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
May 24, 2012 • 42min
Marco Polo
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the celebrated Venetian explorer Marco Polo. In 1271 Polo set off on an epic journey through Asia. He was away for more than twenty years, and when he returned to Venice he told extraordinary tales of his adventures. He had visited the court of the Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan, and acted as his emissary, travelling through many of the remote territories of the Far East. An account of Marco Polo's travels was written down by his contemporary Rustichello da Pisa, a romance writer he met after being imprisoned during a war against the neighbouring Genoese.The Travels of Marco Polo was one of the most popular books produced in the age before printing. It was widely translated, and many beautifully illustrated editions made their way to the collections of the rich and educated. It was much read by later travellers, and Polo's devotees included Christopher Columbus and Henry the Navigator. For centuries it was seen as the first and best account of life in the mysterious East; but today the accuracy and even truth of Marco Polo's work is often disputed.With:Frances WoodLead Curator of Chinese Collections at the British LibraryJoan Pau RubiesReader in International History at the London School of Economics and Political ScienceDebra Higgs StricklandSenior Lecturer in the History of Art at the University of GlasgowProducer: Thomas Morris.
May 17, 2012 • 42min
Clausewitz and On War
Explore the life and impact of Clausewitz, his fresh perspectives on warfare, role in Napoleon's Russian campaign, and qualities of a military leader. Dive into his Trinity concept and enduring influence on modern military strategies.
May 10, 2012 • 42min
Game Theory
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into game theory, discussing its origins, the Prisoner's Dilemma, coordination in games like 'Battle of the Sexes', the use of mathematics in evolutionary biology, and its applications in economics and society. They explore decision-making strategies, Nash equilibrium, and behavioral patterns in decision-making.
May 3, 2012 • 42min
Voltaire's Candide
An exploration of Voltaire's iconic novel 'Candide', delving into its satire on Optimism and critique of society. The podcast discusses Voltaire's life and literary works, his controversies, Enlightenment ideals, and the philosophical questions raised in the novel. Topics include the origin of evil, the Lisbon earthquake's impact, and themes of wealth, freedom, and adventure in 'Candide'.
Apr 26, 2012 • 42min
The Battle of Bosworth Field
Delve into the power struggles of the Wars of the Roses and the rise of Henry Tudor, exploring Richard III's loyalty, military leadership, and ruthless side. Discover Henry's exile and rebellion, strategic military movements leading to Bosworth Field, and the aftermath of Richard's death. Uncover the political intrigue of Henry VII's reign and the challenges in restoring Richard III's reputation.
17 snips
Apr 19, 2012 • 42min
Neoplatonism
Explore the origins and influence of Neoplatonism, a school of thought founded by Plotinus in the 3rd century AD. Learn about the complex cosmology linking humans with the divine, the clashes between Christianity and Neoplatonism, and the impact on Renaissance scholars and artists.
Apr 12, 2012 • 42min
Early Geology
This podcast explores the emergence of geology as a scientific discipline, tracing its roots from ancient Egyptian and Greek scholars to the Renaissance period. It delves into the challenges faced by early geologists due to religious beliefs and limited knowledge, highlighting key figures like Agricola and Gessner. The episodes also discuss the influence of religious institutions on scientific inquiry, the impact of leading figures like Federico Chazy, and the debates around early geological theories like the age of the Earth.
Apr 5, 2012 • 42min
George Fox and the Quakers
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss George Fox and the Quakers, focusing on their radical beliefs, rejection of traditional Church practices, advocacy for equality, and perseverance through persecution. They explore the origins of Quakerism, key figures like Margaret Fell, and the impactful role of Quaker women in spreading their message. The podcast delves into the confrontations with authorities, legal tactics, and the intense religious persecution faced by the Quakers in the 17th century.
Mar 29, 2012 • 42min
The Measurement of Time
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the measurement of time. Early civilisations used the movements of heavenly bodies to tell the time, but even in the ancient world more sophisticated timekeeping devices such as waterclocks were known. The development of mechanical clocks in Europe emerged in the medieval period when monks used such devices to sound an alarm to signal it was the hour to pray, although these clocks did not tell them the time. For hundreds of years clocks were inaccurate and it proved hard to remedy the problems, let alone settle on a standard time that the country should follow. It was with the advent of the railways that time finally became standardised in Britain in the mid-19th century and only in 1884 that Greenwich became the prime meridian of the world. Atomic clocks now mark the passing of the days, hours, and minutes and they are capable of keeping time to a second in 15 million years. With:Kristen LippincottFormer Director of the Royal Observatory, GreenwichJim BennettDirector of the Museum of the History of Science at the University of OxfordJonathan BettsSenior Curator of Horology at the Royal Observatory, GreenwichProducer: Natalia Fernandez.
Mar 22, 2012 • 42min
Moses Mendelssohn
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the work and influence of the eighteenth-century philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. A prominent figure at the court of Frederick the Great, Mendelssohn was one of the most significant thinkers of his age. He came from a humble, but culturally rich background and his obvious intelligence was recognised from a young age and nurtured by the local rabbi where he lived in the town of Dessau in Prussia. Moses's learning earned him the sobriquet of the 'German Socrates' and he is considered to be one of the principal architects of the Haskala, the Jewish Enlightenment, and widely regarded as having helped bring Judaism into the mainstream of European culture. Mendelssohn is perhaps best remembered today for his efforts to bring Jewish and German culture closer together and for his plea for religious toleration.With:Christopher ClarkProfessor of Modern European History at the University of CambridgeAbigail GreenTutor and Fellow in History at the University of OxfordAdam SutcliffeSenior Lecturer in European History at King's College, London Producer: Natalia Fernandez.
