http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qxsbBiographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.BBC Radio 4BBCRadioMusic.Support@bbc.co.ukhttps://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/b006qxsb.rssenhttp://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/3000x3000/p051902p.jpghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qxsb(C) BBC 2019Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:30:00 +0000nononadultMatthew Parris meets the poet Ian McMillan to find out about the life of his literary hero Malcolm Lowry. Ian first discovered this twentieth century writer's work as a young sixth former searching for literary inspiration. He stumbled by chance upon the writer's most famous novel, Under the Volcano, and Lowry's lyrical lines have remained with Ian ever since. Joining Matthew and Ian to discuss the life of this Merseyside writer is the artistic director of Liverpool's Bluecoat Theatre, Bryan Biggs. Together, they discuss the biography of this complex and intense man, a life that was full of sea-voyaging, shack-dwelling and heavy drinking. Producer: Camellia SinclairAs a young man looking for a literary hero, poet Ian McMillan found writer Malcolm LowryMatthew Parris meets the poet Ian McMillan to find out about the life of his literary hero Malcolm Lowry. Ian first discovered this twentieth century writer's work as a young sixth former searching for literary inspiration. He stumbled by chance upon the writer's most famous novel, Under the Volcano, and Lowry's lyrical lines have remained with Ian ever since. Joining Matthew and Ian to discuss the life of this Merseyside writer is the artistic director of Liverpool's Bluecoat Theatre, Bryan Biggs. Together, they discuss the biography of this complex and intense man, a life that was full of sea-voyaging, shack-dwelling and heavy drinking. Producer: Camellia SinclairTue, 23 Apr 2019 16:30:00 +00001663urn:bbc:podcast:m0004f28http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0004f28cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0004f28Journalist Helen Lewis rehabilitates the reputation of the “Black Queen” of France, Catherine de Medici. Helen is joined by Dr Estelle Paranque, history lecturer at the New College of Humanities and author of a new book on the relationship between Catherine and Elizabeth I. Catherine’s life is a remarkable story of female resilience in the face of adversity. Born and immediately orphaned in Florence, Catherine’s Medici name meant she was married off to the French King’s second son. When she arrived in France, she was shunned. Her new husband was already completely in love with another far older and more beautiful woman. He showed little interest in her. And no one expected her to come to the throne. But, following a series of unfortunate deaths, Catherine would go on to become one of the most powerful women in Europe – Queen regent, and mother to three kings across decades of a volatile period in French history. Helen became fascinated by her aged ten when she realised with a kind of horror that had she been a medieval princess she was the right age to be shipped off to a strange land to marry some duke she’d never met. Helen Lewis is associate editor at the New Statesman. She argues that Catherine was a savvy political operator, and that her reputation as “the serpent of Paris”was largely due to the fact she was a female in power at a very difficult time. A fascinating insight into a major character little known over here. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer in Bristol is Polly Weston.Helen Lewis chooses the so-called 'Black Queen' of France, Catherine de Medici.Journalist Helen Lewis rehabilitates the reputation of the “Black Queen” of France, Catherine de Medici. Helen is joined by Dr Estelle Paranque, history lecturer at the New College of Humanities and author of a new book on the relationship between Catherine and Elizabeth I. Catherine’s life is a remarkable story of female resilience in the face of adversity. Born and immediately orphaned in Florence, Catherine’s Medici name meant she was married off to the French King’s second son. When she arrived in France, she was shunned. Her new husband was already completely in love with another far older and more beautiful woman. He showed little interest in her. And no one expected her to come to the throne. But, following a series of unfortunate deaths, Catherine would go on to become one of the most powerful women in Europe – Queen regent, and mother to three kings across decades of a volatile period in French history. Helen became fascinated by her aged ten when she realised with a kind of horror that had she been a medieval princess she was the right age to be shipped off to a strange land to marry some duke she’d never met. Helen Lewis is associate editor at the New Statesman. She argues that Catherine was a savvy political operator, and that her reputation as “the serpent of Paris”was largely due to the fact she was a female in power at a very difficult time. A fascinating insight into a major character little known over here. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer in Bristol is Polly Weston.Thu, 18 Apr 2019 08:41:00 +00001670urn:bbc:podcast:m0003zvdhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003zvdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0003zvdShe's the most influential woman that English history forgot, says Tom Holland - Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, daughter of Alfred the Great. Living and ruling at a time when the Anglo-Saxons were fighting back against the Vikings, Aethelflaed became a key figure in the construction of what we know today as England. But how much do we actually know? Joining Tom and Matthew Parris in the studio is Sarah Foot, the Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical history. Together they pick though the life of an astonishing character recently recreated in Bernard Cornwell's series The Last Kingdom and played by Millie Brady; and who also might have inspired Eowyn in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The producer in Bristol is Miles WardeTom Holland chooses Aethelflaed, Lady of the MerciansShe's the most influential woman that English history forgot, says Tom Holland - Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, daughter of Alfred the Great. Living and ruling at a time when the Anglo-Saxons were fighting back against the Vikings, Aethelflaed became a key figure in the construction of what we know today as England. But how much do we actually know? Joining Tom and Matthew Parris in the studio is Sarah Foot, the Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical history. Together they pick though the life of an astonishing character recently recreated in Bernard Cornwell's series The Last Kingdom and played by Millie Brady; and who also might have inspired Eowyn in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The producer in Bristol is Miles WardeTue, 16 Apr 2019 16:00:00 +00001918urn:bbc:podcast:m00045lghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00045lgcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m00045lgComedian and author Shappi Khorsandi has been desperate to tell the story of Emma, Lady Hamilton as she’s quite simply one of her greatest fans. Everyone knows Emma Hamilton as simply the seducer of Admiral Horatio Nelson but according to Shappi she was more than that; history has simply palmed her off as a prostitute, a mistress, without looking at the deeper story of what she suffered and endured. In this programme Shappi, with help from Professor Kate Williams, author of ‘England’s Mistress’, makes the case for how this woman born into poverty clawed her way up through London’s sordid underworld and became fantastically famous posing for artist George Romney. She also became an ambassador’s wife and mixed in diplomatic circles and became the confidante of both Marie Antoinette and the Queen of Naples. Will presenter Matthew Parris be convinced and accept Emma, Lady Hamilton as a great life. Producer, Perminder KhatkarShappi Khorsandi chooses Emma, Lady Hamilton, Lord Nelson’s mistress.Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi has been desperate to tell the story of Emma, Lady Hamilton as she’s quite simply one of her greatest fans. Everyone knows Emma Hamilton as simply the seducer of Admiral Horatio Nelson but according to Shappi she was more than that; history has simply palmed her off as a prostitute, a mistress, without looking at the deeper story of what she suffered and endured. In this programme Shappi, with help from Professor Kate Williams, author of ‘England’s Mistress’, makes the case for how this woman born into poverty clawed her way up through London’s sordid underworld and became fantastically famous posing for artist George Romney. She also became an ambassador’s wife and mixed in diplomatic circles and became the confidante of both Marie Antoinette and the Queen of Naples. Will presenter Matthew Parris be convinced and accept Emma, Lady Hamilton as a great life. Producer, Perminder KhatkarTue, 02 Apr 2019 16:00:00 +00001707urn:bbc:podcast:m0003qy2http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003qy2cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0003qy2Matt Lucas chooses Freddie Mercury of Queen. The author of Bohemian Rhapsody, Lesley-Ann Jones, joins him to dissect a legend. To what extent can a troubled childhood contribute to an adult's need to perform? Farrokh Bulsara was born in Zanzibar, sent to school in India, and fled revolution in Zanzibar to Feltham, Middlesex, aged 18. His family were Parsees and Freddie, as he became better known, was brought up as a Zoroastrian. He also became one of the greatest singer songwriters in British rock history. Matt Lucas - of Little Britain, Shooting Stars and Doctor Who - was entranced by Freddie from an early age. In this revealing, funny tribute, Matt explains how Freddie inspired him to perform, and unveils his Montserrat Caballe impression on the world. Lesley-Ann Jones knew the band as a 'young scumbag journalist' and provides an eyewitness account of watching Freddie from the wings. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Matt Lucas chooses Freddie MercuryMatt Lucas chooses Freddie Mercury of Queen. The author of Bohemian Rhapsody, Lesley-Ann Jones, joins him to dissect a legend. To what extent can a troubled childhood contribute to an adult's need to perform? Farrokh Bulsara was born in Zanzibar, sent to school in India, and fled revolution in Zanzibar to Feltham, Middlesex, aged 18. His family were Parsees and Freddie, as he became better known, was brought up as a Zoroastrian. He also became one of the greatest singer songwriters in British rock history. Matt Lucas - of Little Britain, Shooting Stars and Doctor Who - was entranced by Freddie from an early age. In this revealing, funny tribute, Matt explains how Freddie inspired him to perform, and unveils his Montserrat Caballe impression on the world. Lesley-Ann Jones knew the band as a 'young scumbag journalist' and provides an eyewitness account of watching Freddie from the wings. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 22 Jan 2019 17:00:00 +00001854urn:bbc:podcast:m000256jhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000256jcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m000256jThe arrival of Lotus shook up motor sport in 1960s and 70s. In Formula One, Colin Chapman made his cars lighter and quicker than anyone else, often challenging the rules. But not everything he designed was safe. On the roads, Lotus sports cars are an icon of the era. To discuss this colourful and controversial life, Matthew Parris is joined by the entrepreneur Rohan Silva and the motor racing journalist, Maurice Hamilton. Producer: Chris LedgardMatthew Parris profiles the inventor of the car that changed the face of Formula OneThe arrival of Lotus shook up motor sport in 1960s and 70s. In Formula One, Colin Chapman made his cars lighter and quicker than anyone else, often challenging the rules. But not everything he designed was safe. On the roads, Lotus sports cars are an icon of the era. To discuss this colourful and controversial life, Matthew Parris is joined by the entrepreneur Rohan Silva and the motor racing journalist, Maurice Hamilton. Producer: Chris LedgardTue, 15 Jan 2019 17:00:00 +00001633urn:bbc:podcast:m00020yvhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00020yvcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m00020yvMatthew Parris meets Suzanne O'Sullivan to discuss her medical and literary hero, Oliver Sacks. She first came across his work on a beach in Thailand, reading his famous collection of case studies, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Joining the discussion is Sacks' partner, the writer and photographer Bill Hayes. Together they discuss the career of a gifted medic and writer who also loved motorbikes and wild swimming. Sacks wrote another extraordinary book, Awakenings, which was made into a film starring Robin Williams and Robert de Niro. Suzanne O'Sullivan is an Irish neurologist and award winning author. The producer in Bristol is Chris LedgardNeurologist and author Oliver Sacks is Suzanne O'Sullivan's hero, she tells Matthew ParrisMatthew Parris meets Suzanne O'Sullivan to discuss her medical and literary hero, Oliver Sacks. She first came across his work on a beach in Thailand, reading his famous collection of case studies, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Joining the discussion is Sacks' partner, the writer and photographer Bill Hayes. Together they discuss the career of a gifted medic and writer who also loved motorbikes and wild swimming. Sacks wrote another extraordinary book, Awakenings, which was made into a film starring Robin Williams and Robert de Niro. Suzanne O'Sullivan is an Irish neurologist and award winning author. The producer in Bristol is Chris LedgardTue, 08 Jan 2019 17:00:00 +00001665urn:bbc:podcast:m0001xt7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001xt7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0001xt7Ghulam Mohammad, or the Great Gama Pehlwan as he was more commonly known, was a Muslim wrestler born into a Kashmir family in India in 1878. When writer Nikesh Shukla first came across him in a book at the airport, he thought he must be a fictional character- the stories seemed so far-fetched. Gama reportedly drank 10 litres of milk and ate six chickens every day. He also grappled with 40 wrestlers a day and did 5000 squats. Surely this was an action hero figure and not a real man? But Gama was real with a career spanning over 50 years, unbeaten not only in India, but also in England and Europe. In 1910 he was dubbed the strongest man in the world. And the press feared his strength might inspire rebellion in India, then under British rule. Joining Nikesh to tell the story of the Great Gama is Dr Majid Sheikh. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.The Great Gama, the strongest man in the world, championed by author Nikesh Shukla.Ghulam Mohammad, or the Great Gama Pehlwan as he was more commonly known, was a Muslim wrestler born into a Kashmir family in India in 1878. When writer Nikesh Shukla first came across him in a book at the airport, he thought he must be a fictional character- the stories seemed so far-fetched. Gama reportedly drank 10 litres of milk and ate six chickens every day. He also grappled with 40 wrestlers a day and did 5000 squats. Surely this was an action hero figure and not a real man? But Gama was real with a career spanning over 50 years, unbeaten not only in India, but also in England and Europe. In 1910 he was dubbed the strongest man in the world. And the press feared his strength might inspire rebellion in India, then under British rule. Joining Nikesh to tell the story of the Great Gama is Dr Majid Sheikh. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:00:00 +00001634urn:bbc:podcast:m0001tzkhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001tzkcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0001tzkAuthor and Journalist Sathnam Sanghera nominates a Great Life; a man dismissed as a fantasist and a liar in his own lifetime. Alexander Gardner was a Scottish-American soldier, a traveller, an explorer and adventurer - a white man with a tartan turban, who ended up in India in a Maharaja's Sikh Army in the 19th Century, just before the British Raj took over. Possibly a plagiarist and touted as a scoundrel, yet Sathnam claims he's worthy of a bigger place in history. If just a tiny portion of what we think we know about him is true, he is a genuinely remarkable figure. Joining Sathnam is our expert witness to Gardner's life, the historian John Keay. The presenter is Matthew Parris, and the Producer is Perminder Khatkar.Author and journalist Sathnam Sanghera nominates Alexander Gardner as his great life.Author and Journalist Sathnam Sanghera nominates a Great Life; a man dismissed as a fantasist and a liar in his own lifetime. Alexander Gardner was a Scottish-American soldier, a traveller, an explorer and adventurer - a white man with a tartan turban, who ended up in India in a Maharaja's Sikh Army in the 19th Century, just before the British Raj took over. Possibly a plagiarist and touted as a scoundrel, yet Sathnam claims he's worthy of a bigger place in history. If just a tiny portion of what we think we know about him is true, he is a genuinely remarkable figure. Joining Sathnam is our expert witness to Gardner's life, the historian John Keay. The presenter is Matthew Parris, and the Producer is Perminder Khatkar.Fri, 28 Dec 2018 09:00:00 +00001663urn:bbc:podcast:b0924kwxhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0924kwxcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0924kwxMark Steel makes the case for Charlie Chaplin being one of the most radical comedians of his time. He reckons it's sad that most see Chaplin as that bloke who wore a bowler hat, had a funny walk, waved a cane around and wasn’t even that funny. Mark argues that Charlie Chaplin’s silent films and his "Tramp" character make sense if you look at the upheavals in society that were occurring alongside his career. Mark is best known for the Mark Steel Lectures and Mark Steel's in Town. He says that while Chaplin was standing up for the working class, the irony was that he became the richest rebel. Also joining Mark Steel is Simon Louvish author of ‘Chaplin: The Tramps Odyssey’. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Charlie Chaplin wasn’t funny but a political rebel. Mark Steel nominates him as his hero.Mark Steel makes the case for Charlie Chaplin being one of the most radical comedians of his time. He reckons it's sad that most see Chaplin as that bloke who wore a bowler hat, had a funny walk, waved a cane around and wasn’t even that funny. Mark argues that Charlie Chaplin’s silent films and his "Tramp" character make sense if you look at the upheavals in society that were occurring alongside his career. Mark is best known for the Mark Steel Lectures and Mark Steel's in Town. He says that while Chaplin was standing up for the working class, the irony was that he became the richest rebel. Also joining Mark Steel is Simon Louvish author of ‘Chaplin: The Tramps Odyssey’. