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
Jul 4, 2019 • 53min
Lorca
Maria Delgado, a Professor of Creative Arts, Federico Bonaddio, a Reader in Modern Spanish, and Sarah Wright, a Professor of Hispanic Studies, explore the life and legacy of Federico García Lorca. They discuss his fusion of Andalusian culture with avant-garde influences and the contradictions in his artistic identity. Topics include his preference for performance over publication, his complex relationships with contemporaries like Dali and Buñuel, and the profound emotional depth captured in his concept of Duende, all set against the backdrop of the turbulent political climate of 1930s Spain.
Jun 27, 2019 • 54min
Doggerland
Join Vince Gaffney, a leading landscape archaeologist, Carol Cotterill, a marine geoscientist, and Rachel Bynoe, an underwater archaeology expert, as they dive into the fascinating world of Doggerland. They reveal how this ancient land once linked Britain to the continent and explore its rich ecosystems, inhabited by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers. Discover underwater artifacts and the geological changes that submerged Doggerland, along with the implications of climate change on human populations and the challenges archaeologists face in uncovering this lost landscape.
Jun 20, 2019 • 54min
The Mytilenaean Debate
Angela Hobbs, a philosophy professor, Lisa Irene Hau, a classics lecturer, and Paul Cartledge, an expert in Greek culture, dive into the Mytilenaean Debate from 427 BC. They explore Athenian democracy's moral dilemmas as Athens reconsidered a brutal decision against Mytilene. The conversation includes Thucydides' insights on governance and power dynamics, and contrasting arguments of Cleon and Diodotus, highlighting the nuances of justice and self-interest in ancient political discourse. The fate of a second ship and its implications adds a gripping layer to this historical event.
Jun 13, 2019 • 53min
The Inca
Join Frank Meddens, a Visiting Scholar at the University of Reading, Helen Cowie, a Senior Lecturer in History at the University of York, and Bill Sillar from University College London as they unravel the fascinating world of the Inca Empire. They delve into how the Incas expanded from small groups into a powerful civilization, discussing their remarkable agricultural innovations and extensive road systems. The group also explores the logistical brilliance of the Inca communication, their cultural practices, and the dramatic effects of the Spanish conquest on their society.
Jun 6, 2019 • 53min
Sir Thomas Browne
In this engaging discussion, guests Claire Preston, Jessica Wolfe, and Kevin Killeen delve into the life and works of Sir Thomas Browne, a 17th-century physician and writer. They explore his groundbreaking texts like 'Religio Medici' and 'Pseudodoxia Epidemica', which challenged prevailing myths and intertwined faith with scientific inquiry. The conversation highlights Browne's unique prose style and complex reflections on mortality, as well as his rich contributions to the English language. Browne's legacy as a polymath and a thinker continues to resonate in literature and science.
May 30, 2019 • 55min
President Ulysses S Grant
Join Robert Cook, Erik Mathisen, and Susan-Mary Grant as they dive into the multifaceted legacy of Ulysses S. Grant. They discuss his pivotal role during the Reconstruction era, notably his efforts to secure civil rights for freed slaves and combatting the Ku Klux Klan. The conversation also highlights Grant's later tarnished reputation due to corruption scandals and his complex relationship with Native American rights. Their insights reveal a significant reassessment of Grant's contributions to American history and the tangled nature of his presidency.
May 23, 2019 • 52min
Kinetic Theory
Steven Bramwell, a Professor of Physics at University College London, and Isobel Falconer, a Reader in the History of Mathematics at the University of St Andrews, dive into the intriguing evolution of kinetic theory. They discuss the historic clash between static particle theories and the revolutionary ideas brought by Maxwell and Boltzmann. The conversation reveals how understanding gas behavior set the stage for modern physics, and they explore the fascinating implications of these theories on atomic existence, entropy, and even the philosophical debates surrounding them.
18 snips
May 9, 2019 • 51min
Bergson and Time
Keith Ansell-Pearson, Professor at the University of Warwick, Emily Thomas from Durham University, and Mark Sinclair of Roehampton University dive into Henri Bergson's revolutionary ideas on time. They discuss the difference between mechanical clock time and the fluid, subjective experience of time. Insights into how Bergson's work influenced literary giants and philosophical debates emerge, alongside critiques he faced post-WWI. The conversation highlights his enduring legacy and the contemporary resurgence of interest in his ideas, blending deep philosophy with engaging dialogue.
May 2, 2019 • 50min
The Gordon Riots
In this engaging discussion, guests include Ian Haywood, a Professor of English with a knack for literature and history, Catriona Kennedy, a Senior Lecturer specializing in Modern British and Irish History, and Mark Knights, a Professor of History focused on historical contexts. They delve into the chaos of the Gordon Riots, tracing their roots in anti-Catholic sentiment and political unrest. The conversation highlights the transformation from peaceful protest to violent upheaval, revealing the complexities of crowd dynamics and the socio-political landscape of 18th century Britain.
12 snips
Apr 25, 2019 • 51min
Nero
In this discussion, guests Maria Wyke, a Professor of Latin, Matthew Nicholls, an Oxford Fellow, and Shushma Malik, a Classics Lecturer, delve into the life of Emperor Nero, who ascended the throne at just 16. They explore his notorious reputation, from early popularity to allegations of tyranny and his extravagant lifestyle. The podcast discusses the Great Fire of Rome and the conspiracy that led to his downfall. Additionally, they examine Nero's fraught relationship with his mother and the lasting impact of his reign on Christian narratives and Roman history.
