America and Europe the following year, with frosts in June and heavy rains throughout the summer in many areas. This led to food shortages, which may have prompted westward migration in America and, in a Europe barely recovered from the Napoleonic Wars, led to widespread famine. With Clive Oppenheimer
Professor of Volcanology at the University of CambridgeJane Stabler
Professor in Romantic Literature at the University of St AndrewsAndLawrence Goldman
Director of the Institute of Historical Research at the University of LondonProducer: Simon Tillotson.
Apr 14, 2016 • 46min
The Neutron
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the neutron, one of the particles found in an atom's nucleus. Building on the work of Ernest Rutherford, the British physicist James Chadwick won the Nobel Prize for Physics for his discovery of the neutron in 1932. Neutrons play a fundamental role in the universe and their discovery was at the heart of developments in nuclear physics in the first half of the 20th century. With Val Gibson
Professor of High Energy Physics at the University of Cambridge and fellow of Trinity CollegeAndrew Harrison
Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Light Source and Professor in Chemistry at the University of EdinburghAndFrank Close
Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Oxford.
Apr 7, 2016 • 45min
The Sikh Empire
Ranjit Singh, ruler of the Sikh Empire, united the Sikhs and established a powerful state through military power and diplomacy. The podcast explores the Sikh origins, Ranjit Singh's approach towards different religions, and the significance of the Golden Temple. It also discusses Ranjit Singh's impact on the Sikh Empire, his legacy, and the transformation of Sikhism through the creation of calfs.
Mar 31, 2016 • 46min
Agrippina the Younger
Agrippina the Younger, a notorious Roman empress, is discussed in this podcast. Topics include her rise to power, political situation in Rome, her family background, the influence of Roman women, assassination and succession, her rivalry with Messalina, perceptions of her reign, and encounters with male power.
Mar 24, 2016 • 47min
Aurora Leigh
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Elizabeth Barrett Browning's epic "Aurora Leigh" which was published in 1856. It is the story of an orphan, Aurora, born in Italy to an English father and Tuscan mother, who is brought up by an aunt in rural Shropshire. She has a successful career as a poet in London and, when living in Florence, is reunited with her cousin, Romney Leigh, whose proposal she turned down a decade before. The poem was celebrated by other poets and was Elizabeth Barrett Browning's most commercially successful. Over 11,000 lines, she addressed many Victorian social issues, including reform, illegitimacy, the pressure to marry and what women must overcome to be independent, successful writers, in a world dominated by men. With Margaret Reynolds
Professor of English at Queen Mary, University of LondonDaniel Karlin
Winterstoke Professor of English Literature at the University of BristolAndKaren O'Brien
Professor of English Literature at King's College LondonProducer: Simon Tillotson.
Mar 17, 2016 • 47min
Bedlam
Explore the history of Bedlam, from its origins as a charitable institution to its notorious reputation. Discover its role as a tourist attraction, the Munrods' medical dynasty, the Radcliffe Traveling Fellowships, and the admission process at Bedlam. Gain insights into the patients' perspective and conditions in mental institutions through their accounts and literature.
Mar 10, 2016 • 47min
The Maya Civilization
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Maya Civilization, developed by the Maya people, which flourished in central America from around 250 AD in great cities such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal with advances in mathematics, architecture and astronomy. Long before the Spanish Conquest in the 16th Century, major cities had been abandoned for reasons unknown, although there are many theories including overpopulation and changing climate. The hundreds of Maya sites across Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico raise intriguing questions about one of the world's great pre-industrial civilizations.WithElizabeth Graham
Professor of Mesoamerican Archaeology at University College LondonMatthew Restall
Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Latin American History and Anthropology at Pennsylvania State UniversityAndBenjamin Vis
Eastern ARC Research Fellow in Digital Humanities at the University of KentProducer: Simon Tillotson.
Mar 3, 2016 • 46min
The Dutch East India Company
Anne Goldgar, Helen Paul, and Chris Nierstrasz discuss the dominance of the Dutch East India Company in the spice trade, their conflicts with other European countries, the limited trade with China, and the decline of the VOC. They also explore the impact of the Dutch East India Company on foreign trade and South Africa's food and wine production.
Feb 25, 2016 • 45min
Mary Magdalene
Join scholars Joanne Anderson, Eamon Duffy, and Joan Taylor as they delve into the fascinating life of Mary Magdalene, a pivotal biblical figure. They explore her significant roles at the crucifixion and resurrection, and her complex identity shaped by history and theology. Discover the implications of her name's origins and how medieval legends elevated her status. The conversation also challenges traditional narratives, revealing her as both a leader and a marginalized figure, influencing spirituality and art through the centuries.