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 25 Dec 2018 16:00:00 +00001665urn:bbc:podcast:m0001qvyhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001qvycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0001qvyTim Smit has admired Humphrey Jennings since seeing Danny Boyle’s Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2012. Jennings was a film maker, artist, and co-founder of the Mass Observation Movement. Many of the scenes in that memorable Olympic ceremony were inspired by his work. His films about ordinary British life during the Second World War are a poetic testament to the people of the British Isles, Tim Smit wants to know why Jennings isn’t better known? Smit is founder of the Eden Project. He’s joined in studio by curator Ros Cranston from the British Film Institute, with contributions from Jennings' biographer Kevin Jackson Clips from Listen To Britain 1941 © Crown and London Can Take It 1940 GPO courtesy of the BFI National Archive. The films are free to view on the BFI website https://player.bfi.org.uk/free The presenter is Matthew Parris. Producer: Maggie AyreTim Smit of the Eden Project talks about the life of the artistHumphrey Jennings.Tim Smit has admired Humphrey Jennings since seeing Danny Boyle’s Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2012. Jennings was a film maker, artist, and co-founder of the Mass Observation Movement. Many of the scenes in that memorable Olympic ceremony were inspired by his work. His films about ordinary British life during the Second World War are a poetic testament to the people of the British Isles, Tim Smit wants to know why Jennings isn’t better known? Smit is founder of the Eden Project. He’s joined in studio by curator Ros Cranston from the British Film Institute, with contributions from Jennings' biographer Kevin Jackson Clips from Listen To Britain 1941 © Crown and London Can Take It 1940 GPO courtesy of the BFI National Archive. The films are free to view on the BFI website https://player.bfi.org.uk/free The presenter is Matthew Parris. Producer: Maggie AyreWed, 19 Dec 2018 12:13:00 +00001670urn:bbc:podcast:m0001mf6http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001mf6cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0001mf6Comedian Russell Kane nominates the novelist Evelyn Waugh, with help from literary critic Ann Pasternak Slater. Chaired by Matthew Parris. One of the greatest prose stylists of 20th century literature, not to mention one of the funniest, novelist Evelyn Waugh also has a reputation for being a snob, a bully, and a dyed in the wool reactionary. How much of this was a self-parodying pose, and how much the underlying truth? Russell and Ann are unabashed Waugh fans - Russell calls him "a ninja master of banter" - but Matthew Parris says he can't stand him. Producer: Jolyon JenkinsComedian Russell Kane nominates novelist Evelyn Waugh, with Ann Pasternak Slater helping.Comedian Russell Kane nominates the novelist Evelyn Waugh, with help from literary critic Ann Pasternak Slater. Chaired by Matthew Parris. One of the greatest prose stylists of 20th century literature, not to mention one of the funniest, novelist Evelyn Waugh also has a reputation for being a snob, a bully, and a dyed in the wool reactionary. How much of this was a self-parodying pose, and how much the underlying truth? Russell and Ann are unabashed Waugh fans - Russell calls him "a ninja master of banter" - but Matthew Parris says he can't stand him. Producer: Jolyon JenkinsTue, 11 Dec 2018 16:30:00 +00001662urn:bbc:podcast:m0001hwthttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001hwtcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0001hwtIn the summer of 2018 the name of Laura Ingalls Wilder was erased from a children's literary medal set up in her honour six decades ago. Readers of the Little House on the Prairie series of books were widely perplexed, but the original American pioneer girl now finds herself at the centre of the culture wars in the US. Nominating her is the broadcaster and superfan Samira Ahmed, who has been to Rocky Ridge Farm, now an historic museum in Missouri and Laura Ingalls Wilder's home. Joining Samira in studio is the novelist Tracy Chevalier. president of the Laura Ingalls Wilder club at the age of eight. At the centre of the controversy - the depiction in these books of native Americans. “Her works reflect dated cultural attitudes toward indigenous people and people of colour that contradict modern acceptance, celebration, and understanding of diverse communities,” was the judgment of the ALSC. This programme also includes Laura Ingalls Wilder's biographer, Pamela Hill; plus the Commanche writer Paul Chaat Smith in an extract from The Invention of the USA. "I feel worried," says Samira Ahmed, "that we've lost the ability to have nuance. I cannot read these books without feeling aspects of racism, but why shouldn't we be able to read them and still see the beauty in them." The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde. Future programmes include Matt Lucas on Freddie Mercury, and Mark Steel on Charlie Chaplin on Christmas Day.Laura Ingalls Wilder: author Tracy Chevalier joins Samira AhmedIn the summer of 2018 the name of Laura Ingalls Wilder was erased from a children's literary medal set up in her honour six decades ago. Readers of the Little House on the Prairie series of books were widely perplexed, but the original American pioneer girl now finds herself at the centre of the culture wars in the US. Nominating her is the broadcaster and superfan Samira Ahmed, who has been to Rocky Ridge Farm, now an historic museum in Missouri and Laura Ingalls Wilder's home. Joining Samira in studio is the novelist Tracy Chevalier. president of the Laura Ingalls Wilder club at the age of eight. At the centre of the controversy - the depiction in these books of native Americans. “Her works reflect dated cultural attitudes toward indigenous people and people of colour that contradict modern acceptance, celebration, and understanding of diverse communities,” was the judgment of the ALSC. This programme also includes Laura Ingalls Wilder's biographer, Pamela Hill; plus the Commanche writer Paul Chaat Smith in an extract from The Invention of the USA. "I feel worried," says Samira Ahmed, "that we've lost the ability to have nuance. I cannot read these books without feeling aspects of racism, but why shouldn't we be able to read them and still see the beauty in them." The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde. Future programmes include Matt Lucas on Freddie Mercury, and Mark Steel on Charlie Chaplin on Christmas Day.Tue, 04 Dec 2018 17:00:00 +00001804urn:bbc:podcast:m0001f0yhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001f0ycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/m0001f0yBenazir Bhutto made history when, aged 35, she became the first democratically elected female Prime Minister of a Muslim majority country. Her family are one of world’s most famous political dynasties, but also one blighted by tragedy – murder, feud and assassinations. Bhutto has been nominated by Christina Lamb, author and chief foreign correspondent with the Sunday Times. Bhutto was her friend and a huge influence on her life. She also expelled Christina Lamb from Pakistan. Christina has a picture of Benazir Bhutto on her desk attending the rally in Pakistan before she was killed by a suicide bomber on the 27th December 2007. Christina was on a bus with her during a previous assassination attempt, and she recounts the horror of that day. Also joining her in the studio is Huma Yusuf, a journalist and columnist with Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper and a Global Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Centre. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer in Bristol is Perminder Khatkar.Christina Lamb, author and journalist, nominates Benazir Bhutto as her great life.Benazir Bhutto made history when, aged 35, she became the first democratically elected female Prime Minister of a Muslim majority country. Her family are one of world’s most famous political dynasties, but also one blighted by tragedy – murder, feud and assassinations. Bhutto has been nominated by Christina Lamb, author and chief foreign correspondent with the Sunday Times. Bhutto was her friend and a huge influence on her life. She also expelled Christina Lamb from Pakistan. Christina has a picture of Benazir Bhutto on her desk attending the rally in Pakistan before she was killed by a suicide bomber on the 27th December 2007. Christina was on a bus with her during a previous assassination attempt, and she recounts the horror of that day. Also joining her in the studio is Huma Yusuf, a journalist and columnist with Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper and a Global Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Centre. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer in Bristol is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 25 Sep 2018 16:00:00 +00001661urn:bbc:podcast:b0bksd3lhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bksd3lcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bksd3lThe Olympic rower Helen Glover is Matthew Parris' guest this week, choosing the life of the mountaineer Alison Hargreaves to discuss with the help of her biographer Ed Douglas. Alison Hargreaves' short life was defined by her love of the mountains. She became interested in climbing as a teenager and devoted her life to pursuing ever greater challenges. She was the first woman to climb Mount Everest without oxygen and unsupported before losing her life on the infamous K2 mountain in Pakistan in 1995. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris invites Olympic rower Helen Glover to choose her great life.The Olympic rower Helen Glover is Matthew Parris' guest this week, choosing the life of the mountaineer Alison Hargreaves to discuss with the help of her biographer Ed Douglas. Alison Hargreaves' short life was defined by her love of the mountains. She became interested in climbing as a teenager and devoted her life to pursuing ever greater challenges. She was the first woman to climb Mount Everest without oxygen and unsupported before losing her life on the infamous K2 mountain in Pakistan in 1995. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Thu, 20 Sep 2018 16:16:00 +00001669urn:bbc:podcast:b0bgfrvphttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bgfrvpcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bgfrvp"Imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, this is an interesting world I find myself in - fits me rather neatly, don't you think?" Douglas Noel Adams wasn't even fifty when he died in 2001, but his imagination had already roamed far. He created The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the Meaning of Liff and several episodes of Doctor Who, plus the Dirk Gently character and Last Chance to See. Nominating him is his co-writer on Last Chance to See, the zoologist Mark Carwardine. Mark's role, Adams said later, was to be the one who knew what he was talking about. "My role was to be an extremely ignorant non-zoologist to whom everything that happened would come as a complete surprise." Joining Mark Carwardine and Matthew Parris in the bar where this was recorded is Douglas Adam's biographer, Jem Roberts. With archive of Stephen Fry, John Lloyd, Naomi Alderman, Griff Rhys Jones and Geoffrey Perkins. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, chosen by Mark Carwardine."Imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, this is an interesting world I find myself in - fits me rather neatly, don't you think?" Douglas Noel Adams wasn't even fifty when he died in 2001, but his imagination had already roamed far. He created The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the Meaning of Liff and several episodes of Doctor Who, plus the Dirk Gently character and Last Chance to See. Nominating him is his co-writer on Last Chance to See, the zoologist Mark Carwardine. Mark's role, Adams said later, was to be the one who knew what he was talking about. "My role was to be an extremely ignorant non-zoologist to whom everything that happened would come as a complete surprise." Joining Mark Carwardine and Matthew Parris in the bar where this was recorded is Douglas Adam's biographer, Jem Roberts. With archive of Stephen Fry, John Lloyd, Naomi Alderman, Griff Rhys Jones and Geoffrey Perkins. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:30:00 +00001868urn:bbc:podcast:b0bk1mg2http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bk1mg2cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bk1mg2For Cherie Blair, leading barrister and QC, picking her great life was simple - her role model is Rose Heilbron, England's first woman judge. When Cherie was growing up in Liverpool, Rose Heilbron was always the name that excited her grandmother the most. Rose was a barrister and when she was arguing a case before a jury in her home city, Cherie Blair's grandmother would follow her cases avidly, sometimes from the public gallery. Then she would come back and tell young Cherie all about what had gone on. And so Heilbron became a great example of what a Liverpool girl could achieve in the law. And she had a remarkable career - first woman in silk, first to lead in a murder case, first woman treasurer of Gray's Inn. Cherie is joined in the studio by Hilary Heilbron QC , daughter and the author of the biography: 'Rose Heilbron , Legal Pioneer of the 20th century'; plus Dr John Tribe - senior lecturer in law from the University of Liverpool. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Cherie Blair picks Rose Heilbron, her role model, as her great life.For Cherie Blair, leading barrister and QC, picking her great life was simple - her role model is Rose Heilbron, England's first woman judge. When Cherie was growing up in Liverpool, Rose Heilbron was always the name that excited her grandmother the most. Rose was a barrister and when she was arguing a case before a jury in her home city, Cherie Blair's grandmother would follow her cases avidly, sometimes from the public gallery. Then she would come back and tell young Cherie all about what had gone on. And so Heilbron became a great example of what a Liverpool girl could achieve in the law. And she had a remarkable career - first woman in silk, first to lead in a murder case, first woman treasurer of Gray's Inn. Cherie is joined in the studio by Hilary Heilbron QC , daughter and the author of the biography: 'Rose Heilbron , Legal Pioneer of the 20th century'; plus Dr John Tribe - senior lecturer in law from the University of Liverpool. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:00:00 +00001649urn:bbc:podcast:b0bh454thttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bh454tcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bh454tGreg Jenner on the great song and dance man Gene Kelly, star of Singin' In The Rain. "He was so much better than he had any right to be." Born in Pittsburgh in 1912, Gene Kelly was a broad-shouldered Irish American whose first love was ice hockey. But according to his biographer, Ruth Leon, he revolutionised movie-making by making the camera dance. Matthew Parris is impressed. Kelly's great films also include On The Town and An American in Paris - with extracts and archive, this is a joyful celebration of the great age of Hollywood musicals. Nominator Greg Jenner is historical consultant on Horrible Histories and author of Dead Famous: A History of Celebrity. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Greg Jenner on the great song and dance man Gene Kelly.Greg Jenner on the great song and dance man Gene Kelly, star of Singin' In The Rain. "He was so much better than he had any right to be." Born in Pittsburgh in 1912, Gene Kelly was a broad-shouldered Irish American whose first love was ice hockey. But according to his biographer, Ruth Leon, he revolutionised movie-making by making the camera dance. Matthew Parris is impressed. Kelly's great films also include On The Town and An American in Paris - with extracts and archive, this is a joyful celebration of the great age of Hollywood musicals. Nominator Greg Jenner is historical consultant on Horrible Histories and author of Dead Famous: A History of Celebrity. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Wed, 05 Sep 2018 08:48:00 +00001828urn:bbc:podcast:b0bgrhxxhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bgrhxxcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bgrhxxPatricia Greene, the actress who plays Jill Archer, makes the case for Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, or Bess of Hardwick as she's more commonly known. Like her heroine, Patricia was born in Derby and was aware of the nearby grand stately home Hardwick Hall. 'More glass than wall' was the local saying; as the key feature of this 1590s house was the exuberant use of this rare material. Only recently did she discover that the initials 'ES', which are blatantly carved on the turrets, stood for a woman - Elizabeth Shrewsbury. And so began Patricia Greene's admiration and obsession. Who was this woman born in Tudor times, when women had few if any rights at all? Bess ended up becoming the richest woman in the land after Queen Elizabeth I, but she was portrayed by some as a 'cold hearted shrew' who only became rich by marrying four husbands, Patricia's job is to defend her hero. The expert witness is Dr Nigel Wright, the House & Collections Manager with National Trust at Hardwick Estate. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar .Patricia Greene, the actress who plays Jill Archer, nominates Bess of Hardwick as her heroPatricia Greene, the actress who plays Jill Archer, makes the case for Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, or Bess of Hardwick as she's more commonly known. Like her heroine, Patricia was born in Derby and was aware of the nearby grand stately home Hardwick Hall. 'More glass than wall' was the local saying; as the key feature of this 1590s house was the exuberant use of this rare material. Only recently did she discover that the initials 'ES', which are blatantly carved on the turrets, stood for a woman - Elizabeth Shrewsbury. And so began Patricia Greene's admiration and obsession. Who was this woman born in Tudor times, when women had few if any rights at all? Bess ended up becoming the richest woman in the land after Queen Elizabeth I, but she was portrayed by some as a 'cold hearted shrew' who only became rich by marrying four husbands, Patricia's job is to defend her hero. The expert witness is Dr Nigel Wright, the House & Collections Manager with National Trust at Hardwick Estate. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar .Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:00:00 +00001655urn:bbc:podcast:b0bfy978http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bfy978cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bfy978Towards the end of his comic rant about the descent of man, Simon Evans does something very dangerous. He starts to read out to his audience an extract of John Stuart Mill. Potential comedy death? In this programme he explains why the famous Victorian philosopher with the squirly hair is his idea of genius. As well as On Liberty, Mill wrote The Subjection of Women and was the first member of Parliament to call for women's right to vote. Joining him and Matthew Parris is Professor Anne Phillips of the London School of Economics. Simon Evans' latest show is Genius 2.0. He hosts Simon Evans Goes to Market on Radio 4. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Simon Evans nominates JS Mill, author of On Liberty.Towards the end of his comic rant about the descent of man, Simon Evans does something very dangerous. He starts to read out to his audience an extract of John Stuart Mill. Potential comedy death? In this programme he explains why the famous Victorian philosopher with the squirly hair is his idea of genius. As well as On Liberty, Mill wrote The Subjection of Women and was the first member of Parliament to call for women's right to vote. Joining him and Matthew Parris is Professor Anne Phillips of the London School of Economics. Simon Evans' latest show is Genius 2.0. He hosts Simon Evans Goes to Market on Radio 4. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 14 Aug 2018 16:00:00 +00001725urn:bbc:podcast:b0bf59s3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bf59s3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bf59s3"We are ready to take the Pole in any kind of weather on offer," wrote the Norwegian Roald Amundsen in December 1911. Born in 1872, Amundsen is part of a group of men - including the playwright Henrik Ibsen and the explorer Fridjtof Nansen - who gave shape to Norwegian identity just as the country broke free from Sweden and achieved independence. He is also remembered as the man who beat the British explorer Scott to the South Pole. The different cultures of their two countries come under scrutiny in this episode. The nominator is Erica Wagner, former literary editor of The Times and a writer who knows Norway well. There are two experts - Pieter van de Merwe from the National Maritime Museum; and Roland Huntford, whose book on Scott and Amundsen caused an angry fuss when first published in 1979. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Matthew Parris on Roald Amundsen, first man to the South Pole."We are ready to take the Pole in any kind of weather on offer," wrote the Norwegian Roald Amundsen in December 1911. Born in 1872, Amundsen is part of a group of men - including the playwright Henrik Ibsen and the explorer Fridjtof Nansen - who gave shape to Norwegian identity just as the country broke free from Sweden and achieved independence. He is also remembered as the man who beat the British explorer Scott to the South Pole. The different cultures of their two countries come under scrutiny in this episode. The nominator is Erica Wagner, former literary editor of The Times and a writer who knows Norway well. There are two experts - Pieter van de Merwe from the National Maritime Museum; and Roland Huntford, whose book on Scott and Amundsen caused an angry fuss when first published in 1979. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Wed, 08 Aug 2018 07:39:00 +00001631urn:bbc:podcast:b0bd8fvchttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bd8fvccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bd8fvc"Suddenly this light comes into your life" - says Hanif Kureishi, referring to his hero, his great life, David Bowie. Hanif, an author, screenwriter and film maker went on to become friends with Bowie in the 1990's after they worked together when Bowie wrote the soundtrack to Kureishi's TV adaptation 'The Buddha of Suburbia'. For Hanif it was also David Bowie who inspired him to become an author and filmmaker - he says for a "mixed race Pakistani kid living in a crummy terrace bored out of my mind, I wanted to get out - I wanted to explore, I wanted to express myself, I wanted to be free". Hanif gives his personal insight into the life of David Bowie; the expert witness is Dylan Jones - author of 'David Bowie A Life' and 'When Ziggy Played Guitar'. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Hanif Kureishi nominates his friend David Bowie as his hero."Suddenly this light comes into your life" - says Hanif Kureishi, referring to his hero, his great life, David Bowie. Hanif, an author, screenwriter and film maker went on to become friends with Bowie in the 1990's after they worked together when Bowie wrote the soundtrack to Kureishi's TV adaptation 'The Buddha of Suburbia'. For Hanif it was also David Bowie who inspired him to become an author and filmmaker - he says for a "mixed race Pakistani kid living in a crummy terrace bored out of my mind, I wanted to get out - I wanted to explore, I wanted to express myself, I wanted to be free". Hanif gives his personal insight into the life of David Bowie; the expert witness is Dylan Jones - author of 'David Bowie A Life' and 'When Ziggy Played Guitar'. