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 7, 2011 • 42min
The Minoan Civilisation
Explore the advanced Minoan civilization through the archaeological discoveries at Knossos, their writing system, and cultural practices. Discover the social dynamics of burial sites in the Bronze Age and explore the enigmatic Snake Goddesses of Knossos. Challenge the traditional view of centralized authority in Minoan Civilization and decipher their unique writing systems. Learn about the impact of a volcanic eruption on the Minoan civilization and unravel the mysteries surrounding this ancient culture.
Jun 29, 2011 • 42min
Tennyson's In Memoriam
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Tennyson's 'In Memoriam'. They explore Tennyson's grief over the loss of a friend, the impact of scientific discoveries on religious beliefs, and Queen Victoria's admiration for the poem. The podcast delves into Tennyson's family history, his time at Cambridge University, the intellectual bond with his friend Hallam, and themes of loss and grief in his poetry. It also touches on Tennyson's connection with nature and the lasting influence of 'In Memoriam' on modern poetry.
Jun 22, 2011 • 42min
Malthusianism
Explore the controversial ideas of Malthusianism, with discussions on population growth surpassing resources, historical impacts on urban centers, Malthus's upbringing and influences, strategies for population control like delayed marriage, and the contrast between Malthus and Godwin's viewpoints on societal issues.
11 snips
Jun 16, 2011 • 42min
Wyclif and the Lollards
Medieval philosopher John Wyclif and the Lollards are discussed, highlighting their opposition to the Roman Church, English Bible translation, and disputes over Church teachings like transubstantiation. The podcast explores Wyclif's background, ties to John of Gaunt, radical preaching, the Blackfrize Council's impact, and the collaborative effort behind the Wyclif Bible and its consequences on the Lawlards movement and the Reformation period.
Jun 8, 2011 • 42min
The Origins of Infectious Disease
Experts discuss the historical origins of infectious diseases, from ancient outbreaks to modern viruses like HIV and Ebola. They explore the differences between bacteria and viruses, the body's immune response to pathogens, and the impact of human behavior on disease evolution. Genomics helps uncover ancient diseases, while advancements in modern medicine continue the battle against infectious diseases.
Jun 2, 2011 • 42min
The Battle of Stamford Bridge
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Battle of Stamford Bridge.In the first week of 1066 the English king, Edward the Confessor, died. A young nobleman, Harold Godwinson, claimed that Edward had nominated him his successor, and seized the throne. But he was not the only claimant: in France the powerful Duke of Normandy, William, believed that he was the rightful king, and prepared to invade England.As William amassed his forces on the other side of the Channel, however, an army led by the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada invaded from the North Sea. Harold quickly marched north and confronted the Norsemen, whose leaders included his own brother Tostig. The English won an emphatic victory; but barely three weeks later Harold was dead, killed at Hastings, and the Norman Conquest had begun.With: John HinesProfessor of Archaeology at Cardiff UniversityElizabeth RoweLecturer in Scandinavian History of the Viking Age at Clare Hall, University of CambridgeStephen BaxterReader in Medieval History at King's College LondonProducer: Thomas Morris.
May 26, 2011 • 42min
Xenophon
Xenophon, an Athenian writer and friend of Socrates, led the Ten Thousand troops. The podcast explores his Anabasis journey, philosophy, ambition to become a despot, post-campaign life, moralizing texts, and lasting influence on leadership and military education.
May 19, 2011 • 42min
Custer's Last Stand
Historian and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and his guests delve into the Battle of the Little Bighorn, exploring the clash between the American federal government and Native Americans over land rights, the unexpected encounter that led to Custer's Last Stand, and the intricate political intrigues and rivalries that shaped the event. They also discuss the rise of George Custer from a modest background to a Civil War hero, and the evolving scholarly perspectives on his legacy.
May 12, 2011 • 42min
The Anatomy of Melancholy
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Robert Burton's masterpiece The Anatomy of Melancholy.In 1621 the priest and scholar Robert Burton published a book quite unlike any other. The Anatomy of Melancholy brings together almost two thousand years of scholarship, from Ancient Greek philosophy to seventeenth-century medicine. Melancholy, a condition believed to be caused by an imbalance of the body's four humours, was characterised by despondency, depression and inactivity. Burton himself suffered from it, and resolved to compile an authoritative work of scholarship on the malady, drawing on all relevant sources.Despite its subject matter the Anatomy is an entertaining work, described by Samuel Johnson as the only book 'that ever took him out of bed two hours sooner than he wished to rise.' It also offers a fascinating insight into seventeenth-century medical theory, and influenced many generations of playwrights and poets.With:Julie SandersProfessor of English Literature and Drama at the University of NottinghamMary Ann LundLecturer in English at the University of LeicesterErin SullivanLecturer and Fellow at the Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham.Producer: Thomas Morris.
May 5, 2011 • 42min
Islamic Law and its Origins
The podcast explores the origins and development of Islamic law, known as Sharia, rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and legal scholars' opinions. It discusses the transformation of social norms under Prophet Muhammad's leadership, challenges faced after his death, and the evolution of legal procedures like analogy. The discussions delve into practical dilemmas within Islamic law, balancing religious principles with individual privacy, and the formalization of Islamic law institutions over centuries.
