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 15, 2024 • 50min
Nefertiti
Aidan Dodson, an Honorary Professor of Egyptology, Joyce Tyldesley, a Professor known for her expertise in ancient culture, and Kate Spence, a Senior Lecturer in Egyptian Archaeology, dive into the captivating world of Nefertiti. They explore the iconic bust's mysterious discovery and its global impact. The discussion also unpacks Nefertiti's role during Akhenaten's reign, the complexities of her legacy, and how religious shifts impacted ancient Egyptian society. The interplay of art, power, and lineage reveals layers of intrigue surrounding this legendary queen.
Feb 8, 2024 • 51min
Condorcet
Rachel Hammersley, a Professor of Intellectual History, Richard Whatmore, a Professor of Modern History, and Tom Hopkins, a Senior Teaching Associate, dive into the life and ideas of Nicolas de Condorcet, a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment. They discuss Condorcet's unwavering commitment to social progress, equal rights, and the abolition of slavery. His ambitious visions of human perfectibility and republican governance amid the chaos of the French Revolution reveal the powerful influence his work continues to have on modern thought.
Jan 25, 2024 • 54min
Twelfth Night, or What You Will
Pascale Aebischer, Michael Dobson, and Emma Smith dive into the complexities of Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night,' exploring themes of love, identity, and desire. They discuss the intriguing relationships between characters, like the disguises that lead to misunderstandings. The dark humor surrounding Malvolio's humiliation is intricately examined, alongside the festive backdrop of Illyria. The guests also connect the play's themes to early 17th-century London, highlighting how societal norms like Puritanism shape its comedic elements.
36 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 56min
Vincent van Gogh
Guests discuss Vincent van Gogh's famous works and his battle with mental health. Topics include his early life and family background, fascination with sunflowers, difficult collaborators, time in the asylum, self portraits, compelling biography, changing colors, and upcoming exhibition at the National Gallery.
26 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 53min
Tiberius
Matthew Nicholls, a Senior Tutor at Oxford specializing in Roman history, along with Shushma Malik from Cambridge and Professor Catherine Steel from Glasgow, delve into the complexities of Emperor Tiberius. They explore his unexpected rise to power amidst the chaos of the Roman Republic's transition to empire. Tiberius's strategic manipulation of the Praetorian Guard, the treacherous political landscape marked by paranoia, and his controversial retreat to Capri are discussed. The guests also reflect on Tiberius's legacy and how historical narratives have evolved over time.
71 snips
Jan 4, 2024 • 55min
Karl Barth
In this enlightening discussion, Stephen Plant, Dean at Trinity Hall, and Christiane Tietz, Professor of Systematic Theology, explore Karl Barth, a towering figure in 20th-century theology. They delve into Barth's radical shift from liberal theology, emphasizing divine revelation over human understanding. The conversation highlights Barth’s fierce resistance against Nazism, including the creation of the Barman Declaration. They also examine his complex relationships and the implications of his views on grace, showcasing his lasting impact on modern Christian thought.
47 snips
Dec 28, 2023 • 59min
Edgar Allan Poe
Bridget Bennett, Erin Forbes, and Tom Wright dive into the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, the master of Gothic literature and detective fiction. They discuss Poe's tumultuous early life, which deeply influenced his dark narratives. The conversation highlights his innovative contributions to the detective genre through characters like C. Auguste Dupin. They also explore the unsettling themes in works like 'The Fall of the House of Usher' and examine the complexities of Poe's legacy, including race and personal relationships, weaving a rich tapestry of his enduring cultural impact.
20 snips
Dec 21, 2023 • 46min
Marguerite de Navarre
Marguerite, Queen of Navarre, was a key figure of the French Renaissance and a prolific writer known for her influential work, the Heptaméron. Emma Herdman, a French lecturer, dives into Marguerite's bold critiques of the Catholic Church and her pivotal role in the Reformation. They explore the complex narratives of the Heptaméron that challenge gender dynamics, as well as Marguerite's strategic political maneuvers within her royal family during a time of religious turmoil. Her legacy as a literary and reformative force endures.
46 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 56min
The Theory of the Leisure Class
Matthew Watson, a Political Economy professor, Bill Waller, an Economics professor, and Mary Wrenn, a Senior Lecturer in Economics, delve into Thorstein Veblen's pivotal work. They discuss the Gilded Age's emergence of a leisure class, highlighting conspicuous consumption and waste. The conversation covers how Veblen's critiques predated modern economic thought, influenced the New Deal, and introduced the concept of Veblen goods. They also explore the interplay between economic theories and societal change, revealing the enduring relevance of Veblen's insights.
10 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 53min
The Barbary Corsairs
Join Joanna Nolan, a Research Associate at SOAS, Claire Norton, a former Associate Professor of History, and Michael Talbot, an Associate Professor in Ottoman History, as they delve into the fascinating world of Barbary Corsairs. Discover how these North African privateers challenged European perceptions, operating under a veneer of legitimacy. Explore the complex realities of enslavement and the coexistence between captives and captors. They also tackle the myths surrounding these figures, urging a reevaluation of historical narratives and their modern implications.