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 31 Jul 2018 16:00:00 +00001657urn:bbc:podcast:b0bcgt9xhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bcgt9xcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0bcgt9xCatherine the Great assumed power in a St Petersburg coup, extended the empire into Crimea, Ukraine and Alaska. is Russia's longest lasting female ruler, and wasn't even Russian herself. All of this intrigues Dame Barbara Stocking, former head of Oxfam, who admires Catherine's leadership style. Biographer Virginia Rounding provides the details of her background and her lovers, and Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Catherine the Great is chosen by Dame Barbara Stocking. Matthew Parris presents.Catherine the Great assumed power in a St Petersburg coup, extended the empire into Crimea, Ukraine and Alaska. is Russia's longest lasting female ruler, and wasn't even Russian herself. All of this intrigues Dame Barbara Stocking, former head of Oxfam, who admires Catherine's leadership style. Biographer Virginia Rounding provides the details of her background and her lovers, and Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 29 May 2018 16:00:00 +00001713urn:bbc:podcast:b0b430zchttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b430zccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0b430zcHedy Lamarr was described by her studio as the most beautiful woman in the world. A recent film, called Bombshell, argued that she was a brilliant inventor as well. But what was going on behind that wonderful face? Suzy Klein, host of the BBC Proms, tells Matthew Parris that this was an intriguing woman who continually reinvented herself. She left her native Austria before the Second World War but, despite a successful Hollywood career, what she really wanted was to be known for being clever. Recent newspaper headlines - including 'Sex Symbol by Day, Scientific Trailblazer by Night' - suggest her wishes may have finally come true. But Professor Hans-Joachim Braun isn't so sure. Film critic Antonia Quirke joins Matthew Parris in the studio to discuss a truly extraordinary life. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Hedy Lamarr, actress, inventor, and the most beautiful woman in the world.Hedy Lamarr was described by her studio as the most beautiful woman in the world. A recent film, called Bombshell, argued that she was a brilliant inventor as well. But what was going on behind that wonderful face? Suzy Klein, host of the BBC Proms, tells Matthew Parris that this was an intriguing woman who continually reinvented herself. She left her native Austria before the Second World War but, despite a successful Hollywood career, what she really wanted was to be known for being clever. Recent newspaper headlines - including 'Sex Symbol by Day, Scientific Trailblazer by Night' - suggest her wishes may have finally come true. But Professor Hans-Joachim Braun isn't so sure. Film critic Antonia Quirke joins Matthew Parris in the studio to discuss a truly extraordinary life. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 22 May 2018 16:00:00 +00001778urn:bbc:podcast:b0b3cvrfhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b3cvrfcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0b3cvrfFor soul singer Mica Paris, when she first dreamt of becoming a singer it was Josephine Baker who inspired her most. Baker was a young black American dancer who became an overnight sensation in Paris in 1925 after performing wild, uninhibited routines in the skimpiest of costumes. So can Mica Paris make the case for Baker who wore a string of bananas and little else while performing the 'banana dance? Helping to tell the story of Josephine Baker is author Andrea Stuart. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Soul singer Mica Paris tells Matthew Parris why Josephine Baker is her heroine.For soul singer Mica Paris, when she first dreamt of becoming a singer it was Josephine Baker who inspired her most. Baker was a young black American dancer who became an overnight sensation in Paris in 1925 after performing wild, uninhibited routines in the skimpiest of costumes. So can Mica Paris make the case for Baker who wore a string of bananas and little else while performing the 'banana dance? Helping to tell the story of Josephine Baker is author Andrea Stuart. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 15 May 2018 16:00:00 +00001721urn:bbc:podcast:b0b2jg2whttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2jg2wcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0b2jg2wThe actor Simon Callow nominates one of the giants of the golden age of Hollywood, Orson Welles. He once said of himself he 'started at the top and worked his way down' never managing to recreate the success he had aged 26 with Citizen Kane, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Welles' friend and collaborator Henry Jaglom talks about knowing him for the last years of his life when Hollywood had turned its back on him and he was strapped for cash and looking for work. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris meets the actor Simon Callow to discuss the life of Orson Welles.The actor Simon Callow nominates one of the giants of the golden age of Hollywood, Orson Welles. He once said of himself he 'started at the top and worked his way down' never managing to recreate the success he had aged 26 with Citizen Kane, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Welles' friend and collaborator Henry Jaglom talks about knowing him for the last years of his life when Hollywood had turned its back on him and he was strapped for cash and looking for work. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Wed, 09 May 2018 09:34:00 +00001753urn:bbc:podcast:b0b1r3hshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b1r3hscleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0b1r3hsStand up comedian and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika's hero is Jayaben Desai who led a two year strike at Grunwick Film processing factory in North London. The majority of the workers were migrant women and they became known as the 'strikers in sarees'. Matthew Parris remembers the strike in 1976 as he was working in Margaret Thatcher's office at the time, but only recalls the violence at the picket line and the fact that the strike failed. Can Ayesha Hazarika convince Matthew Parris that Jayaben Desai deserves the accolade of a great life? They are joined in studio by Dr Sundari Anitha, co- author of 'Striking Women' Produced in Bristol by Perminder Khatkar.Ayesha Hazarika champions her hero Jayaben Desai who led the Grunwick strike in 1976.Stand up comedian and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika's hero is Jayaben Desai who led a two year strike at Grunwick Film processing factory in North London. The majority of the workers were migrant women and they became known as the 'strikers in sarees'. Matthew Parris remembers the strike in 1976 as he was working in Margaret Thatcher's office at the time, but only recalls the violence at the picket line and the fact that the strike failed. Can Ayesha Hazarika convince Matthew Parris that Jayaben Desai deserves the accolade of a great life? They are joined in studio by Dr Sundari Anitha, co- author of 'Striking Women' Produced in Bristol by Perminder Khatkar.Wed, 02 May 2018 09:23:00 +00001639urn:bbc:podcast:b09yddxkhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09yddxkyesBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09yddxkRichard Feynman was a physicist who helped design the atomic bomb and won the Nobel Prize. He is the great life choice of businessman Tej Lalvani CEO of his family business Vitabiotics and the newest Dragon on the BBC show Dragon's Den. Feynman was also regarded as something of an eccentric and a free spirit who had a passion for playing the bongos. Helping to make the case for this great life Tej is joined by the expert witness David Berman, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Queen Mary University of London. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tej Lalvani nominates the physicist and bongo playing Richard Feynman as his great life.Richard Feynman was a physicist who helped design the atomic bomb and won the Nobel Prize. He is the great life choice of businessman Tej Lalvani CEO of his family business Vitabiotics and the newest Dragon on the BBC show Dragon's Den. Feynman was also regarded as something of an eccentric and a free spirit who had a passion for playing the bongos. Helping to make the case for this great life Tej is joined by the expert witness David Berman, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Queen Mary University of London. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 01 May 2018 15:30:00 +00001747urn:bbc:podcast:b0b0pwglhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b0pwglcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0b0pwglProfessor Laura Serrant of Sheffield Hallam University, named as one of the most inspirational figures in healthcare, chooses the life of the black, gay poet and activist Audre Lorde who still inspires the women's movement today. She tells Matthew Parris why Audre has meant so much to her both personally and professionally in her work in nursing. Professor Akwugo Emejulu of Warwick University is the studio expert. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris hears why the black activist and poet has been chosen as a great life.Professor Laura Serrant of Sheffield Hallam University, named as one of the most inspirational figures in healthcare, chooses the life of the black, gay poet and activist Audre Lorde who still inspires the women's movement today. She tells Matthew Parris why Audre has meant so much to her both personally and professionally in her work in nursing. Professor Akwugo Emejulu of Warwick University is the studio expert. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Thu, 26 Apr 2018 14:16:00 +00001667urn:bbc:podcast:b09zxl90http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09zxl90cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09zxl90Miles Davis - trumpeter, composer, bandleader - is championed by Adrian Utley of Portishead. "He's always been really important in my life, right from early on when my dad used to play him. It was part of the atmosphere of our house." From the early years with Charlie Parker and on via Kind of Blue to playing in front of 600,000 hippies on the Isle of Wight, Miles Davis was a musician who never stood still. "Always listen for what you can leave out," he used to say, and Portishead's seminal nineties album Dummy seems to have taken advice from the man. According to Adrian Utley, "The darkness and the sense of space is the thing that I have assimilated from Miles ... he's in my DNA." With Richard Williams, author of The Blue Moment: Miles Davis's Kind of Blue and the Remaking of Modern Music,. Presented by a sceptical Matthew Parris, and produced by an enthusiastic Miles Warde.Miles Davis chosen by Adrian Utley of Portishead.Miles Davis - trumpeter, composer, bandleader - is championed by Adrian Utley of Portishead. "He's always been really important in my life, right from early on when my dad used to play him. It was part of the atmosphere of our house." From the early years with Charlie Parker and on via Kind of Blue to playing in front of 600,000 hippies on the Isle of Wight, Miles Davis was a musician who never stood still. "Always listen for what you can leave out," he used to say, and Portishead's seminal nineties album Dummy seems to have taken advice from the man. According to Adrian Utley, "The darkness and the sense of space is the thing that I have assimilated from Miles ... he's in my DNA." With Richard Williams, author of The Blue Moment: Miles Davis's Kind of Blue and the Remaking of Modern Music,. Presented by a sceptical Matthew Parris, and produced by an enthusiastic Miles Warde.Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:00:00 +00001766urn:bbc:podcast:b09z4k9zhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09z4k9zcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09z4k9zThe comedian, actor and artist Jim Moir aka Vic Reeves is Matthew Parris' guest and chooses the life of Don van Vliet - the Dadesque musician and painter Captain Beefheart who has influenced many musicians since the 1960s. They are joined by Beefheart's biographer Mike Barnes to discuss the bizarre and complex persona developed by the Californian eccentric who died from MS in 2010. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves, chooses the life of Don van Vliet - Captain Beefheart.The comedian, actor and artist Jim Moir aka Vic Reeves is Matthew Parris' guest and chooses the life of Don van Vliet - the Dadesque musician and painter Captain Beefheart who has influenced many musicians since the 1960s. They are joined by Beefheart's biographer Mike Barnes to discuss the bizarre and complex persona developed by the Californian eccentric who died from MS in 2010. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:48:00 +00001787urn:bbc:podcast:b09xjx30http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09xjx30cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09xjx30Gisela Stuart, the former Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston makes the case for Joseph Chamberlain to be nominated as her great life. But can she really make the case for this former industrialist who made it to the cabinet but had a knack for splitting political parties and switching allegiances? Jo Chamberlain was first a Liberal then a Liberal Unionist and finally formed an alliance with the Conservative party but fell out with them too. Gisela argues he was a man who wasn't afraid to take action, a radical who shouldn't simply be remembered for his failures but as "the man who made the weather" and for making Birmingham the best governed city in the world. The expert witness is Peter Marsh, Honorary Professor of History at the University of Birmingham and author of 'Joseph Chamberlain, Entrepreneur in Politics.' Matthew Parris is the presenter and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Gisela Stuart nominates Joseph Chamberlain as her great life.Gisela Stuart, the former Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston makes the case for Joseph Chamberlain to be nominated as her great life. But can she really make the case for this former industrialist who made it to the cabinet but had a knack for splitting political parties and switching allegiances? Jo Chamberlain was first a Liberal then a Liberal Unionist and finally formed an alliance with the Conservative party but fell out with them too. Gisela argues he was a man who wasn't afraid to take action, a radical who shouldn't simply be remembered for his failures but as "the man who made the weather" and for making Birmingham the best governed city in the world. The expert witness is Peter Marsh, Honorary Professor of History at the University of Birmingham and author of 'Joseph Chamberlain, Entrepreneur in Politics.' Matthew Parris is the presenter and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:12:00 +00001633urn:bbc:podcast:b09l068ghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09l068gcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09l068gLiza Tarbuck on Nikola TeslaLiza Tarbuck on Nikola TeslaLiza Tarbuck on Nikola TeslaTue, 23 Jan 2018 17:12:00 +00001664urn:bbc:podcast:p05v1tjbhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05v1tjbcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/p05v1tjbHerodotus - father of history or father of lies? Matthew Parris introduces a sparky discussion about a writer whose achievements include a nine book account of a war between east and west - the Persian invasions of Greece. Justin Marozzi proposes him not just as an historian, but as geographer, explorer, correspondent, the world's first travel writer, and an irrepressible story teller to boot. Backing him up is Professor Edith Hall, who sees Herodotus as the author of a magnificent work of prose. But Matthew Parris wrestles with whether he was historian or hack. Justin Marozzi is the author of the award winning Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood. Edith Hall is Professor in the Centre for Hellenic Studies at King's College London. Herodotus of Halicarnassus - modern day Bodrum in Turkey - wrote about Croesus, Darius, Xerxes and Leonidas, plus the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae and Plataea. His books also embrace much of the rest of the known world. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Herodotus - father of history or father of lies? Matthew Parris presents.Herodotus - father of history or father of lies? Matthew Parris introduces a sparky discussion about a writer whose achievements include a nine book account of a war between east and west - the Persian invasions of Greece. Justin Marozzi proposes him not just as an historian, but as geographer, explorer, correspondent, the world's first travel writer, and an irrepressible story teller to boot. Backing him up is Professor Edith Hall, who sees Herodotus as the author of a magnificent work of prose. But Matthew Parris wrestles with whether he was historian or hack. Justin Marozzi is the author of the award winning Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood. Edith Hall is Professor in the Centre for Hellenic Studies at King's College London. Herodotus of Halicarnassus - modern day Bodrum in Turkey - wrote about Croesus, Darius, Xerxes and Leonidas, plus the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae and Plataea. His books also embrace much of the rest of the known world. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:00:00 +00001714urn:bbc:podcast:b09ly6rthttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09ly6rtcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09ly6rtHelen Arney, self confessed science nerd, stand-up entertainer, and once nicknamed a "geek songstress", tells Matthew Parris why she's chosen Hertha Ayrton, the pioneering Victorian physicist, inventor and suffragette, as her great life. Ayrton, we hear, was the first woman to be admitted into membership of what is today known as the IET, the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Their archivist Anne Locker knows Ayrton's life and works and fields the questions from Matthew and Helen. They talk about how Hertha (1854-1923) overcame considerable obstacles to be the first woman who was proposed for the fellowship of the Royal Society. Her candidature was refused on the grounds that as a married woman she had no legal existence in British law. This did not stop her from patenting over 20 of her inventions, which included a large electric fan designed to disperse mustard gas from the Trenches during the First World War. Fascinated by electricity, her achievements also ranged across mathematics and physics. Helen Arney, who's one third of the Festival of the Spoken Nerd, the comedy group that makes science entertaining for audiences, explains why she's championing Ayrton. Hertha's father was a Jewish immigrant, a watchmaker from Poland, who hawked goods at markets. Nonetheless, Hertha was among the first generation of women to study at Girton College, Cambridge. Producer: Mark Smalley.Helen Arney, scientist and geek songstress, nominates pioneer physicist Hertha Ayrton.Helen Arney, self confessed science nerd, stand-up entertainer, and once nicknamed a "geek songstress", tells Matthew Parris why she's chosen Hertha Ayrton, the pioneering Victorian physicist, inventor and suffragette, as her great life. Ayrton, we hear, was the first woman to be admitted into membership of what is today known as the IET, the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Their archivist Anne Locker knows Ayrton's life and works and fields the questions from Matthew and Helen. They talk about how Hertha (1854-1923) overcame considerable obstacles to be the first woman who was proposed for the fellowship of the Royal Society. Her candidature was refused on the grounds that as a married woman she had no legal existence in British law. This did not stop her from patenting over 20 of her inventions, which included a large electric fan designed to disperse mustard gas from the Trenches during the First World War. Fascinated by electricity, her achievements also ranged across mathematics and physics. Helen Arney, who's one third of the Festival of the Spoken Nerd, the comedy group that makes science entertaining for audiences, explains why she's championing Ayrton. Hertha's father was a Jewish immigrant, a watchmaker from Poland, who hawked goods at markets. Nonetheless, Hertha was among the first generation of women to study at Girton College, Cambridge. Producer: Mark Smalley.Tue, 02 Jan 2018 17:00:00 +00001664urn:bbc:podcast:b09k6pn1http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09k6pn1cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09k6pn1This week Matthew Parris invites the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England Nazir Afzal who was responsible for convicting the men who sexually abused young girls in Rochdale to nominate a great life. He has chosen Mahatma Gandhi, also a lawyer, whom he says inspired him to speak out on behalf of those who were marginalised and ignored by the rest of society. