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Michael Ignatieff's book is a profound and inspiring exploration of the language of consolation.

It's told through a series of portraits of historical, literary and artistic figures.

‘On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times’, first published in 2021.

Omnibus of five essays abridged by Penny Leicester.

Read by William Hope.

1. Job and the Psalms offer the earliest lessons in consolation.

2. What is Cicero to do when personal tragedy strikes and his philosophy of stoicism fails to console?

3. A glorious depiction of Paradise painted by El Greco in 16th century Spain.

4. In 16th century France, Michel de Montaigne finds solace in the human body.

5. The hospice movement pioneer, Cicely Saunders, puts compassion at the heart of her life's work.

Michael Ignatieff is a writer, historian and former politician. He has taught at some of the world's most prestigious universities and in 2022 became the President and Rector at Central European University in Vienna.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 in February 2022.

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