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
Jun 23, 2003 • 42min
The East India Company
Explore the rise and influence of the East India Company, from dominating the Indian subcontinent to reshaping British fashions. Delve into its profitable ventures in textiles and spices, its evolution from a trading entity to an imperial power, and the controversial practices that marked its legacy. Discover how a company managed to govern a country and the significant impact it had on both India and Britain.
Jun 19, 2003 • 42min
The Aristocracy
Exploring the rise and fall of the British aristocracy, from their dominance in society based on land and heredity, to their eventual decline. Discussing the influence of land ownership, wealth, and military service on their power. Delving into the aristocratic lifestyle, cultural impact, and evolving relationships with societal changes.
Jun 12, 2003 • 42min
The Art of War
Exploring the history and philosophy of warfare, the podcast delves into the constant presence of war in human lives. From Plato's ideal society without war to the evolution of just and unjust wars, the discussion also touches on Machiavelli's views and the transition to professionalized armies. The episode further explores the ethical dilemmas of war, the connection between virtues in war and peaceful virtues, and critiques Kant's notion of perpetual peace. Lastly, it delves into militarism, fascism, and social Darwinism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and explores diverse cultural views on warfare and international organizations.
Jun 5, 2003 • 28min
The Lunar Society
Exploring the Lunar Society's role in launching the Industrial Revolution, discovering oxygen, and pioneering evolution. Discussing the group's blend of religious dissent, entrepreneurial spirit, and intellectual adventure. Highlighting the impact of the Lunar Society on shaping society and the changing public opinions towards its members during the French Revolution.
May 29, 2003 • 28min
Memory
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the intricate workings of memory, discussing its role in shaping our identity. Topics include the different types of memory, sensory cues in memory retention, brain damage effects on memory, and childhood memories triggered by objects. The conversation explores the significance of early experiences and the crucial role of sleep in memory consolidation.
May 22, 2003 • 42min
Blood
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss blood. For more than 1500 years popular imagination, western science and the Christian Church colluded in a belief that blood was the link between the human and the divine. The Greek physician, Galen, declared that it was blood that contained the force of life and linked the body to the soul, the Christian Church established The Eucharist – the taking of the body and blood of Christ. In our blood was our individuality, it was thought, our essence and our blood lines were special. Transfusion threatened all that and now itself is being questioned.Why is it that blood was used to define both man and messiah? And how has the tradition of blood in religious thought been affected by the progress of medicine?With Miri Rubin, Professor of European History at Queen Mary, University of London; Dr Anne Hardy, Reader in the History of Medicine at the Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine at University College London; Jonathan Sawday, Professor of English Studies at the University of Strathclyde.
May 15, 2003 • 28min
The Holy Grail
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Holy Grail.Tennyson wrote:“A cracking and a riving of the roofs,And rending, and a blast, and overheadThunder, and in the thunder was a cry.And in the blast there smote along the hallA beam of light seven times more clear than day:And down the long beam stole the Holy Grail”.The sacred allure of the Grail has fascinated writers and ensnared knights for a thousand years. From Malory to Monty Python, it has the richest associations of any artefact in British myth. But where does the story spring from? What does it symbolise and why are its stories so resolutely set in these Isles and so often written by the French?With Dr Carolyne Larrington, Tutor in Medieval English at St John’s College, Oxford; Jonathan Riley-Smith, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Cambridge University; Dr Juliette Wood, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Welsh at the University College of Wales in Cardiff.
May 8, 2003 • 42min
The Jacobite Rebellion
Historian Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, discussing Bonnie Prince Charlie's campaign, the Highland clans' support, challenges faced during the rebellion, misinformation tactics used, and the impact of the Stuart dynasty in Scotland.
May 1, 2003 • 28min
Roman Britain
Discussing the Romans in Britain, the motives behind their conquest, challenges faced by Roman legions, exploitation and cultural clash, and the enigmatic female leader in a Roman rebellion.
Apr 17, 2003 • 42min
Youth
Exploring the concept of youth from ancient Greek rituals to Roman mentorship traditions, Renaissance ideals, and 19th-century societal perceptions. Delving into the evolution of youth culture, criminal depictions in Dickens' works, and the impact of psychiatry on youth perception. Reflecting on the enduring fascination and fear surrounding youth throughout history.
