IN OUR TIME

Presented by one of Britain’s greatest champions of the arts, Melvyn Bragg, In Our Time show explores ideas across history, religion, philosophy, science and culture. With a vast array of contributors from the world of academia, such as Mary Beard, Angie Hobbs and Diarmaid MacCulloch, it is one of Radio 4’s most successful programmes, attracting a weekly live audience exceeding 2 million listeners, and, per episode, it is one of the world’s most downloaded podcasts.

To honour this major anniversary of BBC broadcasting, this beautifully illustrated book provides a lively and colourful guide to fifty of the most captivating discussions from the past two decades of In Our Time, as chosen by Melvyn and the producer Simon Tillotson, and, influenced by listeners who have recommended their favourite programmes from those years.

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‘Melvyn not only makes you think … he makes it enjoyable too. He’s brilliant.’ –John Humphrys, the Today Programme.

‘In a troubled world where many sneer at experts, In Our Time is always a treat. Those who know what they're talking about, talk about it, and they do it under the benevolent if occasionally testy guidance of one who knows how to bring out the best in them.  Listen, read, mark, and inwardly digest; agreeable glass of accompanying refreshment optional.’  –Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch

'This beautifully produced and expertly edited book is a wonderfully rich and varied sample of 50 In Our Time programmes, from ancient Greek philosophy to dark matter via the gin craze.  It will whet your appetite to visit or revisit the many hundreds of other programmes in this remarkable series.' –Professor Angela Hobbs