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Nazir Afzal chooses Mahatma Gandhi as his great life.This week Matthew Parris invites the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England Nazir Afzal who was responsible for convicting the men who sexually abused young girls in Rochdale to nominate a great life. He has chosen Mahatma Gandhi, also a lawyer, whom he says inspired him to speak out on behalf of those who were marginalised and ignored by the rest of society. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:28:00 +00001662urn:bbc:podcast:b09jvglthttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09jvgltcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09jvgltOn a field outside Dublin, Daniel O'Connell met and shot a former royal marine in a duel. John d'Esterre had been outraged when O'Connell, the later hero of Catholic emancipation, described the mainly Protestant Dublin corporation as a 'beggarly corporation'. O'Connell later claimed that he had practised with two pistols every week, knowing that one day he would be challenged to a duel. Nominating O'Connell is the vice chancellor of Oxford and terrorism expert Louise Richardson. It's not the violence of the duel that appeals, but O'Connell's revolutionary way of marshalling huge support for his causes, which were always conducted in a remarkably non-violent way. "The altar of liberty totters when it is cemented only with blood," O'Connell said. He took his seat in Westminster in 1830 and thereafter fought for the abolition of slavery and the repeal of the union, a cause in which he failed. Patrick Geoghegan, O'Connell's biographer and special advisor to the new Irish prime minister, adds the colour to a truly extraordinary and important life. Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Louise Richardson nominates Daniel O'Connell, hero of Catholic emancipation in 1829.On a field outside Dublin, Daniel O'Connell met and shot a former royal marine in a duel. John d'Esterre had been outraged when O'Connell, the later hero of Catholic emancipation, described the mainly Protestant Dublin corporation as a 'beggarly corporation'. O'Connell later claimed that he had practised with two pistols every week, knowing that one day he would be challenged to a duel. Nominating O'Connell is the vice chancellor of Oxford and terrorism expert Louise Richardson. It's not the violence of the duel that appeals, but O'Connell's revolutionary way of marshalling huge support for his causes, which were always conducted in a remarkably non-violent way. "The altar of liberty totters when it is cemented only with blood," O'Connell said. He took his seat in Westminster in 1830 and thereafter fought for the abolition of slavery and the repeal of the union, a cause in which he failed. Patrick Geoghegan, O'Connell's biographer and special advisor to the new Irish prime minister, adds the colour to a truly extraordinary and important life. Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:00:00 +00001711urn:bbc:podcast:b09jd67jhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09jd67jcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09jd67jMarcel Duchamp, the father of conceptual art, and responsible for that famously provocative urinal signed 'R Mutt, 1917', is the great life choice of fellow artist Cornelia Parker. She explains to Matthew Parris why he's influenced not only her work but that of so many other artists since his death in 1968. As an art student in the 1970s she recalls the attraction of Duchamp's 'readymades', such as a bicycle wheel or suspended wine bottle rack - manufactured items that the artist selected and modified, antidotes to what he dismissed as conventional 'retinal art'. They are joined by Dawn Ades, Professor of the History of Art at the Royal Academy, who's curated the current RA exhibition on Duchamp and Dali. Dawn recalls an occasion when, whilst she didn't actually meet Duchamp, she once saw him completely absorbed in a game of chess in a café in the Spanish seaside town of Cadaqués, whilst visiting Salvador Dali. They also discuss Duchamp's intriguing female alter ego, Rrose Selavy (Eros, c'est la vie or "physical love is the life") Man Ray's photographs of whom featured in some Surrealist exhibitions. We hear how Duchamp let the world know that he'd given up being in artist in favour of devoting himself to chess whilst still in his 30s. He played the game at a high level, representing France at international tournaments, whilst covertly continuing his art work. Cornelia Parker explains that his works spoke not just to the Pop Art and Op Art movements of the 1960s, but more broadly to American artists like Bruce Nauman and the composer John Cage, and whose influence can be seen today in the work of, for example, fellow English artist, Rachel Whiteread. Producer: Mark Smalley.Marcel Duchamp, father of conceptual art, is fellow artist Cornelia Parker's great life.Marcel Duchamp, the father of conceptual art, and responsible for that famously provocative urinal signed 'R Mutt, 1917', is the great life choice of fellow artist Cornelia Parker. She explains to Matthew Parris why he's influenced not only her work but that of so many other artists since his death in 1968. As an art student in the 1970s she recalls the attraction of Duchamp's 'readymades', such as a bicycle wheel or suspended wine bottle rack - manufactured items that the artist selected and modified, antidotes to what he dismissed as conventional 'retinal art'. They are joined by Dawn Ades, Professor of the History of Art at the Royal Academy, who's curated the current RA exhibition on Duchamp and Dali. Dawn recalls an occasion when, whilst she didn't actually meet Duchamp, she once saw him completely absorbed in a game of chess in a café in the Spanish seaside town of Cadaqués, whilst visiting Salvador Dali. They also discuss Duchamp's intriguing female alter ego, Rrose Selavy (Eros, c'est la vie or "physical love is the life") Man Ray's photographs of whom featured in some Surrealist exhibitions. We hear how Duchamp let the world know that he'd given up being in artist in favour of devoting himself to chess whilst still in his 30s. He played the game at a high level, representing France at international tournaments, whilst covertly continuing his art work. Cornelia Parker explains that his works spoke not just to the Pop Art and Op Art movements of the 1960s, but more broadly to American artists like Bruce Nauman and the composer John Cage, and whose influence can be seen today in the work of, for example, fellow English artist, Rachel Whiteread. Producer: Mark Smalley.Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:30:00 +00001670urn:bbc:podcast:b09hrxw0http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hrxw0cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09hrxw0Goldfrapp's Will Gregory is centre-stage at the Colston Hall in Bristol to tell Matthew Parris why he feels a kinship with Irish writer Flann O'Brien whose books 'At Swim-Two-Birds' and 'The Third Policeman' are now hailed as literary masterpieces but which only came to prominence after the author's death. Carol Taaffe, who has written about Flann, helps make sense of the man who wrote under three pseudonyms - Brian O'Nolan, Flann O'Brien, and Myles na gCopaleen. They look more closely at the novels and newspaper column he wrote alongside his job in the Civil Service, whilst maintaining a steady presence in Dublin's pubs. Will reads extracts he believes illustrate the brilliance with which O'Brien slips between realism and surrealism, and Carol sheds light on who said that 'At Swim-Two-Birds' "....was just the book to give your Sister if she's a loud dirty boozy girl." Producer: Toby Field.Goldfrapp's Will Gregory takes the stage to nominate Irish writer Flann O'Brien.Goldfrapp's Will Gregory is centre-stage at the Colston Hall in Bristol to tell Matthew Parris why he feels a kinship with Irish writer Flann O'Brien whose books 'At Swim-Two-Birds' and 'The Third Policeman' are now hailed as literary masterpieces but which only came to prominence after the author's death. Carol Taaffe, who has written about Flann, helps make sense of the man who wrote under three pseudonyms - Brian O'Nolan, Flann O'Brien, and Myles na gCopaleen. They look more closely at the novels and newspaper column he wrote alongside his job in the Civil Service, whilst maintaining a steady presence in Dublin's pubs. Will reads extracts he believes illustrate the brilliance with which O'Brien slips between realism and surrealism, and Carol sheds light on who said that 'At Swim-Two-Birds' "....was just the book to give your Sister if she's a loud dirty boozy girl." Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 05 Dec 2017 16:58:00 +00001883urn:bbc:podcast:b09h3rc7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09h3rc7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09h3rc7City Boss Dame Helena Morrissey champions the life of Rachael Heyhoe Flint, the pioneer of women's cricket who was regarded as a ground breaker who ruffled feathers and shook up a male dominated sport. Helena Morrissey who has also made it to the top of her career in a male dominated word of the City, is founder of the 30% Club, a campaign group whose aim is to get a minimum of 30% women on FTSE-100 boards. Now working as Head of Personal Investing with Legal and General Investment Management, Helena makes the case for why Heyhoe Flint is a great life. She is joined by Dr Raf Nicholson who teaches history at Queen Mary University of London and is a writer on the women's game. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.City boss Helena Morrissey champions the life of Rachael Heyhoe Flint as her great life.City Boss Dame Helena Morrissey champions the life of Rachael Heyhoe Flint, the pioneer of women's cricket who was regarded as a ground breaker who ruffled feathers and shook up a male dominated sport. Helena Morrissey who has also made it to the top of her career in a male dominated word of the City, is founder of the 30% Club, a campaign group whose aim is to get a minimum of 30% women on FTSE-100 boards. Now working as Head of Personal Investing with Legal and General Investment Management, Helena makes the case for why Heyhoe Flint is a great life. She is joined by Dr Raf Nicholson who teaches history at Queen Mary University of London and is a writer on the women's game. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 26 Sep 2017 16:00:00 +00001651urn:bbc:podcast:b095rrzzhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b095rrzzcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b095rrzzConstance Markievicz led an amazing life - a leading figure during the Easter Rising of 1916, she was the first woman elected to Westminster though she never took her seat. Markievicz was born into a wealthy anglo-Irish family and gained her exotic surname from marriage to a Polish count. She was adventurous, flamboyant, committed to woman's rights, court-martialled and nearly shot. Nominating her is Andrea Catherwood, ex-ITN correspondent who made her first documentary for Radio 4. Alongside her in the studio is Lindie Naughton, author of Markievicz - A Most Outrageous Rebel. Matthew Parris presents, the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Constance Markievicz, Irish rebel countess and the first woman elected to Parliament.Constance Markievicz led an amazing life - a leading figure during the Easter Rising of 1916, she was the first woman elected to Westminster though she never took her seat. Markievicz was born into a wealthy anglo-Irish family and gained her exotic surname from marriage to a Polish count. She was adventurous, flamboyant, committed to woman's rights, court-martialled and nearly shot. Nominating her is Andrea Catherwood, ex-ITN correspondent who made her first documentary for Radio 4. Alongside her in the studio is Lindie Naughton, author of Markievicz - A Most Outrageous Rebel. Matthew Parris presents, the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:00:00 +00001710urn:bbc:podcast:b0952qq7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0952qq7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0952qq7Nicholas Stern is IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics, among other positions, and former Chief Economist at the World Bank. He is also a massive boxing fan and chooses the life of Muhammad Ali to explore with Matthew Parris and sports journalist and boxing commentator Ronald McIntosh. Not only does Stern admire Ali's prowess in the ring, but more so his fearless stance against the Vietnam War which cost him dearly both personally and professionally. Ali's humanitarian work in later life has also been a huge source of inspiration to him. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Muhammad Ali is economist Nicholas Stern's great life as he tells Matthew Parris.Nicholas Stern is IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics, among other positions, and former Chief Economist at the World Bank. He is also a massive boxing fan and chooses the life of Muhammad Ali to explore with Matthew Parris and sports journalist and boxing commentator Ronald McIntosh. Not only does Stern admire Ali's prowess in the ring, but more so his fearless stance against the Vietnam War which cost him dearly both personally and professionally. Ali's humanitarian work in later life has also been a huge source of inspiration to him. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 12 Sep 2017 16:35:00 +00001987urn:bbc:podcast:b0938pwlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0938pwlcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0938pwlHow many people realise the impact Elsie Widdowson had on the way we view nutrition? She was a food scientist who devoted her life to improving the diets of adults and children in Britain and abroad. Matthew Parris hears why Helen Sharman, the first Briton to go into space, thinks Widdowson deserves her nomination. They are joined by Elsie's friend and biographer Margaret Ashwell, President for the Association for Nutrition. You can download the podcast to hear an extended version of the broadcast programme Producer: Maggie Ayre.British spacewoman Helen Sharman chooses scientist Elsie Widdowson as her great life.How many people realise the impact Elsie Widdowson had on the way we view nutrition? She was a food scientist who devoted her life to improving the diets of adults and children in Britain and abroad. Matthew Parris hears why Helen Sharman, the first Briton to go into space, thinks Widdowson deserves her nomination. They are joined by Elsie's friend and biographer Margaret Ashwell, President for the Association for Nutrition. You can download the podcast to hear an extended version of the broadcast programme Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 05 Sep 2017 16:11:00 +00002321urn:bbc:podcast:b092mbm2http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b092mbm2cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b092mbm2Matthew Parris and his guest - novelist Tracy Chevalier - discuss the life of Mary Anning, the working class woman from Lyme Regis who discovered full dinosaur skeletons on Dorset's Jurassic Coast and sold them to collectors in the early 1800s. They are joined by Hugh Torrens, Emeritus Professor of History of Science and Technology at the University of Keele. Mary's remarkable finds came before Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and she believed them at first to be giant crocodiles, but as scientists began flocking to Lyme Regis to buy her specimens, she started to educate herself in geology, becoming an authority on fossils. However, as with many of the subjects of Great Lives, she was never fully credited for her efforts and faded from public consciousness after her death. Download the podcast for extra material Producer: Maggie Ayre.Novelist Tracy Chevalier chooses the fossil hunter Mary Anning as her great life.Matthew Parris and his guest - novelist Tracy Chevalier - discuss the life of Mary Anning, the working class woman from Lyme Regis who discovered full dinosaur skeletons on Dorset's Jurassic Coast and sold them to collectors in the early 1800s. They are joined by Hugh Torrens, Emeritus Professor of History of Science and Technology at the University of Keele. Mary's remarkable finds came before Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and she believed them at first to be giant crocodiles, but as scientists began flocking to Lyme Regis to buy her specimens, she started to educate herself in geology, becoming an authority on fossils. However, as with many of the subjects of Great Lives, she was never fully credited for her efforts and faded from public consciousness after her death. Download the podcast for extra material Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 29 Aug 2017 16:15:00 +00001743urn:bbc:podcast:b091v0c7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b091v0c7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b091v0c7In 1968 Norman Lewis wrote an article called Genocide in Brazil. The photographs that accompanied it were by Don McCullin. Lewis later said that this one piece of journalism was the great achievement of his life. It led directly to the creation of Survival International and a change in the law relating to the treatment of indigenous people in Brazil. Lewis is known as a brilliant writer - one of our best, said Graham Greene, 'not of any particular decade of our century'. He's best remembered for A Dragon Apparent and Naples '44. Don McCullin didn't travel with Norman Lewis to Brazil, but they struck up an unexpected friendship. He was like my father, the great photographer says. And in Norman Lewis's later years they worked together in Venezuela, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere. But McCullin didn't read many of his books. "I struggled through Naples '44" he admits. Yet his admiration for the way Lewis opened his eyes to the world remains undimmed. Recorded on location at McCullin's Somerset farmhouse with Norman Lewis's biographer Julian Evans. Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Don McCullin chooses his old travel companion Norman Lewis for Great Lives.In 1968 Norman Lewis wrote an article called Genocide in Brazil. The photographs that accompanied it were by Don McCullin. Lewis later said that this one piece of journalism was the great achievement of his life. It led directly to the creation of Survival International and a change in the law relating to the treatment of indigenous people in Brazil. Lewis is known as a brilliant writer - one of our best, said Graham Greene, 'not of any particular decade of our century'. He's best remembered for A Dragon Apparent and Naples '44. Don McCullin didn't travel with Norman Lewis to Brazil, but they struck up an unexpected friendship. He was like my father, the great photographer says. And in Norman Lewis's later years they worked together in Venezuela, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere. But McCullin didn't read many of his books. "I struggled through Naples '44" he admits. Yet his admiration for the way Lewis opened his eyes to the world remains undimmed. Recorded on location at McCullin's Somerset farmhouse with Norman Lewis's biographer Julian Evans. Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:30:00 +00001658urn:bbc:podcast:b09111hchttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09111hccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b09111hcThe actress Maxine Peake nominates her working class hero, Ellen Wilkinson, as a great life. Ellen is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of British radical left politics. She joined the Communist party, met Lenin and Trotsky in Moscow and then went on to become one of the Labour Party's youngest people entering parliament in 1924. For Maxine Peake, the tragedy is that Ellen Wilkinson is now virtually a forgotten figure despite her remarkable achievements. With help from historian Helen Antrobus from the People's History Museum in Manchester, they make the case for Ellen Wilkinson meriting the description of a great life. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Maxine Peake nominates her working class hero the MP Ellen Wilkinson as her great life.The actress Maxine Peake nominates her working class hero, Ellen Wilkinson, as a great life. Ellen is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of British radical left politics. She joined the Communist party, met Lenin and Trotsky in Moscow and then went on to become one of the Labour Party's youngest people entering parliament in 1924. For Maxine Peake, the tragedy is that Ellen Wilkinson is now virtually a forgotten figure despite her remarkable achievements. With help from historian Helen Antrobus from the People's History Museum in Manchester, they make the case for Ellen Wilkinson meriting the description of a great life. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:07:00 +00001662urn:bbc:podcast:b08zc6fshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08zc6fscleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08zc6fsStephen Fry nominates his hero P.G Wodehouse, a writer who he says simply cheers him up like no one else. Fry wrote to his hero when he was a schoolboy and his most treasured possession is a signed photograph which reads: "To Stephen Fry, All the best, P. G. Wodehouse." P.G Wodehouse was a self-made man, he began as a bank clerk, married a chorus girl and was interned by the Nazis. He wrote some of the most entertaining novels, stories, plays and lyrics of the twentieth century and created enduring characters; the most popular being Reginald Jeeves and Bertie Wooster. Stephen Fry makes the case for why P.G Wodehouse is a great life. To help him he is joined by Dr Sophie Ratcliffe Associate Professor in English, University of Oxford and author of 'PG Wodehouse - A life in Letters'. