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
28 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 48min
Little Women
Bridget Bennett, a Professor of American Literature, joins Erin Forbes, a Senior Lecturer focused on African American and U.S. Literature, and Tom Wright, a Reader in Rhetoric, to unpack Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel, Little Women. They dive into Alcott's motivations for writing, shaped by financial struggles and her familial background. The discussion highlights the novel's rich themes of gender roles and personal growth, alongside its far-reaching legacy and cultural adaptations. The trio even explores the novel's unique take on male dialogue, sparking thoughts on feminism in literature.
191 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 53min
Hayek's The Road to Serfdom
In this engaging discussion, Bruce Caldwell, an expert on Friedrich Hayek, alongside Ben Jackson and Melissa Lane, dive into Hayek's influential work, The Road to Serfdom. They explore Hayek's warnings against centralized economic planning and its potential to lead to tyranny. The trio highlights how a 1945 Reader's Digest condensation reshaped public perception, turning Hayek's cautionary tale against socialism into a global phenomenon. They also contrast spontaneous order with state control, emphasizing the vital role of individual knowledge in economic systems.
6 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 55min
Robert Graves
Join Paul O’Prey, Fran Brearton, and Bob Davis as they dive into the life of Robert Graves, a titan of 20th-century poetry and prose. Discover how Graves viewed poetry as his true calling, even while writing bestsellers like 'I, Claudius.' The conversation explores his tumultuous relationships, the duality of love reflected in his work, and the impact of his traumatic experiences in World War I. Unravel the complex themes of his poetry and the significant influences that shaped his artistic legacy.
70 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 52min
The Haymarket Affair
Ruth Kinna, a political theory professor, Christopher Phelps, an American studies expert, and Gary Gerstle, an American history professor, discuss the explosive Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago. They explore the labor rights movement's tumultuous backdrop, focusing on the fight for an eight-hour workday and anarchism's role in the protests. The discussion reveals the tragic executions of key figures, the emergence of May Day, and the enduring legacy of the incident on labor activism and societal change.
110 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 1min
Wormholes
Toby Wiseman, a Professor of Theoretical Physics, Katy Clough, a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, and Andrew Pontzen, a Professor of Cosmology, dive into the intriguing concept of wormholes as potential shortcuts in the universe. They discuss how these hypothetical structures challenge our understanding of space-time and the fundamental laws of physics. The trio explores the historical context from Einstein to modern theories, considers the exotic matter required for wormhole stability, and even links these ideas to time travel, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging.
36 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 51min
Benjamin Disraeli
Lawrence Goldman, an Emeritus Fellow in History at Oxford, Emily Jones, a Modern British History lecturer at Manchester, and Daisy Hay, a Professor of English Literature, delve into the life of Benjamin Disraeli. They discuss his dual role as Prime Minister and novelist, his contributions to One Nation Conservatism, and the societal themes in his novel 'Sybil.' The trio also explores Disraeli's complex identity, his bond with Queen Victoria, and his long-lasting impact on British politics and literature.
22 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 51min
Bacteriophages
Martha Clokie, a microbiology professor and director of the Centre for Phage Research, James Ebdon, an environmental microbiology expert, and Claas Kirchhelle, a historian focused on phage history, dive into the fascinating world of bacteriophages. They discuss how these viruses target bacteria, offering hope against antibiotic resistance. The guests elaborate on the historical significance and potential medical applications of phages, including their role in disease tracking and environmental impacts, while highlighting the urgent need for further research.
51 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 51min
Monet in England
Karen Serres, Senior Curator at the Courtauld Gallery, Frances Fowle, Professor of Nineteenth-Century Art, and Jackie Wullschläger, Chief Art Critic for the Financial Times, delve into Monet’s transformative experiences in London. They discuss how war drove him to the city and the subsequent commercial success that influenced his iconic Thames paintings. The guests highlight his fascination with fog and light, the evolution of his style, and his quest for artistic identity, illustrating how London reshaped his Impressionist vision.
43 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 51min
Karma
In this discussion, Monima Chadha, a Professor of Indian Philosophy at Oxford, delves into the fascinating doctrine of Karma, tracing its origins in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. She explores how our actions shape not only our present but future lives, emphasizing the importance of intention. The conversation delves into concepts of free will, ethical implications, and the cyclical nature of existence, contrasting Hindu beliefs with Buddhist impermanence. With layered insights, the complexities of karma as a moral framework come to light.
25 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 55min
Fielding's Tom Jones
Judith Hawley, an expert in 18th-century literature, Henry Power, a scholar of Fielding's works, and Charlotte Roberts, a literature associate professor, explore the timeless classic 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding. They discuss Fielding's life parallels with Tom's journey, nuanced themes of morality, sexuality, and human nature. The guests delve into the humor and storytelling that define this novel while dissecting character complexities, especially Allworthy's duality, and emphasizing its relevance to modern society's challenges.
