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 Misha Glenny 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 Nefertiti. 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 Nefertiti. 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
42 snips
May 22, 2025 • 51min
Molière
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss one of the great figures in world literature. The French playwright Molière (1622-1673) began as an actor, aiming to be a tragedian, but he was stronger in comedy, touring with a troupe for 13 years until Louis XIV summoned him to audition at the Louvre and gave him his break. It was in Paris and at Versailles that Molière wrote and performed his best known plays, among them Tartuffe, Le Misanthrope and Le Malade Imaginaire, and in time he was so celebrated that French became known as The Language of Molière.With Noel Peacock
Emeritus Marshall Professor in French Language and Literature at the University of GlasgowJan Clarke
Professor of French at Durham UniversityAnd Joe Harris
Professor of Early Modern French and Comparative Literature at Royal Holloway, University of LondonProducer: Simon TillotsonReading list:David Bradby and Andrew Calder (eds.), The Cambridge Companion to Molière (Cambridge University Press, 2006)Jan Clarke (ed.), Molière in Context (Cambridge University Press, 2022)Georges Forestier, Molière (Gallimard, 2018)Michael Hawcroft, Molière: Reasoning with Fools (Oxford University Press, 2007)John D. Lyons, Women and Irony in Molière’s Comedies of Mariage (Oxford University Press, 2023)Robert McBride and Noel Peacock (eds.), Le Nouveau Moliériste (11 vols., University of Glasgow Presw, 1994- )Larry F. Norman, The Public Mirror: Molière and the Social Commerce of Depiction (University of Chicago Press, 1999)Noel Peacock, Molière sous les feux de la rampe (Hermann, 2012)Julia Prest, Controversy in French Drama: Molière’s Tartuffe and the Struggle for Influence (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)Virginia Scott, Molière: A Theatrical Life (Cambridge University Press, 2020)In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio Production
236 snips
May 15, 2025 • 51min
Typology
Miri Rubin, a Professor of Medieval History, junto with Harry Spillane, a Bibliography Fellow, and Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe, an Associate Professor in Patristics, dive into the fascinating realm of typology. They discuss how figures like Moses and Jonah foreshadow Jesus in the New Testament, exploring the historical roots of typology from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance. The conversation touches on its moral implications, the interplay between Judaism and Christianity, and how this interpretative method influenced literature, art, and even Protestant thought.
35 snips
May 8, 2025 • 52min
The Battle of Clontarf
Seán Duffy, a Professor of Medieval Irish History, Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, a Professor of Celtic Studies, and Alex Woolf, a Professor of Medieval Studies, delve into the iconic Battle of Clontarf. They discuss Brian Boru's leadership against the Viking invaders and the battle's role in shaping Irish identity. The fascinating interplay of power dynamics and alliances leading up to the clash unfolds, alongside the evolving narratives that emerged in its aftermath. The conversation reveals the enduring legacy of this historical event in literature and Irish culture.
50 snips
May 1, 2025 • 49min
The Gracchi
Join Kathryn Tempest, a Roman history lecturer, Catherine Steel, a classics professor, and Federico Santangelo, an ancient history expert, as they dive into the tumultuous lives of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus. They discuss Tiberius's radical land reforms and Gaius's initiatives for cheap grain and anti-corruption efforts. The brothers’ tragic fates at the hands of the elite reveal the intense political strife in Rome, leading to questions of power, justice, and the rise of imperial rule from the ashes of a shattered republic.
140 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 59min
Maurice Merleau-Ponty
In this discussion, Timothy Mooney, Komarine Romdenh-Romluc, and Thomas Baldwin explore the life and philosophical legacy of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, a pivotal figure in phenomenology. They delve into Merleau-Ponty's critiques of Cartesian dualism and his ideas about the intertwined relationship of body and consciousness. The conversation touches on the metaphysical concept of 'the flesh of the world' and supports the notion that our embodied experiences shape our understanding of freedom, ethical action, and even political thought.
60 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 56min
Thomas Middleton
Join Professors Michelle O'Callaghan, Lucy Munro, and Emma Smith as they dive into the fascinating world of Thomas Middleton, a Jacobean playwright whose works blended comedy, tragedy, and societal critique. They explore Middleton's unique portrayal of gender, the interplay of sex and money, and his collaboration with Shakespeare. The discussion highlights Middleton's standout plays, his provocative political commentary, and the enduring relevance of his themes in today's context, revealing his lasting impact on theater.
89 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 51min
Cyrus the Great
Lindsay Allen, a Senior Lecturer in Ancient Greek and Near Eastern History, along with Professor Emerita Lynette Mitchell and researcher Mateen Arghandehpour, dive into the captivating life of Cyrus the Great. They discuss his remarkable conquests, including Babylon, and his legacy of tolerance and governance. The Cyrus Cylinder is debated as possibly the first human rights declaration. Ancient narratives and the portrayal of Cyrus in the Hebrew Bible reveal the complexities of his character, as both a conqueror and a benefactor.
117 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 50min
Pollination
In this engaging discussion, Beverley Glover, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Jane Memmott, Professor of Ecology, and Lars Chittka, Professor of Sensory and Behavioural Ecology, dive into the intricate dance of pollination. They explore the clever strategies plants use to attract pollinators, revealing the sophisticated cognition of bees in flower selection. The conversation highlights the alarming decline in pollinator populations and its implications for ecosystems and agriculture, emphasizing the urgent need for biodiversity and conservation.
45 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 58min
Kali
This discussion features Bihani Sarkar, a Senior Lecturer specializing in Hindu goddess Kali, Julius Lipner, a Professor Emeritus of Hinduism, and Jessica Frazier, a lecturer in Hindu studies. The guests explore the dual nature of Kali, emphasizing her fierce yet nurturing aspects. They delve into cultural interpretations, contrasting Western misapplications with her revered status in India. Poems celebrating Kali reveal her as a symbol of power and agency, while debates on her complex imagery highlight the rich traditions surrounding her worship.
4 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 54min
Oliver Goldsmith
David O’Shaughnessy, a Professor of Eighteenth-Century Studies, Judith Hawley, specializing in Eighteenth-Century Literature, and Michael Griffin, an expert in English, explore the multifaceted brilliance of Oliver Goldsmith. They discuss his journey from a struggling writer in London to a celebrated literary figure. Key topics include his renowned works like 'The Vicar of Wakefield' and 'She Stoops to Conquer', the nostalgic and social critiques in his poetry, and the enduring legacy he left in literature and theatre, revealing both his quirky kindness and intricate personality.
