In Our Time Podcast
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from ѿý 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.
Episodes to download
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The Arabian Nights
Thu 18 Oct 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the myths, tales and legends of the Arabian Nights.
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The Divine Right of Kings
Thu 11 Oct 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the idea that kingly authority derives from God.
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Madame Bovary
Thu 12 Jul 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the 1857 trial of Gustave Flaubert's novel, Madame Bovary
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The Pilgrim Fathers
Thu 5 Jul 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses what the Pilgrim Fathers and the Mayflower mean to Americans.
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The Permian-Triassic Boundary
Thu 28 Jun 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the Permian-Triassic boundary in evolutionary history.
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Ockham's Razor
Thu 31 May 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the ideas of William Ockham including Ockham's Razor.
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The Siege of Orléans
Thu 24 May 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses Joan of Arc's role in the 1428 Siege of Orléans.
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Gravitational Waves
Thu 17 May 2007
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the physics of Gravitational Waves.
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Spinoza
Thu 3 May 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the Dutch, Jewish and Christian Philosopher, Baruch Spinoza.
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Greek and Roman Love Poetry
Thu 26 Apr 2007
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Greek and Roman love poetry.
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The Opium Wars
Thu 12 Apr 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the 19th century Opium Wars between Britain and China.
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Epistolary Literature
Thu 15 Mar 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses epistolary literature from Aphra Benn to Les Liaisons Dangereuses
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Microbiology
Thu 8 Mar 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the history of microbiology, the study of microscopic life.
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Archimedes
Thu 25 Jan 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the Greek mathematician Archimedes and his famous cry of “eureka!”
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Mars
Thu 11 Jan 2007
Melvyn Bragg discusses the planet Mars, a source of endless fascination in human history
In Our Time podcasts
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The In Our Time Listeners' Top 10
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