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 21, 2013 • 42min
Decline and Fall
Literature experts David Bradshaw, John Bowen, and Ann Pasternak Slater discuss Evelyn Waugh's Decline and Fall, exploring themes of modernity, religion, and society. They delve into the novel's dark humor, satire, and influences, highlighting character development, societal critiques, and the author's unique writing style. The podcast provides insights into Waugh's early works, influences from literary giants, and the satirical targets in the novel, offering a fascinating analysis of Decline and Fall's enduring impact.
Feb 14, 2013 • 42min
Ice Ages
Geologists Jane Francis, Richard Corfield, and Carrie Lear discuss ice ages, the cyclical nature dating back billions of years, the significance of oxygen isotopes in paleoclimatology, sea level changes tracked through coral reef evidence, Antarctica's role in forming ice sheets, the influence of ice ages on human evolution, and reflections on Earth's climate history and future challenges.
15 snips
Feb 7, 2013 • 42min
Epicureanism
Angie Hobbs, David Sedley, and James Warren delve into Epicureanism, focusing on pleasure as life's goal, atom theory, friendship, and Lucretius's influence. The discussion includes Epicurean beliefs on free will, mental tranquility, therapeutic remedies for the soul, the impact on Roman culture, and the contrast with Christianity.
Jan 31, 2013 • 42min
The War of 1812
Melvyn Bragg and experts discuss the War of 1812, its impact on American identity, The Star-Spangled Banner creation, and Native American land loss. Topics include British impressment of American sailors, British invasion of Washington, and the Treaty of Ghent. The podcast explores tensions, Jefferson's beliefs on Canada, and post-war dynamics between Britain and America.
Jan 24, 2013 • 42min
Romulus and Remus
Historian and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the myth of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers abandoned as babies and nursed by a she-wolf. They discuss the conflicting versions of the story, Romulus's founding of Rome, and the enduring symbol of the she-wolf. The podcast examines the themes of exposed infants in mythology, variations in the myth, Romulus's actions in shaping Rome, and the gender dynamics and implications of the story on Roman society.
Jan 17, 2013 • 42min
Comets
Delving into the history and significance of comets like Halley's Comet. Exploring their composition, tails, orbits, and unpredictable nature. Discussing their potential role in delivering life's building blocks and the excitement around the Rosetta mission.
Jan 10, 2013 • 42min
Le Morte d'Arthur
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Thomas Malory's "Le Morte Darthur", the epic tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Sir Thomas Malory was a knight from Warwickshire, a respectable country gentleman and MP in the 1440s who later turned to a life of crime and spent various spells in prison. It was during Malory's final incarceration that he wrote "Le Morte Darthur", an epic work which was based primarily on French, but also some English, sources. Malory died shortly after his release in 1470 and it was to be another fifteen years before "Le Morte Darthur" was published by William Caxton, to immediate popular acclaim. Although the book fell from favour in the seventeenth century, it was revived again in Victorian times and became an inspiration for the Pre-Raphaelite movement who were entranced by the chivalric and romantic world that Malory portrayed. The Arthurian legend is one of the most enduring and popular in western literature and its characters - Sir Lancelot, Guinevere, Merlin and King Arthur himself, are as well-known today as they were then; and the book's themes - chivalry, betrayal, love and honour - remain as compelling.With: Helen Cooper
Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English at the University of CambridgeHelen Fulton
Professor of Medieval Literature and Head of Department of English and Related Literature at the University of YorkLaura Ashe
CUF Lecturer and Tutorial Fellow at Worcester College at the University of OxfordProducer: Natalia Fernandez.
Dec 27, 2012 • 42min
The Cult of Mithras
Delve into the mysterious cult of Mithras in the Roman Empire, with its rituals, initiation system, and enigmatic origins linked to ancient deities. Explore the decline of Mithraism with the rise of Christianity and the significance of archaeology in uncovering its secrets.
8 snips
Dec 20, 2012 • 42min
The South Sea Bubble
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into The South Sea Bubble, a financial disaster of early 18th-century England. The podcast explores the rise and fall of the South Sea Company, the impact on investors, societal reactions, and parallels to modern market bubbles like the dot com era. They discuss the company's involvement in the slave trade, political maneuvering, and lessons learned from this historic stock market boom and bust.
Dec 13, 2012 • 42min
Shahnameh of Ferdowsi
Explore the epic poem Shahnameh by Ferdowsi, portraying Persian history and culture. Discover the preservation of Persian identity through poetry, the language, mythology, and romance in the Shahnameh. Learn about the impact of Shah Nami on Mongol Iran and the enduring linguistic riches of Shahnameh on Persian culture.