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Stephen Fry nominates his hero, PG Wodehouse, who just simply cheers him up.Stephen Fry nominates his hero P.G Wodehouse, a writer who he says simply cheers him up like no one else. Fry wrote to his hero when he was a schoolboy and his most treasured possession is a signed photograph which reads: "To Stephen Fry, All the best, P. G. Wodehouse." P.G Wodehouse was a self-made man, he began as a bank clerk, married a chorus girl and was interned by the Nazis. He wrote some of the most entertaining novels, stories, plays and lyrics of the twentieth century and created enduring characters; the most popular being Reginald Jeeves and Bertie Wooster. Stephen Fry makes the case for why P.G Wodehouse is a great life. To help him he is joined by Dr Sophie Ratcliffe Associate Professor in English, University of Oxford and author of 'PG Wodehouse - A life in Letters'. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 08 Aug 2017 11:33:00 +00001790urn:bbc:podcast:b0901fqrhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0901fqrcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0901fqrThis week it's the turn of Peter Williams, founder of the British retail chain Jack Wills who is nominating Steve Jobs as his great life. For Williams, despite the fact that Steve Jobs was an abrasive and difficult person, it was his ability to predict what people wanted. It was his Apple products that have touched the lives of so many people world wide and for Peter it's his gadgets that have changed our attitudes to technology. To help Peter Williams make his case, he is joined by Luke Dormehl, technology journalist and author of The Apple Revolution. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Peter Williams of Jack Wills champions the abrasive Steve Jobs, founder of Apple.This week it's the turn of Peter Williams, founder of the British retail chain Jack Wills who is nominating Steve Jobs as his great life. For Williams, despite the fact that Steve Jobs was an abrasive and difficult person, it was his ability to predict what people wanted. It was his Apple products that have touched the lives of so many people world wide and for Peter it's his gadgets that have changed our attitudes to technology. To help Peter Williams make his case, he is joined by Luke Dormehl, technology journalist and author of The Apple Revolution. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Thu, 01 Jun 2017 11:21:00 +00001686urn:bbc:podcast:b08r1vbdhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08r1vbdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08r1vbdThere were so many hoaxes in Andy Kaufman's brief career that for years his fans believed that he wasn't really dead. Kaufman's best known as Latka Gravas in the American sitcom Taxi, and his life was undoubtedly weird. Performance artist, Elvis impersonator, wrestler - he's difficult to pin down. Nominator Iain Lee believes he was a genius, while Olly Double of the University of Kent school of arts reckons Kaufman didn't really care if his audience laughed or not. Presenter Matthew Parris draws his own conclusions about Kaufman's extraordinary life, later turned into a film starring Jim Carrey called Man on the Moon. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Cult legend Andy Kaufman chosen by Iain Lee as his great life.There were so many hoaxes in Andy Kaufman's brief career that for years his fans believed that he wasn't really dead. Kaufman's best known as Latka Gravas in the American sitcom Taxi, and his life was undoubtedly weird. Performance artist, Elvis impersonator, wrestler - he's difficult to pin down. Nominator Iain Lee believes he was a genius, while Olly Double of the University of Kent school of arts reckons Kaufman didn't really care if his audience laughed or not. Presenter Matthew Parris draws his own conclusions about Kaufman's extraordinary life, later turned into a film starring Jim Carrey called Man on the Moon. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 30 May 2017 16:00:00 +00001570urn:bbc:podcast:b08rq6mghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08rq6mgcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08rq6mgTwice Queen of England and mother of two kings, but have you heard of Emma of Normandy? Doyenne of Whitehall and Westminster journalists, Sue Cameron names William the Conqueror's aunt as her great life. Matthew Parris explores the time 1,000 years ago when England was emerging as a new nation in the decades before the Norman invasion, when the country's Anglo Saxon rulers were beset with Viking invasions. Emma, herself of French Viking descent, was pitched into a maelstrom of war and politics, when she crossed the channel as a teenage bride in 1002. Joined by medieval historian Vanessa King of Goldsmiths, University of London, Sue Cameron and Matthew conjure the fortunes of a woman who emerged as a key powerbroker and kingmaker. Emma bestrode early English court politics for half a century during her life, and for years afterwards. Married first to Aethelred, the Saxon king, she was promptly summoned to marry his successor after his death in 1016, the Danish king of England, Canute, who's alleged to have ordered the waves to cease. Sue Cameron imagines what it must have been like for Emma in the midst of these turbulent times, trying to protect the sons she had with both kings, while advancing their position at court. Producer: Mark Smalley.Twice queen of England and mother of two kings, but have you heard of Emma of Normandy?Twice Queen of England and mother of two kings, but have you heard of Emma of Normandy? Doyenne of Whitehall and Westminster journalists, Sue Cameron names William the Conqueror's aunt as her great life. Matthew Parris explores the time 1,000 years ago when England was emerging as a new nation in the decades before the Norman invasion, when the country's Anglo Saxon rulers were beset with Viking invasions. Emma, herself of French Viking descent, was pitched into a maelstrom of war and politics, when she crossed the channel as a teenage bride in 1002. Joined by medieval historian Vanessa King of Goldsmiths, University of London, Sue Cameron and Matthew conjure the fortunes of a woman who emerged as a key powerbroker and kingmaker. Emma bestrode early English court politics for half a century during her life, and for years afterwards. Married first to Aethelred, the Saxon king, she was promptly summoned to marry his successor after his death in 1016, the Danish king of England, Canute, who's alleged to have ordered the waves to cease. Sue Cameron imagines what it must have been like for Emma in the midst of these turbulent times, trying to protect the sons she had with both kings, while advancing their position at court. Producer: Mark Smalley.Tue, 16 May 2017 16:22:00 +00001643urn:bbc:podcast:b08q5x7lhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08q5x7lcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08q5x7lFor Steven Knight, the screen writer and director of Peaky Blinders and Taboo, it was easy to nominate his great life. For him there was just one choice, his all- time hero Sitting Bull. As a young boy growing up in Birmingham in the 1970s, Steven was obsessed with stories and tales of Native Indians. At the age of 13, Steven searched for pen-pals and ended up exchanging letters with the great grand-children of Sitting Bull who lived in South Dakota. The correspondence and friendship he built up has continued into his adult life. Steven, makes his case for why Sitting Bull is a great life and to help unravel this story he is joined by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Steven Knight picks Sitting Bull as his hero thanks to an obsession with Native Americans.For Steven Knight, the screen writer and director of Peaky Blinders and Taboo, it was easy to nominate his great life. For him there was just one choice, his all- time hero Sitting Bull. As a young boy growing up in Birmingham in the 1970s, Steven was obsessed with stories and tales of Native Indians. At the age of 13, Steven searched for pen-pals and ended up exchanging letters with the great grand-children of Sitting Bull who lived in South Dakota. The correspondence and friendship he built up has continued into his adult life. Steven, makes his case for why Sitting Bull is a great life and to help unravel this story he is joined by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 09 May 2017 16:00:00 +00001658urn:bbc:podcast:b08pf09dhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08pf09dcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08pf09dThe American born Peaches Golding OBE, Bristol's new Lord Lieutenant and first black female High Sheriff chooses the African American politician Shirley Chisholm who ran unsuccessfully for President in 1972 to discuss with Matthew Parris and the historian Dr. Kate Dossett. Chisholm never expected to win but felt strongly that as a woman, and secondly as an African American, it was her duty to enter the Presidential race. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris invites Bristol's lord lieutenant Peaches Golding to choose a life.The American born Peaches Golding OBE, Bristol's new Lord Lieutenant and first black female High Sheriff chooses the African American politician Shirley Chisholm who ran unsuccessfully for President in 1972 to discuss with Matthew Parris and the historian Dr. Kate Dossett. Chisholm never expected to win but felt strongly that as a woman, and secondly as an African American, it was her duty to enter the Presidential race. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 02 May 2017 15:27:00 +00001660urn:bbc:podcast:b08nq5x7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08nq5x7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08nq5x7Biographical series presented by Matthew Parris.Biographical series presented by Matthew Parris.Biographical series presented by Matthew Parris.Tue, 25 Apr 2017 16:18:00 +00001663urn:bbc:podcast:b08n2wcqhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08n2wcqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08n2wcqSince her death in 1997, it's been fashionable in some quarters to decry the work of Mother Teresa among India's poor. Here fellow Albanian - the opera singer Ermonela Jaho offers an alternative view of the nun who dedicated her life to running homes in Calcutta and later around the world, providing food, shelter and care for the poor and dispossessed. Despite her hardline views on abortion and despite criticism over her dealings with some of the most brutal regimes, Mother Teresa was purely a force for good, argues Ermonela Jaho. She's joined by the biographer Anne Sebba with Matthew Parris. Producer: Maggie Ayre.The Albanian opera singer Ermonela Jaho chooses the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.Since her death in 1997, it's been fashionable in some quarters to decry the work of Mother Teresa among India's poor. Here fellow Albanian - the opera singer Ermonela Jaho offers an alternative view of the nun who dedicated her life to running homes in Calcutta and later around the world, providing food, shelter and care for the poor and dispossessed. Despite her hardline views on abortion and despite criticism over her dealings with some of the most brutal regimes, Mother Teresa was purely a force for good, argues Ermonela Jaho. She's joined by the biographer Anne Sebba with Matthew Parris. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:13:00 +00001659urn:bbc:podcast:b08mb1g4http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08mb1g4cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08mb1g4This week's great life has been rather neglected by many; making the case that she deserves better is Germaine Greer. Dame Elizabeth Frink was best known for striking sculptures ranging from horses and goats to wild eagles and disembodied heads. As a female sculptor working in a man's world, Elisabeth Frink found it hard to establish herself in the 1950s. To help tell the story of her hero, Germaine Greer is joined by Frink's son Lin Jammet and art critic Richard Cork. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Germaine Greer makes the case for sculptor Dame Elizabeth Frink.This week's great life has been rather neglected by many; making the case that she deserves better is Germaine Greer. Dame Elizabeth Frink was best known for striking sculptures ranging from horses and goats to wild eagles and disembodied heads. As a female sculptor working in a man's world, Elisabeth Frink found it hard to establish herself in the 1950s. To help tell the story of her hero, Germaine Greer is joined by Frink's son Lin Jammet and art critic Richard Cork. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +00001675urn:bbc:podcast:b08lh6r3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08lh6r3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08lh6r3Gary Kemp, songwriter and guitarist with hit 80s band Spandau Ballet, chooses the architect and designer Edward William Godwin as his great life. Gary began collecting pieces of Godwin's work as soon as he started making money from hit singles in the 1980s. He's remained fascinated by the life and work of the man who formed part of the Aesthetic Movement in the 19th century, designed houses for Oscar Wilde and James Whistler, and influenced Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The guest expert is Dr Aileen Reid. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris invites Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet to choose his great life.Gary Kemp, songwriter and guitarist with hit 80s band Spandau Ballet, chooses the architect and designer Edward William Godwin as his great life. Gary began collecting pieces of Godwin's work as soon as he started making money from hit singles in the 1980s. He's remained fascinated by the life and work of the man who formed part of the Aesthetic Movement in the 19th century, designed houses for Oscar Wilde and James Whistler, and influenced Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The guest expert is Dr Aileen Reid. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:34:00 +00001641urn:bbc:podcast:b08kv5f6http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08kv5f6cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08kv5f6Chris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes, nominates a great life who was born a peasant and became a Pope. Pope John XXIII did well at school but was no star. He wasn't a striking figure of a man and struggled to keep his weight under control. There was nothing about him that stood out. And his election to Pope took many by surprise. But he was the man who began to push the Roman Catholic church into the modern world. Chris Patten is joined by Eamon Duffy, Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Chris Patten on the pope who rocked the Roman Catholic church by pushing it towards changeChris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes, nominates a great life who was born a peasant and became a Pope. Pope John XXIII did well at school but was no star. He wasn't a striking figure of a man and struggled to keep his weight under control. There was nothing about him that stood out. And his election to Pope took many by surprise. But he was the man who began to push the Roman Catholic church into the modern world. Chris Patten is joined by Eamon Duffy, Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:21:00 +00001664urn:bbc:podcast:b08b7wd1http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08b7wd1cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08b7wd1Len Goodman's great life was one of the biggest figures in creating British musicals and pop music in the 1960's. The writer and lyricist behind the hit musical Oliver, knew everybody who was anybody, made a fortune and partied with Royalty. But like many who flourished in that era he also lost everything in a blitz of booze, drugs and bad behaviour. Len Goodman makes a case for why he regards Bart as a genius and helping him to unravel the story of his hero the expert witness is author and broadcaster David Stafford who has co-written a biography on Lionel Bart named after Bart's second most famous musical: Fings Aint Wot They Used T'Be . The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Len Goodman champions Lionel Bart, the man who created the musical Oliver, as his hero.Len Goodman's great life was one of the biggest figures in creating British musicals and pop music in the 1960's. The writer and lyricist behind the hit musical Oliver, knew everybody who was anybody, made a fortune and partied with Royalty. But like many who flourished in that era he also lost everything in a blitz of booze, drugs and bad behaviour. Len Goodman makes a case for why he regards Bart as a genius and helping him to unravel the story of his hero the expert witness is author and broadcaster David Stafford who has co-written a biography on Lionel Bart named after Bart's second most famous musical: Fings Aint Wot They Used T'Be . The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 17 Jan 2017 17:48:00 +00001646urn:bbc:podcast:b088fg46http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b088fg46cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b088fg46In 1914, a self-taught Mathematics student called Ramanujan left India for Trinity College Cambridge where, alongside the celebrated English mathematician GH Hardy, he completed some extraordinary work on Pi and prime numbers. What was even more extraordinary was that he couldn't prove a lot of his work, and attributed many of his theories to a higher power. For the renowned UK choreographer Akram Khan, there is a beauty in patterns and maths, and he sees Ramanujan's genius as a clash between Eastern and Western cultures. Together with presenter Matthew Parris, he explores the mathematician's life. Guest Professor Robin Wilson, who once visited Ramanujan's home, takes them through some of the maths, and explains why you'll never look at the number 1729 in the same way again. Producer: Toby Field.One of the UK's leading choreographers nominates the Indian mathematician Ramanujan.In 1914, a self-taught Mathematics student called Ramanujan left India for Trinity College Cambridge where, alongside the celebrated English mathematician GH Hardy, he completed some extraordinary work on Pi and prime numbers. What was even more extraordinary was that he couldn't prove a lot of his work, and attributed many of his theories to a higher power. For the renowned UK choreographer Akram Khan, there is a beauty in patterns and maths, and he sees Ramanujan's genius as a clash between Eastern and Western cultures. Together with presenter Matthew Parris, he explores the mathematician's life. Guest Professor Robin Wilson, who once visited Ramanujan's home, takes them through some of the maths, and explains why you'll never look at the number 1729 in the same way again. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:55:00 +00001649urn:bbc:podcast:b087qjzghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b087qjzgcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b087qjzgStep though the wardrobe on Great Lives as CS Lewis - creator of the Narnia Chronicles - is this week's choice. Lewis was a fascinating and extremely complicated man. Born in Northern Ireland, his mother died when he was a child, and his university career interrupted so he could go off and fight in the Great War. Historian Suzannah Lipscomb, who tweets as sixteenth century girl, says she finds his writings deeply moving and that they have influenced her faith. Matthew Parris is less convinced by the religious influence in his work. Malcolm Guite, contributer to the Cambridge Companion to CS Lewis, sits firmly on Suzannah Lipscomb's side. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.CS Lewis, author of the Narnia Chronicles, chosen by Suzannah Lipscomb.Step though the wardrobe on Great Lives as CS Lewis - creator of the Narnia Chronicles - is this week's choice. Lewis was a fascinating and extremely complicated man. Born in Northern Ireland, his mother died when he was a child, and his university career interrupted so he could go off and fight in the Great War. Historian Suzannah Lipscomb, who tweets as sixteenth century girl, says she finds his writings deeply moving and that they have influenced her faith. Matthew Parris is less convinced by the religious influence in his work. Malcolm Guite, contributer to the Cambridge Companion to CS Lewis, sits firmly on Suzannah Lipscomb's side. