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 5, 2009 • 42min
The Brothers Grimm
Melvyn Bragg discusses the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm with Juliette Wood, Marina Warner and Tony Phelan. The German siblings who in 1812 published a collection of fairy tales including Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin. But the Grimm versions are surprisingly, sometimes shockingly, different. Cinderella has no fairy godmother, her ugly sisters are not ugly but they do have their eyes pecked out by pigeons. Sleeping Beauty does not have an evil stepmother, Rapunzel is pregnant and Frog Princes do not get kissed but thrown against walls. They may not be the fairy tales as we know them, but without the Brothers Grimm we might not know them at all. But why did two respectable German linguists go chasing after fairy stories, what do the stories tell us about German culture and romantic nationalism at the time and why do these ever-evolving tales of horror, wonder and fantasy continue to hold us in thrall?With Juliette Wood, Associate Lecturer in Folklore at Cardiff University; Marina Warner, Professor in the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies at the University of Essex; Tony Phelan, Professor in German at Keble College, Oxford.
Jan 29, 2009 • 42min
Swift's A Modest Proposal
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal, discussing its satirical brilliance and shocking revelations. They explore Swift's use of numbers to criticize Irish landlords, his controversial legacy in Irish nationalism, and the rise of pamphleteering in the 18th century. The podcast provides insights into Swift's character, mind, and his dark yet thought-provoking perspectives on society and religion.
Jan 22, 2009 • 42min
History of History
Melvyn Bragg discusses the evolution of history writing with guests. They explore ancient epics, medieval hagiographies, and modern deconstructions. The conversation touches on the transition from Herodotus to Rome-centric narratives, the historical foundations of Christianity, the intersection of Christian and classical histories, Renaissance shifts, and the representation of women in historical inquiry.
Jan 15, 2009 • 42min
Thoreau and the American Idyll
Explore Thoreau's love for nature, self-reliance, and simple living in a secluded cabin. Discover his impact on historical figures like Martin Luther King and Gandhi. Delve into his anti-slavery activism, unique farming methods, and deep connection to nature.
Jan 8, 2009 • 42min
Darwin: Life After Origins
Explore Darwin's life and work, from his botanical experiments to his global correspondence network. Delve into his studies on human evolution and sexual selection, highlighting his visionary outlook on science. Discover how Darwin's legacy transformed traditional beliefs and his impact on biology and society.
Jan 7, 2009 • 42min
Darwin: On the Origin of Species
Melvyn Bragg and guests celebrate Darwin's legacy and the impact of 'On the Origin of Species'. They discuss Darwin's hesitant approach to evolution, the parallel theories of Darwin and Wallace, the global influence of Darwin's work, the Oxford Evolution Debate, and the ongoing debate between science and religion sparked by Darwin's book.
Jan 6, 2009 • 43min
Darwin: The Voyage of the Beagle
Experts Jim Moore, Steve Jones, and David Norman discuss Darwin's voyage on the Beagle, his observations in South America, the influence of giant sloths on his theory of evolution, his relationship with Grant, and the personal struggles and secrecy surrounding his groundbreaking ideas.
Jan 5, 2009 • 43min
Darwin: On the Origins of Charles Darwin
Darwin biographer Jim Moore discusses Charles Darwin's early life, his transition from beetle collector to naturalist, the enduring friendship with his cousin, and the influences that shaped his revolutionary theory of evolution. The podcast explores Darwin's mentors, his journey into science, and the intellectual shifts that led to his groundbreaking work.
Jan 1, 2009 • 42min
The Consolations of Philosophy
Delving into Boethius' journey from despair to enlightenment, the podcast explores the consolations of philosophy in times of adversity. It discusses the impact of philosophical perspectives on sorrow and loss, the influence of Boethius on medieval literature and courtly love, and the philosophical views on liberation and rationality. The conversation also touches on Stoicism's influence on Western philosophy and how philosophers like Boethius navigate politics and find solace through philosophical contemplation.
Dec 18, 2008 • 42min
The Physics of Time
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the physics of time. When writing the Principia Mathematica, Isaac Newton declared his hand on most of the big questions in physics. He outlined the nature of space, explained the motions of the planets and conceived the operation of gravity. He also laid down the law on time declaring: “Absolute, true, and mathematical time, of itself and from its own nature, flows equably without relation to anything external.” For Newton time was absolute and set apart from the universe, but with the theories of Albert Einstein time became more complicated; it could be squeezed and distorted and was different in different places.Time is integral to our experience of things but we find it very difficult to think about. It may not even exist and yet seems written into the existence of absolutely everything. With Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Theoretical Physics and Chair in the Public Engagement in Science at the University of Surrey; Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University and Ian Stewart, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick.
