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
Oct 6, 2005 • 42min
The Field of the Cloth of Gold
A podcast discusses the extravagant Field of the Cloth of Gold event in 1520, where King Henry VIII and Francis I of France showcased wealth and culture. Topics include power dynamics in 16th-century Europe, Cardinal Wolsey's diplomatic influence, the alliance between England and France, and the grandeur of the monarchs. The podcast delves into the lavish preparations, jousting tournaments, and conflicting accounts of the historic meeting, revealing the political intrigue and rivalry between the two powerful kings.
Sep 29, 2005 • 42min
Magnetism
Explore the historical journey of magnetism from ancient discoveries to scientific principles. Delve into the philosophical aspects of magnetism with Descartes and Newton. Unravel the complexities of magnetism compared to gravity and its cultural significance. Discover the historical link between magnetism and superstitions, exploring themes of attraction and love. Follow the quest for the magnetic monopole and the evolution of magnetic theory in relation to electricity.
25 snips
Jul 14, 2005 • 42min
Marx
Join Anthony Grayling, a leading philosopher, Francis Wheen, a journalist and Marx biographer, and Gareth Stedman Jones, a political science expert, as they dive deep into the life and legacy of Karl Marx. They discuss the resurgence of Marx's ideas in today's society, and the enduring impact of his writing, particularly the Communist Manifesto. The conversation sheds light on his philosophical evolution, the significance of class struggle, and how his theories relate to modern capitalism. Discover why Marx remains a relevant figure in contemporary discussions.
Jul 7, 2005 • 42min
Marlowe
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Christopher Marlowe, a controversial figure known for his playwright and poet talents. They delve into his mysterious death, literary rivalry with Shakespeare, espionage connections, and the potential impact of his continued life on literature.
Jun 30, 2005 • 28min
Merlin
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the legendary wizard Merlin. He was sired by an incubus and born of a virgin; he was a prophet, a shape-shifter, a king-maker and a mad man of the woods. Before Gandalf there was Merlin: the power behind Arthur and a literary sensation for centuries. In a literary career spanning 1500 years, Merlin, or originally Myrddin, put the sword in the stone, built Stonehenge, knew the truth behind the Holy Grail and discovered the Elixir of Life. "Beware Merlin for he knows all things by the devil's craft" say the poisoners in Malory's Morte D'Arthur; but he is also on the side of the good and is almost Christ-like in some of the versions of his tale, and his prophesies were pored over by the medieval Church. Who was Merlinus Ambrosius, as he is sometimes known? Where does his legend spring from and how has it been appropriated and adapted over time?With Juliette Wood, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Welsh at Cardiff University, Stephen Knight, Distinguished Research Professor in English Literature at Cardiff University, Peter Forshaw, Lecturer in Renaissance Philosophies at Birkbeck, University of London.
Jun 23, 2005 • 42min
The KT Boundary
Scientists discuss the KT Boundary, a global thin grey line marking a cataclysmic event 65 million years ago. Topics include impact theory at Meacher crater, Deccan Traps eruptions, dating methods for geological events, extinction patterns, and the rise of mammals after dinosaurs' extinction.
Jun 16, 2005 • 42min
Paganism in the Renaissance
Exploring the resurgence of pagan imagery in Renaissance art through iconic works by Botticelli and Titian. Discussing the shift from moralistic interpretations of Ovid's myths to embracing classical authenticity. Delving into the challenges faced by artists depicting nudity and the evolution of Church views on art during the Renaissance period.
Jun 9, 2005 • 42min
The Scriblerus Club
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Scriblerus Club. The 18th century Club included some of the most extraordinary and vivid satirists ever to have written in the English language. We are given giants and midgets, implausible unions with Siamese twins, diving competitions into the open sewer of Fleet-ditch, and Olympic-style pissing competitions: "Who best can send on high/The salient spout, far streaming to the sky". But these exotic images were part of an attempt by Pope, Swift and their cadres to show a world in terrible decline: "Religion, blushing, veils her sacred fires,And unawares Morality expires.Nor public flame, nor private dares to shine;Nor human spark is left, nor glimpse divine!Lo! Thy dread empire, Chaos! Is restored:Light dies before thy uncreating word".So wrote Alexander Pope in his great mock epic verse, The Dunciad. Who were the Scriblerans? And what in eighteenth century society had driven them to such disdain and despair?With John Mullan, Senior Lecturer in English, University College London; Judith Hawley, Senior Lecturer in English, Royal Holloway, University of London; Marcus Walsh, Kenneth Allott Professor of English Literature, University of Liverpool.
Jun 2, 2005 • 42min
Renaissance Maths
The podcast delves into the evolution of mathematics during the Renaissance, from Greek geometry's dominance to the incorporation of algebraic influences from India and Arabia. It explores the practical applications of mathematics in warfare, architecture, and navigation. The impact of Fibonacci's numerical system and the transition to symbolic algebraic notation are highlighted. The emergence of calculus and the contrasting views of Leibniz and Newton shape the development of modern mathematics.
May 26, 2005 • 42min
The French Revolution's reign of terror
Historian Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the French Revolution's reign of terror, discussing the September massacres, motivations of key figures, Louis XVI's fate, internal conflicts among Republicans, Robespierre's ambiguous conduct, and the lasting impact on revolutionary movements worldwide.