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 03 Jan 2017 17:15:00 +00001649urn:bbc:podcast:b086s76khttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b086s76kcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b086s76kRuth Holdaway, the Chief Executive of Women in Sport picks the sports broadcaster Helen Rollason who in 1990 became the first woman to present Grandstand. Helen Rollason trained as a teacher, but after stints in community and local radio moved to the BBC to report for and later present the children's News programme 'Newsround'. She kept her hand in with sport and made history in 1990 when she was appointed as the first female presenter of the BBC's flagship sports programme 'Grandstand'. Sport was largely a male-dominated world at the time and there were plenty both inside and outside the Corporation who would have happily have seen her fail. John Caunt who helped Helen write her autobiography joins the discussion, and there are contributions from Clare Balding, James Pearce and Deb Crook. Producer: Toby Field.Ruth Holdaway picks sports broadcaster Helen Rollason as her great life.Ruth Holdaway, the Chief Executive of Women in Sport picks the sports broadcaster Helen Rollason who in 1990 became the first woman to present Grandstand. Helen Rollason trained as a teacher, but after stints in community and local radio moved to the BBC to report for and later present the children's News programme 'Newsround'. She kept her hand in with sport and made history in 1990 when she was appointed as the first female presenter of the BBC's flagship sports programme 'Grandstand'. Sport was largely a male-dominated world at the time and there were plenty both inside and outside the Corporation who would have happily have seen her fail. John Caunt who helped Helen write her autobiography joins the discussion, and there are contributions from Clare Balding, James Pearce and Deb Crook. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 03 Jan 2017 11:31:00 +00001661urn:bbc:podcast:b085ttcdhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b085ttcdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b085ttcdFor many piano music lovers, Dinu Lipatti, the Romanian concert pianist, stands head and shoulders above others. He lived during a time of great turbulence, leaving his native Romania for Switzerland at the outbreak of the second World War. He left behind a wealthy family but they subsequently lost everything under communism. Next year is the centenary of his birth, and food writer and former chef Orlando Murrin explains his love for Lipatti's music and his fascination with his life. It has led him to spending time trying to save Lipatti's family home from demolition in Bucharest. He joins Matthew Parris and the London based Romanian concert pianist Alexandra Dariescu to champion the life and work of one of classical music's greatest 20th century talents. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Chef and food writer Orlando Murrin discusses the life of the celebrated Romanian pianist.For many piano music lovers, Dinu Lipatti, the Romanian concert pianist, stands head and shoulders above others. He lived during a time of great turbulence, leaving his native Romania for Switzerland at the outbreak of the second World War. He left behind a wealthy family but they subsequently lost everything under communism. Next year is the centenary of his birth, and food writer and former chef Orlando Murrin explains his love for Lipatti's music and his fascination with his life. It has led him to spending time trying to save Lipatti's family home from demolition in Bucharest. He joins Matthew Parris and the London based Romanian concert pianist Alexandra Dariescu to champion the life and work of one of classical music's greatest 20th century talents. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 20 Dec 2016 16:45:00 +00001679urn:bbc:podcast:b08587nxhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08587nxcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b08587nxBiographical series presented by Matthew Parris. Sir Ben Kingsley tells Matthew Parris why holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel means so much to him.Sir Ben Kingsley champions the life of holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel as his great life.Biographical series presented by Matthew Parris. Sir Ben Kingsley tells Matthew Parris why holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel means so much to him.Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:10:00 +00001652urn:bbc:podcast:b084x6m8http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b084x6m8cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b084x6m8The comedian and writer Lucy Porter champions Cary Grant as her Great Life finding that, despite his troubled relationships with women off screen, his on screen charm and generosity towards his female co stars redeems him. Lucy joins Matthew Parris along with Grant's biographer, Geoffrey Wansell, to discuss the troubled screen icon's humble beginnings in Bristol and following him to the glamour and wealth of Los Angeles. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Comedian and writer Lucy Porter champions Cary Grant as her Great Life.The comedian and writer Lucy Porter champions Cary Grant as her Great Life finding that, despite his troubled relationships with women off screen, his on screen charm and generosity towards his female co stars redeems him. Lucy joins Matthew Parris along with Grant's biographer, Geoffrey Wansell, to discuss the troubled screen icon's humble beginnings in Bristol and following him to the glamour and wealth of Los Angeles. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Fri, 02 Dec 2016 18:21:00 +00001668urn:bbc:podcast:b084bmf7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b084bmf7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b084bmf7Chef Cyrus Todiwala chooses Dadabhai Naoroji, the 'Grand Old Man of India' who in 1892 became Britain's first Asian MP for Finsbury Central. He later returned to India and petitioned for the country to be self-governing. Ghandi, who was Dadabhai's mentee, would later refer to him as the Father of the Nation. Matthew Parris presents and Zerbanoo Gifford is the expert. Producer: Toby Field.Cyrus Todiwala picks Dadabhai Naoroji, who in 1892 became Britain's first Asian MP.Chef Cyrus Todiwala chooses Dadabhai Naoroji, the 'Grand Old Man of India' who in 1892 became Britain's first Asian MP for Finsbury Central. He later returned to India and petitioned for the country to be self-governing. Ghandi, who was Dadabhai's mentee, would later refer to him as the Father of the Nation. Matthew Parris presents and Zerbanoo Gifford is the expert. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:58:00 +00001664urn:bbc:podcast:b07wby0qhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07wby0qcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07wby0qThe writer and critic AA Gill nominates Neville Chamberlain as his great life. But, his choice is someone who is regarded as one of the worst Prime Ministers Britain ever had. Chamberlain, is someone entrenched in popular legend, as the man who failed to stand up to Hitler. So will AA Gill's choice stand up to the scrutiny and will he be able to convince presenter Matthew Parris that this was a great life. To help tell the story of Neville Chamberlain they are joined by Stuart Ball, Professor of Modern British History at the University of Leicester. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.AA Gill nominates Arthur Neville Chamberlain as his great life.The writer and critic AA Gill nominates Neville Chamberlain as his great life. But, his choice is someone who is regarded as one of the worst Prime Ministers Britain ever had. Chamberlain, is someone entrenched in popular legend, as the man who failed to stand up to Hitler. So will AA Gill's choice stand up to the scrutiny and will he be able to convince presenter Matthew Parris that this was a great life. To help tell the story of Neville Chamberlain they are joined by Stuart Ball, Professor of Modern British History at the University of Leicester. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 20 Sep 2016 16:00:00 +00001673urn:bbc:podcast:b07vs2hbhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07vs2hbcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07vs2hbEliza Carthy chooses the life of nineteenth-century poet and campaigner Caroline Norton to discuss with Matthew Parris. Following separation from her controlling husband, Norton fought to gain access to her three children. She campaigned for thirty years resulting in changes to English Law that gave women a separate legal identity for the first time. Eliza first discovered Caroline Norton when she was researching broadside ballads and came across Norton's verse ' Love not! love not! ye hopeless sons of clay'. It stood out, becoming the inspiration for her track 'Fade and Fall' and sparking an interest in Norton and her extraordinary life. The expert is Dr Diane Atkinson, author of 'The Criminal Conversation of Mrs Norton'. Producer: Toby Field.Eliza Carthy chooses Caroline Norton, who campaigned for women in the 19th century.Eliza Carthy chooses the life of nineteenth-century poet and campaigner Caroline Norton to discuss with Matthew Parris. Following separation from her controlling husband, Norton fought to gain access to her three children. She campaigned for thirty years resulting in changes to English Law that gave women a separate legal identity for the first time. Eliza first discovered Caroline Norton when she was researching broadside ballads and came across Norton's verse ' Love not! love not! ye hopeless sons of clay'. It stood out, becoming the inspiration for her track 'Fade and Fall' and sparking an interest in Norton and her extraordinary life. The expert is Dr Diane Atkinson, author of 'The Criminal Conversation of Mrs Norton'. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:56:00 +00001667urn:bbc:podcast:b07v0fv2http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07v0fv2cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07v0fv2Dame Cicely Saunders was known as 'the woman who changed the face of death'. At almost 6 foot tall, she could be intimidating, tiresome and relentless as she devoted her life to ensuring that terminally ill people could die with dignity and without pain. Championing the life of Cicely Saunders as her great life is the actress and writer Maureen Lipman. The expert witness is Professor David Clark, from the University of Glasgow. Matthew Parris is the presenter and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Maureen Lipman champions the life of Dame Cicely Saunders.Dame Cicely Saunders was known as 'the woman who changed the face of death'. At almost 6 foot tall, she could be intimidating, tiresome and relentless as she devoted her life to ensuring that terminally ill people could die with dignity and without pain. Championing the life of Cicely Saunders as her great life is the actress and writer Maureen Lipman. The expert witness is Professor David Clark, from the University of Glasgow. Matthew Parris is the presenter and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:02:00 +00001673urn:bbc:podcast:b07syv25http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07syv25cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07syv25Marshall Rosenberg was the stern faced creator of nonviolent communication, a man who spent his life finding ways to eradicate hate. Often armed only with his trademark giraffe and jackal puppets, Rosenberg toured the world teaching a new way of speaking. Language was key, but to discover the meaning of the puppets you'll have to tune in. Championing Marshall Rosenberg is the comedian and author Tony Hawks, author of Round Ireland with a Fridge and a regular radio guest on shows including I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. A sceptical Matthew Parris presents while David Baker of the London School of Life fills in the biographical gaps. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tony Hawks champions Marshall Rosenberg, creator of nonviolent communication.Marshall Rosenberg was the stern faced creator of nonviolent communication, a man who spent his life finding ways to eradicate hate. Often armed only with his trademark giraffe and jackal puppets, Rosenberg toured the world teaching a new way of speaking. Language was key, but to discover the meaning of the puppets you'll have to tune in. Championing Marshall Rosenberg is the comedian and author Tony Hawks, author of Round Ireland with a Fridge and a regular radio guest on shows including I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. A sceptical Matthew Parris presents while David Baker of the London School of Life fills in the biographical gaps. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:00:00 +00001668urn:bbc:podcast:b07q87smhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07q87smcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07q87smMatthew Parris presents a dramatic account of the life and death of Dag Hammarskjold.Matthew Parris presents a dramatic account of the life and death of Dag Hammarskjold.Matthew Parris presents a dramatic account of the life and death of Dag Hammarskjold.Fri, 26 Aug 2016 17:10:00 +00001650urn:bbc:podcast:p045zldchttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p045zldccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/p045zldcSara Pascoe champions the life of Virginia Woolf, author of 'Mrs Dalloway' and 'A Room of One's Own', describing her as a sensible feminist. Sara explains why she thinks if she were alive today, Woolf would be a comedian, and how through her diaries and letters she's discovered the witty, manic and egotistical Virginia. Presenter Matthew Parris confesses to struggling with her work. Alexandra Harris is the expert. Producer: Toby Field.Sara Pascoe champions Virginia Woolf, author of Mrs Dalloway and A Room of One's Own.Sara Pascoe champions the life of Virginia Woolf, author of 'Mrs Dalloway' and 'A Room of One's Own', describing her as a sensible feminist. Sara explains why she thinks if she were alive today, Woolf would be a comedian, and how through her diaries and letters she's discovered the witty, manic and egotistical Virginia. Presenter Matthew Parris confesses to struggling with her work. Alexandra Harris is the expert. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 16 Aug 2016 15:56:00 +00001661urn:bbc:podcast:b07npxx3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07npxx3yesBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07npxx3Alex Salmond chooses Thomas Muir for Great Lives, whom he describes as the Father of Scottish Democracy. "I have devoted myself to the cause of The People. It is a good cause - it shall ultimately prevail - it shall finally triumph." (Thomas Muir) Born in 1765, Thomas Muir trained as a lawyer and spent much of his early years advocating political reform and greater representation. These views brought him to the attention of the authorities who tried and convicted him of "unconscious sedition". Sentenced to fourteen years transportation to Australia, he eventually escaped and embarked on an epic voyage back to Europe during which he was almost killed. Alex Salmond argues that it was his treatment by the state that turned Muir from reformer to radical and then revolutionary, and he believes the democratic reform he sought has still not occurred. He says the word to describe Muir is "thrawn", a Scottish word meaning beyond stubborn, as he came up against unreasonable opposition time and time again and shifted his position each time. Debating the issues is Muir expert Murray Armstrong, author of 'The Liberty Tree'. Matthew Parris presents. Producer: Toby Field.Alex Salmond chooses Thomas Muir, whom he describes as the father of Scottish democracy.Alex Salmond chooses Thomas Muir for Great Lives, whom he describes as the Father of Scottish Democracy. "I have devoted myself to the cause of The People. It is a good cause - it shall ultimately prevail - it shall finally triumph." (Thomas Muir) Born in 1765, Thomas Muir trained as a lawyer and spent much of his early years advocating political reform and greater representation. These views brought him to the attention of the authorities who tried and convicted him of "unconscious sedition". Sentenced to fourteen years transportation to Australia, he eventually escaped and embarked on an epic voyage back to Europe during which he was almost killed. Alex Salmond argues that it was his treatment by the state that turned Muir from reformer to radical and then revolutionary, and he believes the democratic reform he sought has still not occurred. He says the word to describe Muir is "thrawn", a Scottish word meaning beyond stubborn, as he came up against unreasonable opposition time and time again and shifted his position each time. Debating the issues is Muir expert Murray Armstrong, author of 'The Liberty Tree'. Matthew Parris presents. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 09 Aug 2016 15:58:00 +00001652urn:bbc:podcast:b07mxk48http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07mxk48cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07mxk48A singer and a comedienne from Rochdale, Gracie Fields was the nation's darling. But in the midst of World War II, and at the phenomenal peak of her career, our great life fell in love and married an Italian and had to flee to America. She was disowned by the British public who called her a deserter and she was slated in every newspaper. Championing this week's Great Life is businesswoman and TV personality Hilary Devey. Helping her to unravel the life of Gracie Fields is Sebastian Lassandro, President of the Dame Gracie Fields Appreciation Society. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.The life of Dame Gracie Fields is championed by Hilary Devey.A singer and a comedienne from Rochdale, Gracie Fields was the nation's darling. But in the midst of World War II, and at the phenomenal peak of her career, our great life fell in love and married an Italian and had to flee to America. She was disowned by the British public who called her a deserter and she was slated in every newspaper. Championing this week's Great Life is businesswoman and TV personality Hilary Devey. Helping her to unravel the life of Gracie Fields is Sebastian Lassandro, President of the Dame Gracie Fields Appreciation Society. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:45:00 +00001672urn:bbc:podcast:b07m5ny0http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07m5ny0cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07m5ny0Frank Turner chooses Joseph Grimaldi, the first celebrity of Pantomime who changed the face of Clowning forever. Matthew Parris presents, and Mattie Faint is the expert. Grimaldi was born into a theatrical family, making his stage debut aged two dressed as a monkey and being flung around the stage on the end of a chain by his tyrannical father. The chain snapped but Grimaldi survived, making the papers and turning Grimaldi into a little celebrity. His performances as 'Clown', combining acrobatics, satire and music, made him a big draw for the crowds, and his role in 'Mother Goose' turned him into a huge star. He developed the make-up we now associate with clowns but behind this iconic look was a man suffering from depression, extreme physical disintegration and a series of personal tragedies. Frank Turner, former punk and now folk singer-songwriter, sees himself primarily as an entertainer and has developed an interest in Pantomime and Music Hall. For him, Grimaldi gave everything to his audiences and physically destroyed himself in the process - something he sees as honourable. He describes Grimaldi's farewell speech as one of the most beautiful eulogies to the business of being a performer. Producer: Toby Field.Frank Turner chooses Joseph Grimaldi, who changed the face of clowning forever.Frank Turner chooses Joseph Grimaldi, the first celebrity of Pantomime who changed the face of Clowning forever. Matthew Parris presents, and Mattie Faint is the expert. Grimaldi was born into a theatrical family, making his stage debut aged two dressed as a monkey and being flung around the stage on the end of a chain by his tyrannical father. The chain snapped but Grimaldi survived, making the papers and turning Grimaldi into a little celebrity. His performances as 'Clown', combining acrobatics, satire and music, made him a big draw for the crowds, and his role in 'Mother Goose' turned him into a huge star. He developed the make-up we now associate with clowns but behind this iconic look was a man suffering from depression, extreme physical disintegration and a series of personal tragedies. Frank Turner, former punk and now folk singer-songwriter, sees himself primarily as an entertainer and has developed an interest in Pantomime and Music Hall. For him, Grimaldi gave everything to his audiences and physically destroyed himself in the process - something he sees as honourable. He describes Grimaldi's farewell speech as one of the most beautiful eulogies to the business of being a performer. