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
Mar 30, 2006 • 42min
The Carolingian Renaissance
Explore Charlemagne's rise to power in Western Europe, his cultural achievements, and the financing of his conquests. Learn about the scholars drawn to his court and the educational reforms he implemented. Dive into the debate on whether the Carolingian period can be considered a Renaissance, and the intertwining of politics, religion, and culture during this era.
Mar 23, 2006 • 42min
The Royal Society
Explore the origins of the Royal Society and how figures like Boyle, Hook, Wren, and Newton revolutionized science through empirical observation. Learn about Bacon's vision for collaborative science and the society's founding amidst religious and political turmoil. Discover the diverse minds that united to form the Royal Society and their early activities, contributions, and challenges in fostering scientific advancements.
Mar 16, 2006 • 42min
Don Quixote
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century novel, Don Quixote. They explore the enduring legacy of the book, the clash between delusion and reality, the complex relationship dynamics between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and the innovative impact of 'Don Quixote' on later novelists. The discussion highlights the novel's eloquent language, comedic elements, and its influence on European literature.
Mar 9, 2006 • 42min
Negative Numbers
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the mysterious history of negative numbers, tracing their acceptance in math from Chinese solutions to European embrace. They explore the resistance faced, the contrast of mathematical progress across regions, the evolution of math into complex numbers, and the practical significance of negative numbers in science and technology.
Mar 2, 2006 • 42min
Friendship
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the concept of friendship, discussing its importance in Greek and Roman societies. They delve into Aristotle's classification of friendship based on utility, pleasure, and goodness, highlighting the complexities of true friendship. The podcast touches on the darker aspects of friendship, including jealousy and exploitation, and examines how different forms of friendship have influenced creativity, intellectual pursuits, and power dynamics throughout history.
Feb 23, 2006 • 28min
Catherine the Great
Melvyn Bragg discusses Catherine the Great with historians, exploring her ambitions to transform Russia into an enlightened society. They delve into her policies on serfs, her complex legacy as a ruler, and the challenges she faced in implementing Western reforms while balancing power and resistance. The episode also highlights her strategic alliances, education reforms, and the impact of the French Enlightenment on her reign.
Feb 16, 2006 • 28min
Human Evolution
Unravel the complex journey of human evolution spanning six million years, from diverse coexisting species to the role of the human brain. Discover the split between humans and chimps, the diversity of Homo species, enigmatic origins of language, genetic impacts on language ability, and the evolutionary consequences of having a big brain.
Feb 9, 2006 • 42min
Chaucer
Explore the life of Geoffrey Chaucer, father of English literature, from his humble roots to influential works like Canterbury Tales. Discover his travels, rise in Richard II's court, and enduring impact on modern literature. Learn about his social mobility, royal connections, and blend of French and English language. Dive into themes of love and loss in 'The Book of the Duchess' and Troilus and Criseyde, as well as the incorporation of Boethian philosophy in his writing.
Feb 2, 2006 • 42min
The Abbasid Caliphs
Exploring the rise and reign of the Abbasid Caliphs, their cultural flourishing and intellectual exchange, contributions of notable scholar Saina, intriguing insights into the Harim, cultural influence of singing girls and dissent in the community, and the influences, unrest, and transformation within the Abbasid Caliphate.
Jan 26, 2006 • 28min
Seventeenth Century Print Culture
The podcast delves into the surge of printed texts during the 17th century, from sensationalist rogue publications to the evolution of news delivery. It explores the impact of print on societal controversies and its role in shaping the English Civil War. Additionally, it discusses the rise of publication rates, the accessibility of cheap print, and the democratizing essence of newspapers in fostering political discourse.
