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
6 snips
Dec 6, 2012 • 42min
Bertrand Russell
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the life and ideas of philosopher Bertrand Russell, from his groundbreaking work in mathematics and logic to his influence on analytic philosophy. Explore Russell's theory of descriptions, his social activism, and his enduring impact on modern thought.
Nov 28, 2012 • 42min
Crystallography
Explore the history and significance of crystallography, from its roots with Johannes Kepler to the groundbreaking discoveries by the Braggs. Learn how X-ray crystallography has revolutionized our understanding of materials and earned scientists numerous Nobel Prizes. Delve into the key figures and discoveries in crystallography, including the race to uncover the structure of DNA. Discover how this science has transformed medicine, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals.
Nov 22, 2012 • 42min
The Borgias
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the scandalous reputation of the Borgias, infamous for treachery and corruption in Renaissance Italy. They delve into the lives of Pope Alexander VI and his children, Cesare and Lucrezia, discussing nepotism, power struggles, and the 'Black Legend'. The podcast uncovers the intricate politics of the Renaissance papacy, alliances, power dynamics, and the controversies surrounding the Borgias' rise and fall.
Nov 15, 2012 • 42min
Simone Weil
French philosopher and social activist Simone Weil's complex life and philosophy discussed by experts. Her rejection of comfort for working class experience, belief that evil is evidence of God's love, and selfless love without expectations highlighted. Her early death and profound influence on thinkers like T.S Eliot and Albert Camus explored.
Nov 8, 2012 • 42min
The Upanishads
Delve into the ancient Upanishads, exploring profound questions about human existence and the cosmos. Discover the concepts of Brahman and Atman central to Hindu beliefs. Explore the diverse nature of the Upanishads, from poetic to scientific treatises. Learn about the legacy and global influence of these sacred texts on Western thought and culture.
Nov 1, 2012 • 42min
The Anarchy
Host Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss The Anarchy, a civil war in twelfth-century England. They explore the power struggle between Empress Matilda and King Stephen, the Battle of Lincoln, and the impact on England's governance. The podcast delves into Matilda's failed monarchy bid and the lasting effects of The Anarchy on England's rule.
Oct 25, 2012 • 42min
Fermat's Last Theorem
Mathematicians throughout history have grappled with Fermat's Last Theorem, a puzzle left behind by Pierre de Fermat in 1637. The podcast explores the challenges faced in proving this theorem, including the contributions of Andrew Wiles in finally solving the puzzle in 1995. From Pythagoras' theorem to advancements in exponent powers and unique factorization failure, the podcast delves into the fascinating world of mathematics and the interconnected realm of mathematical conjectures.
Oct 18, 2012 • 42min
Caxton and the Printing Press
Discover the life of William Caxton and his pioneering role in bringing the printing press to England. Learn about his strategic business moves, printing ventures, and how he built on Chaucer's literary legacy. Explore the evolution of printing business post-Caxton era and the impact of print on communication methods and authority of written words.
Oct 11, 2012 • 42min
Hannibal
Explore the daring military tactics of Hannibal, including the legendary Alps crossing and Battle of Trebia. Learn about his rise as Carthage's legendary general and the outbreak of hostilities in the Hannibalic War. Delve into Hannibal's audacious Alpine crossing with war elephants and his strategic military tactics against the Romans. Reflect on his legacy and mythical status as a symbol of fear and destruction.
Oct 4, 2012 • 42min
Gerald of Wales
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the medieval scholar Gerald of Wales. Born around the middle of the twelfth century, Gerald was a cleric and courtier. For much of his life he was close to Henry II and the Church hierarchy, and wrote accounts of official journeys he made around Wales and Ireland in their service. Both Anglo-Norman and Welsh by parentage, he had a unique perspective on the political strife of his age. Gerald's Journey Around Wales and Description of Ireland are among the most colourful and informative chronicles of the Middle Ages, and had a powerful influence on later historians.With:Henrietta Leyser
Emeritus Fellow of St Peter's College, University of OxfordMichelle Brown
Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the School of Advanced Study, University of LondonHuw Pryce
Professor of Welsh History at Bangor UniversityProducer: Thomas Morris.