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 31 May 2016 15:58:00 +00001628urn:bbc:podcast:b07cvlmdhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07cvlmdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07cvlmdGeorge Fox, born in 1624 in Leicestershire, is best known as the founder of the Quakers. In early life he was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and for a while he worked as a shepherd as well. But it was as a preacher travelling widely across the land that he made his name, and also received the most abuse. As he writes: "... the people fell upon me in great rage, struck me down and almost stifled and smothered me. And I was cruelly beaten and bruised by them with their hands, Bibles and sticks." Nominating the dissenting George Fox is Ann Limb, chair of the Scout Association. Also in studio, Jonathan Fryer, editor of George Fox and the Children of the Light. Matthew Parris presents, and the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.George Fox, founder of the Quakers, nominated by Ann Limb.George Fox, born in 1624 in Leicestershire, is best known as the founder of the Quakers. In early life he was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and for a while he worked as a shepherd as well. But it was as a preacher travelling widely across the land that he made his name, and also received the most abuse. As he writes: "... the people fell upon me in great rage, struck me down and almost stifled and smothered me. And I was cruelly beaten and bruised by them with their hands, Bibles and sticks." Nominating the dissenting George Fox is Ann Limb, chair of the Scout Association. Also in studio, Jonathan Fryer, editor of George Fox and the Children of the Light. Matthew Parris presents, and the producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 24 May 2016 16:00:00 +00001674urn:bbc:podcast:b07bzdc1http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07bzdc1cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07bzdc1Gordon Hamilton-Fairley was a brilliant cancer specialist, the father of oncology in the UK. Then in 1975 he was killed by an IRA bomb intended for a politician who lived in his street. Former editor of the Daily Telegraph Charles Moore chooses a man cut down in his prime. Joining him in the studio are three members of the Hamilton-Fairley family; plus the cancer specialist Ray Powles, who provides a compelling picture of how basic treatment for cancer sufferers used to be. Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Cancer pioneer Gordon Hamilton-Fairley, killed by an IRA bomb when he was just 45.Gordon Hamilton-Fairley was a brilliant cancer specialist, the father of oncology in the UK. Then in 1975 he was killed by an IRA bomb intended for a politician who lived in his street. Former editor of the Daily Telegraph Charles Moore chooses a man cut down in his prime. Joining him in the studio are three members of the Hamilton-Fairley family; plus the cancer specialist Ray Powles, who provides a compelling picture of how basic treatment for cancer sufferers used to be. Matthew Parris presents. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Tue, 17 May 2016 16:10:00 +00001658urn:bbc:podcast:b07bbyjbhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07bbyjbcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07bbyjbRichard the Lionheart has been portrayed on screen by Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins and Patrick Stewart, quite a starry list. But what is the reality behind the legend of this famous king? Richard's nominator is Timmy Mallett, a legend of children's TV but also unexpectedly a history graduate. Great historical characters, he says, have great stories attached to them, and Richard's life was not short of adventure, particularly on the Third Crusade. Applying a cool head to Richard's life is the historian and broadcaster Helen Castor. She concedes that much of Timmy's enthusiasm is probably deserved. Presenter Matthew Parris attempts to discover the truth about whether the Lionheart was in fact gay. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Richard the Lionheart, nominated by Timmy Mallett.Richard the Lionheart has been portrayed on screen by Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins and Patrick Stewart, quite a starry list. But what is the reality behind the legend of this famous king? Richard's nominator is Timmy Mallett, a legend of children's TV but also unexpectedly a history graduate. Great historical characters, he says, have great stories attached to them, and Richard's life was not short of adventure, particularly on the Third Crusade. Applying a cool head to Richard's life is the historian and broadcaster Helen Castor. She concedes that much of Timmy's enthusiasm is probably deserved. Presenter Matthew Parris attempts to discover the truth about whether the Lionheart was in fact gay. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.Mon, 16 May 2016 11:58:00 +00001660urn:bbc:podcast:b079pr90http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b079pr90cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b079pr90Former British SAS commander Graeme Lamb champions the life of wartime spy Christine Granville.Former British SAS commander Graeme Lamb champions the life of spy Christine Granville.Former British SAS commander Graeme Lamb champions the life of wartime spy Christine Granville.Tue, 03 May 2016 16:00:00 +00001677urn:bbc:podcast:b078y4tvhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b078y4tvcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b078y4tvShe was known as 'the grand old lady of Indian cinema' who starred in many Bollywood films famous in India, but not at first in Britain. We got to know her best in her later years when Zohra Sehgal starred in the TV series - 'The Jewel in The Crown' and films such as 'Bend it like Beckham'. When interviewed aged 101 and asked what she had enjoyed most in her life she said 'Sex, sex and more sex '. Nominating this week's Great Life is actress and playwright Sudha Bhuchar who along with the expert witness, Film Historian Lalit Mohan Joshi, tell the presenter Matthew Parris, how Sehgal broke boundaries to become the first Indian actor to have an international career. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Playwright and actress Sudha Bhuchar nominates the life of actor Zohra Sehgal.She was known as 'the grand old lady of Indian cinema' who starred in many Bollywood films famous in India, but not at first in Britain. We got to know her best in her later years when Zohra Sehgal starred in the TV series - 'The Jewel in The Crown' and films such as 'Bend it like Beckham'. When interviewed aged 101 and asked what she had enjoyed most in her life she said 'Sex, sex and more sex '. Nominating this week's Great Life is actress and playwright Sudha Bhuchar who along with the expert witness, Film Historian Lalit Mohan Joshi, tell the presenter Matthew Parris, how Sehgal broke boundaries to become the first Indian actor to have an international career. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:50:00 +00001667urn:bbc:podcast:b07875z7http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07875z7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b07875z7To his followers Lenny Bruce was a genius and a free speech hero. To his detractors he was labelled sick and dirty. Bruce shocked his audiences intentionally. In his uncompromisingly frank humour he took on organized religion, government, jingoism, capitalism, the death penalty, war, and sexual mores. But he was eventually destroyed by the battle he fought with the US justice system. The comedian, Ray Peacock nominates Lenny Bruce as his great life as he regards him as a pioneer in stand-up. Along with expert Dr Oliver Double and presenter Matthew Parris they uncover a controversial life. To illustrate the life of Lenny Bruce this programme does play some audio which some listeners may find offensive. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Comedian Ray Peacock nominates the controversial life of Lenny Bruce.To his followers Lenny Bruce was a genius and a free speech hero. To his detractors he was labelled sick and dirty. Bruce shocked his audiences intentionally. In his uncompromisingly frank humour he took on organized religion, government, jingoism, capitalism, the death penalty, war, and sexual mores. But he was eventually destroyed by the battle he fought with the US justice system. The comedian, Ray Peacock nominates Lenny Bruce as his great life as he regards him as a pioneer in stand-up. Along with expert Dr Oliver Double and presenter Matthew Parris they uncover a controversial life. To illustrate the life of Lenny Bruce this programme does play some audio which some listeners may find offensive. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Thu, 21 Apr 2016 14:51:00 +00001649urn:bbc:podcast:b077ggvfhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b077ggvfyesBBC Radio 4/programmes/b077ggvfNancy Dell'Olio nominates the controversial life of Lucrezia Borgia as she says she identifies with this great Renaissance woman as she too is "considered a controversial figure". Lucrezia Borgia was the Pope's daughter and over the centuries her name has been a byword for poison, incest and intrigue. Novels, TV series, plays and an opera have been written about her. But was she just a victim of malicious gossip that vastly exaggerated her actual misdoings ? To help uncover the story the expert witness is historian and author Sarah Dunant. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar. :Nancy Dell'Olio is currently an Ambassador for CharityStars UK. :Sarah Dunant is author of 'The Borgias-Blood and Beauty'.Nancy Dell'Olio explains to Matthew Parris why she picked the life of Lucrezia Borgia.Nancy Dell'Olio nominates the controversial life of Lucrezia Borgia as she says she identifies with this great Renaissance woman as she too is "considered a controversial figure". Lucrezia Borgia was the Pope's daughter and over the centuries her name has been a byword for poison, incest and intrigue. Novels, TV series, plays and an opera have been written about her. But was she just a victim of malicious gossip that vastly exaggerated her actual misdoings ? To help uncover the story the expert witness is historian and author Sarah Dunant. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar. :Nancy Dell'Olio is currently an Ambassador for CharityStars UK. :Sarah Dunant is author of 'The Borgias-Blood and Beauty'.Thu, 21 Apr 2016 14:07:00 +00001664urn:bbc:podcast:b076hrcqhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b076hrcqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b076hrcqAnthony Horowitz regards Alfred Hitchcock as a genius who changed the language of cinema and made some of the most memorable films of the twentieth century. However, the film director is also seen as a troubled man who was at times abusive towards some of his leading ladies. The expert witness is Nathalie Morris; Senior Curator at the BFI, National Archive. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Anthony Horowitz champions the life of Alfred Hitchcock.Anthony Horowitz regards Alfred Hitchcock as a genius who changed the language of cinema and made some of the most memorable films of the twentieth century. However, the film director is also seen as a troubled man who was at times abusive towards some of his leading ladies. The expert witness is Nathalie Morris; Senior Curator at the BFI, National Archive. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:27:00 +00001663urn:bbc:podcast:b075pz7zhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b075pz7zcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b075pz7zThis week it's the turn of a former director of MI5, Eliza Manningham-Buller, who tells Matthew Parris why she regards Abraham Lincoln as a great life. But will her hero stand up to intensive scrutiny and merit the description of having led a great life? The expert is Dr Tony Hutchison, from the American Studies Department at the University of Nottingham. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Eliza Manningham-Buller on why she regards Abraham Lincoln as a great life.This week it's the turn of a former director of MI5, Eliza Manningham-Buller, who tells Matthew Parris why she regards Abraham Lincoln as a great life. But will her hero stand up to intensive scrutiny and merit the description of having led a great life? The expert is Dr Tony Hutchison, from the American Studies Department at the University of Nottingham. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 26 Jan 2016 16:58:00 +00001675urn:bbc:podcast:b06ycr4xhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06ycr4xcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06ycr4xIn this edition, musician and performer Nitin Sawhney champions the life of Jeff Buckley who he regards as a genius singer, songwriter. The expert is Steve Abbott who was a friend of Buckley's and released his debut record. Matthew Parris is the presenter and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Nitin Sawhney champions the life of Jeff Buckley, who he regards as a genius.In this edition, musician and performer Nitin Sawhney champions the life of Jeff Buckley who he regards as a genius singer, songwriter. The expert is Steve Abbott who was a friend of Buckley's and released his debut record. Matthew Parris is the presenter and the producer is Perminder Khatkar.Wed, 20 Jan 2016 15:34:00 +00001673urn:bbc:podcast:b06wd26bhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06wd26bcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06wd26bMatthew Parris invites his guests to nominate the person who they feel is a great life. Comedian Susan Calman chooses the Scottish actress Molly Weir who began her long career on radio before moving into television and becoming one of the first Scottish female voices on national media in the 1950s. Producer: Maggie Ayre & Perminder Khatkar.Comedian Susan Calman nominates Scottish actress Molly Weir.Matthew Parris invites his guests to nominate the person who they feel is a great life. Comedian Susan Calman chooses the Scottish actress Molly Weir who began her long career on radio before moving into television and becoming one of the first Scottish female voices on national media in the 1950s. Producer: Maggie Ayre & Perminder Khatkar.Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:47:00 +00001676urn:bbc:podcast:b06vkdz3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06vkdz3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06vkdz3In this episode, you might not know the name of the Great Life but you have probably walked past his work. At London's Hyde Park Corner - the 'Royal Artillery Memorial' stands - a huge stone monument. Charles Sargeant Jagger was arguably the first British sculptor to try to capture the horror of war. A full-sized gun - a 9.2 howitzer protrudes from the top; four masculine soldiers surround the base - one a corpse. Martin Jennings also a British sculptor, nominates Jagger as his Great Life. Along with the expert, art historian Ann Compton, they tell Matthew Parris how the First World War shaped and made Jagger. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Sculptor Martin Jennings champions the life of sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger.In this episode, you might not know the name of the Great Life but you have probably walked past his work. At London's Hyde Park Corner - the 'Royal Artillery Memorial' stands - a huge stone monument. Charles Sargeant Jagger was arguably the first British sculptor to try to capture the horror of war. A full-sized gun - a 9.2 howitzer protrudes from the top; four masculine soldiers surround the base - one a corpse. Martin Jennings also a British sculptor, nominates Jagger as his Great Life. Along with the expert, art historian Ann Compton, they tell Matthew Parris how the First World War shaped and made Jagger. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 05 Jan 2016 17:33:00 +00001673urn:bbc:podcast:b06ts10bhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06ts10bcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06ts10bMatthew Parris's guest this week is the epidemiologst Precious Lunga, who nominates for Great Life status that of the Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Muta Maathai. In the course of her life, Professor Maathai made a huge contribution to re-establishing environmental integrity to Kenya by working with the women who lived there. She founded the Green Belt Movement and became a politician. In 2004 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The expert witness is Maggie Baxter from the Green Belt Movement. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris explores the remarkable life of Professor Wangari Maathai.Matthew Parris's guest this week is the epidemiologst Precious Lunga, who nominates for Great Life status that of the Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Muta Maathai. In the course of her life, Professor Maathai made a huge contribution to re-establishing environmental integrity to Kenya by working with the women who lived there. She founded the Green Belt Movement and became a politician. In 2004 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The expert witness is Maggie Baxter from the Green Belt Movement. Producer Christine Hall.Mon, 04 Jan 2016 09:46:00 +00001675urn:bbc:podcast:b06sgy7rhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06sgy7rcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06sgy7rAlvin Hall is the friendly face of financial reality, lecturing, writing and broadcasting on the subject of managing money. But he is also passionately interested in fine art, music and literature, and his nomination for a Great Life is that of writer and Civil Rights activist, James Baldwin. Baldwin was born in 1924 in Harlem and his achievements in overcoming a difficult start in life were prodigious. For much of his life he lived outside the United States, returning in the late 1950s to support the nascent Civil Rights movement, though the Movement itself had some problems with his homosexuality. Throughout his life he continued to write about the experiences of being black in 20th century America and is now widely regarded as the pre-eminent African-American writer of the century. Dr Douglas Field of the University of Manchester, who has written several books on James Baldwin, discusses Baldwin's life and achievements with Alvin and with Matthew Parris. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris meets financial guru Alvin Hall, whose hero is James Baldwin.Alvin Hall is the friendly face of financial reality, lecturing, writing and broadcasting on the subject of managing money. But he is also passionately interested in fine art, music and literature, and his nomination for a Great Life is that of writer and Civil Rights activist, James Baldwin. Baldwin was born in 1924 in Harlem and his achievements in overcoming a difficult start in life were prodigious. For much of his life he lived outside the United States, returning in the late 1950s to support the nascent Civil Rights movement, though the Movement itself had some problems with his homosexuality. Throughout his life he continued to write about the experiences of being black in 20th century America and is now widely regarded as the pre-eminent African-American writer of the century. Dr Douglas Field of the University of Manchester, who has written several books on James Baldwin, discusses Baldwin's life and achievements with Alvin and with Matthew Parris. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:52:00 +00001668urn:bbc:podcast:b06s9d1whttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06s9d1wcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06s9d1wMatthew Parris invites fashion designer Roger Saul, who created the Mulberry brand, to nominate a great life. He has chosen the early 20th century garden designer Gertrude Jekyll whose beautiful gardens instilled in him a love of plants and landscaping. Inspired by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement, together with architect Edward Lutyens, Gertrude Jekyll designed many great gardens including Hestercombe in Somerset and at her home in Surrey. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris invites fashion designer Roger Saul to nominate a great life.Matthew Parris invites fashion designer Roger Saul, who created the Mulberry brand, to nominate a great life. He has chosen the early 20th century garden designer Gertrude Jekyll whose beautiful gardens instilled in him a love of plants and landscaping. Inspired by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement, together with architect Edward Lutyens, Gertrude Jekyll designed many great gardens including Hestercombe in Somerset and at her home in Surrey. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Wed, 16 Dec 2015 15:10:00 +00001685urn:bbc:podcast:b06ry7gqhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06ry7gqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06ry7gqHarold 'Dickie' Bird, now retired but one of our best known cricket umpires champions the life of Sir Leonard Hutton. According to Dickie, this Yorkshireman is one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time, who made history by becoming the first professional England captain. Joining him, the Sunday Times cricket correspondent and author Simon Wilde. Matthew Parris is the presenter. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Dickie Bird champions his hero Sir Leonard Hutton.Harold 'Dickie' Bird, now retired but one of our best known cricket umpires champions the life of Sir Leonard Hutton. According to Dickie, this Yorkshireman is one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time, who made history by becoming the first professional England captain. Joining him, the Sunday Times cricket correspondent and author Simon Wilde. Matthew Parris is the presenter. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:56:00 +00001667urn:bbc:podcast:b06r5d07http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06r5d07cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06r5d07Dubbed an 'oddity' and 'box office poison', she liked to goad the press and public with her eccentric behaviour and unconventional love life. Her career in Hollywood spanned six decades, during which she starred alongside other Hollywood greats, including James Stewart, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and Spencer Tracy. The four time Oscar award winning actress Katharine Hepburn is this week's Great Life. She is championed by singer and actress Toyah Willcox. The expert is Dr Mark Glancy - Reader in Film History, at Queen Mary, University of London. The presenter is Matthew Parris. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Toyah Willcox champions the life of Katharine Hepburn, who she met and worked with.Dubbed an 'oddity' and 'box office poison', she liked to goad the press and public with her eccentric behaviour and unconventional love life. Her career in Hollywood spanned six decades, during which she starred alongside other Hollywood greats, including James Stewart, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and Spencer Tracy. The four time Oscar award winning actress Katharine Hepburn is this week's Great Life. She is championed by singer and actress Toyah Willcox. The expert is Dr Mark Glancy - Reader in Film History, at Queen Mary, University of London. The presenter is Matthew Parris. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:53:00 +00001672urn:bbc:podcast:b06d2j24http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06d2j24cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06d2j24This week's Great Life might have become an Afrikaner Nationalist Prime Minister of apartheid South Africa, but instead became its most prominent white opponent. A formidable advocate, he led the defence of Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Trial. It is no exaggeration to say Bram Fischer saved Mandela's life, and it is said Mandela would have made him his vice-president, had he lived to see Mandela's release. He's nominated by former English High Court Judge Sir Nick Stadlen along with Lord Joffe. Matthew Parris is the presenter. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Nick Stadlen and Joel Joffe champion the life of Afrikaner revolutionary Bram Fischer.This week's Great Life might have become an Afrikaner Nationalist Prime Minister of apartheid South Africa, but instead became its most prominent white opponent. A formidable advocate, he led the defence of Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Trial. It is no exaggeration to say Bram Fischer saved Mandela's life, and it is said Mandela would have made him his vice-president, had he lived to see Mandela's release. He's nominated by former English High Court Judge Sir Nick Stadlen along with Lord Joffe. Matthew Parris is the presenter. The producer is Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 22 Sep 2015 15:55:00 +00001672urn:bbc:podcast:b06bnq1bhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06bnq1bcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b06bnq1bHannah Rothschild champions the life of the jazz musician Thelonious Monk. Brilliant, eccentric and one of the true giants of jazz, Monk was an incredible pianist, the composer of jazz standards such as 'Round Midnight', the co-creator of bebop and a close friend of Hannah's great-aunt, the Jazz Baroness Nica Rothschild. Matthew Parris chairs as Hannah and music writer Richard Williams chart Monk's progress through the jazz clubs and recording studios of mid-twentieth century New York. Producer: Julia Johnson.Hannah Rothschild looks back at the life of jazz musician Thelonious Monk.Hannah Rothschild champions the life of the jazz musician Thelonious Monk. Brilliant, eccentric and one of the true giants of jazz, Monk was an incredible pianist, the composer of jazz standards such as 'Round Midnight', the co-creator of bebop and a close friend of Hannah's great-aunt, the Jazz Baroness Nica Rothschild. Matthew Parris chairs as Hannah and music writer Richard Williams chart Monk's progress through the jazz clubs and recording studios of mid-twentieth century New York. Producer: Julia Johnson.Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:58:00 +00001656urn:bbc:podcast:b069rvblhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b069rvblcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b069rvblSir Richard Francis Burton was an explorer, adventurer, soldier, author, poet, sexologist and translator. He brought us the Kama Sutra and spoke 29 languages. The author Monica Ali champions this racy character and tells Matthew Parris why this 19th-century explorer is a Great Life. They are also joined by historian and broadcaster Matthew Ward. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Author Monica Ali champions the life of controversial explorer Richard Francis Burton.Sir Richard Francis Burton was an explorer, adventurer, soldier, author, poet, sexologist and translator. He brought us the Kama Sutra and spoke 29 languages. The author Monica Ali champions this racy character and tells Matthew Parris why this 19th-century explorer is a Great Life. They are also joined by historian and broadcaster Matthew Ward. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 01 Sep 2015 15:45:00 +00001665urn:bbc:podcast:b067x5hxhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b067x5hxcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b067x5hxGeorge Washington Williams was an incredibly early, mould-breaking, self-made black intellectual who fought in the American civil war and went on to write the first history of African Americans. He met King Leopold of Belgium and exposed that country's treatment of Africans under Belgian colonial rule. Nominating the life of George Washington Williams is television presenter, and former Paralympic medallist, Ade Adepitan. The expert witness is Dr David Brown, Senior Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Manchester. The presenter is Matthew Parris. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Ade Adepitan champions the life of George Washington Williams.George Washington Williams was an incredibly early, mould-breaking, self-made black intellectual who fought in the American civil war and went on to write the first history of African Americans. He met King Leopold of Belgium and exposed that country's treatment of Africans under Belgian colonial rule. Nominating the life of George Washington Williams is television presenter, and former Paralympic medallist, Ade Adepitan. The expert witness is Dr David Brown, Senior Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Manchester. The presenter is Matthew Parris. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:00:00 +00001649urn:bbc:podcast:b066w57nhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b066w57ncleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b066w57nMatthew Parris meets the former leader of the Conservative Party Michael Howard to discuss the life of Elizabeth I of England. They're joined by Professor Paulina Kewes of Jesus College Oxford. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Former leader of the Conservative Party Michael Howard talks about the life of Elizabeth IMatthew Parris meets the former leader of the Conservative Party Michael Howard to discuss the life of Elizabeth I of England. They're joined by Professor Paulina Kewes of Jesus College Oxford. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:47:00 +00001676urn:bbc:podcast:b065vrl8http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b065vrl8cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b065vrl8Vicky Pryce, the Greek born economist who attracted media headlines on her conviction for perverting the course of justice over speeding points incurred by her former husband, Chris Huhne, nominates Melina Mercouri as a great life at a time when Greece is facing huge economic and political pressures. The film star who achieved global fame became a much loved politician in her homeland. As Minister for Culture, she promoted Greece's cultural heritage and fought for the return of the Elgin Marbles. Some consider one her greatest achievements to be the founding of the European Capital of Culture; culture being in her eyes something as important as politics or money, if not more so. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Vicky Pryce nominates the Greek film star and politician Melina Mercouri as a Great Life.Vicky Pryce, the Greek born economist who attracted media headlines on her conviction for perverting the course of justice over speeding points incurred by her former husband, Chris Huhne, nominates Melina Mercouri as a great life at a time when Greece is facing huge economic and political pressures. The film star who achieved global fame became a much loved politician in her homeland. As Minister for Culture, she promoted Greece's cultural heritage and fought for the return of the Elgin Marbles. Some consider one her greatest achievements to be the founding of the European Capital of Culture; culture being in her eyes something as important as politics or money, if not more so. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:27:00 +00001676urn:bbc:podcast:b064z4swhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b064z4swcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b064z4swOn May 29 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. Both men immediately became famous worldwide. The actor Sir Ian McKellen, then a young teenager in Burnley, was clearly struck by the achievement. In later life he met Hillary in New Zealand and has strong memories of a modest man whose first job was beekeeping. "I did a good job on Everest," Hillary once said, "but have always known my limitations and I found being classified as a hero slightly embarrassing." Joining Sir Ian McKellen to discuss the life of this fascinating man - he took a tractor to the South Pole in 1958 and became High Commissioner to India in 1985 - is the author of Everest 1953, Mick Conefrey. He reveals the epic story of the first ascent, plus discusses Hillary's work with the Himalayan Trust. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer Miles Warde.Sir Ian McKellen chooses Edmund Hillary for Great Lives.On May 29 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. Both men immediately became famous worldwide. The actor Sir Ian McKellen, then a young teenager in Burnley, was clearly struck by the achievement. In later life he met Hillary in New Zealand and has strong memories of a modest man whose first job was beekeeping. "I did a good job on Everest," Hillary once said, "but have always known my limitations and I found being classified as a hero slightly embarrassing." Joining Sir Ian McKellen to discuss the life of this fascinating man - he took a tractor to the South Pole in 1958 and became High Commissioner to India in 1985 - is the author of Everest 1953, Mick Conefrey. He reveals the epic story of the first ascent, plus discusses Hillary's work with the Himalayan Trust. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer Miles Warde.Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:00:00 +00001661urn:bbc:podcast:b0640p3rhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0640p3rcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0640p3rVal McDermid thinks crime writing is most definitely a suitable job for a woman. She believes women are good at observing the minutiae of life and incorporating them into clue development. Despite writing a book entitled 'An Unsuitable Job For A Woman', PD James evidently thought the same. Val McDermid -who knew and loved the writer who died last November - discusses her life with the help of James' friend, the literary critic Peter Kemp. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Crime writer Val McDermid discusses the life of PD James. With literary critic Peter Kemp.Val McDermid thinks crime writing is most definitely a suitable job for a woman. She believes women are good at observing the minutiae of life and incorporating them into clue development. Despite writing a book entitled 'An Unsuitable Job For A Woman', PD James evidently thought the same. Val McDermid -who knew and loved the writer who died last November - discusses her life with the help of James' friend, the literary critic Peter Kemp. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:27:00 +00001675http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150602-1727.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05vy6f2cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05vy6f2Matthew Parris hears why David Blunkett has chosen Louis Braille, the 18th century French boy who blinded himself in his father's workshop, as his great life - with the help of guest expert the RNIB's Kevin Carey. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris hears from David Blunkett about the life of Louis Braille.Matthew Parris hears why David Blunkett has chosen Louis Braille, the 18th century French boy who blinded himself in his father's workshop, as his great life - with the help of guest expert the RNIB's Kevin Carey. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Thu, 28 May 2015 16:14:00 +00001679http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150528-1714.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05wc8wzcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05wc8wzMatthew Parris meets the American Ambassador Matthew Barzun whose choice of great life is his wartime predecessor, John Gil Winant - the man widely held to have helped seal the special relationship between Britain and America and to have brought the US into the war effort. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris meets the US ambassador Matthew Barzun, who talks about John Gil Winant.Matthew Parris meets the American Ambassador Matthew Barzun whose choice of great life is his wartime predecessor, John Gil Winant - the man widely held to have helped seal the special relationship between Britain and America and to have brought the US into the war effort. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 19 May 2015 16:08:00 +00001500http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150519-1708.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05v7tr5cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05v7tr5Marlon Brando - greatest actor of the twentieth century ? Film critic Antonia Quirke definitely thinks he is. But the star of the Godfather, On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire divides opinion in this lively assessment of his life. With contributions from writer Robyn Karney and Joe Queenan in the United States. Matthew Parris presents. The producer is Miles Warde.Marlon Brando - the greatest actor of the 20th century? Antonia Quirke thinks so.Marlon Brando - greatest actor of the twentieth century ? Film critic Antonia Quirke definitely thinks he is. But the star of the Godfather, On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire divides opinion in this lively assessment of his life. With contributions from writer Robyn Karney and Joe Queenan in the United States. Matthew Parris presents. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 12 May 2015 15:25:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150512-1625.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05tl3jpcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05tl3jp"John Clare, I cried last night for you" wrote Wendy Cope in a poem dedicated to the earlier poet, who overcame monumental setbacks - including a poverty-stricken upbringing and a long struggle with mental illness - to write some of the most sensitive poetry in the English language. At one point he was famous as "the English Robert Burns" but his fame dropped away vertiginously and many people now know him solely for his cri de coeur, "I Am." Clare's biographer, Sir Jonathan Bate, joins Wendy in the studio with Matthew Parris to consider how Clare's life is both inspirational and great. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris and Wendy Cope explore the life of poet John Clare."John Clare, I cried last night for you" wrote Wendy Cope in a poem dedicated to the earlier poet, who overcame monumental setbacks - including a poverty-stricken upbringing and a long struggle with mental illness - to write some of the most sensitive poetry in the English language. At one point he was famous as "the English Robert Burns" but his fame dropped away vertiginously and many people now know him solely for his cri de coeur, "I Am." Clare's biographer, Sir Jonathan Bate, joins Wendy in the studio with Matthew Parris to consider how Clare's life is both inspirational and great. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 05 May 2015 16:00:00 +00001664http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150505-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05stkqzcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05stkqzMatthew Parris's guest is Dame Helen Ghosh, Director General of the National Trust, who chooses as her Great Life James Lees-Milne who worked for the Trust between 1936 and 1966. He was responsible for acquiring many of the Trust's most iconic properties and his particular talent was his ability to persuade the aristocratic owners of the houses into handing them over to the Trust for protection. His other talent was in writing, and it is his deliciously indiscreet diaries for which many people know him. Merlin Waterson, who was a friend of Lees-Milne's, is the expert witness. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris talks to Dame Helen Ghosh about James Lees-Milne.Matthew Parris's guest is Dame Helen Ghosh, Director General of the National Trust, who chooses as her Great Life James Lees-Milne who worked for the Trust between 1936 and 1966. He was responsible for acquiring many of the Trust's most iconic properties and his particular talent was his ability to persuade the aristocratic owners of the houses into handing them over to the Trust for protection. His other talent was in writing, and it is his deliciously indiscreet diaries for which many people know him. Merlin Waterson, who was a friend of Lees-Milne's, is the expert witness. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:00:00 +00001665http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150428-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05s307ccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05s307cComedian and actor Kulvinder Ghir nominates the life of the artist Zoran Music. Matthew Parris finds out about Music who sketched corpses during and after he survived the horrors of being held at Dachau- a concentration camp in 1944. They are also joined by art critic, curator Michael Peppiatt who was a friend and an admirer of Zoran Music in this week's Great Life. Producer: Perminder Khatkar .Comedian and actor Kulvinder Ghir nominates the artist Zoran Music.Comedian and actor Kulvinder Ghir nominates the life of the artist Zoran Music. Matthew Parris finds out about Music who sketched corpses during and after he survived the horrors of being held at Dachau- a concentration camp in 1944. They are also joined by art critic, curator Michael Peppiatt who was a friend and an admirer of Zoran Music in this week's Great Life. Producer: Perminder Khatkar .Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:31:00 +00001665http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150421-1631.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05r3w3scleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05r3w3sRachel Johnson author and journalist champions the life of Ottoline Morrell. The Bloomsbury hostess, a mistress, a dominant figure in the arts without being an artist herself was often mocked and ridiculed. Rachel tells Matthew Parris why her extraordinary life was a great life. They are also joined by author and one of Lady Ottoline's biographers Miranda Seymour. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Rachel Johnson, author and journalist, champions the life of Ottoline Morrell.Rachel Johnson author and journalist champions the life of Ottoline Morrell. The Bloomsbury hostess, a mistress, a dominant figure in the arts without being an artist herself was often mocked and ridiculed. Rachel tells Matthew Parris why her extraordinary life was a great life. They are also joined by author and one of Lady Ottoline's biographers Miranda Seymour. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:00:00 +00001665http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150414-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05qgch9cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05qgch9The veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses the life of Learie Constantine, the Trinidadian cricketer, politician and broadcaster who championed the rights of West Indians in Britain during the war years and afterwards. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses fellow Trinidadian Learie Constantine.The veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses the life of Learie Constantine, the Trinidadian cricketer, politician and broadcaster who championed the rights of West Indians in Britain during the war years and afterwards. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:00:00 +00001469http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150407-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05pn678cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05pn678Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England tells Matthew Parris why the life of the Prime Minister of Finland Risto Ryti was so remarkable. They are also joined by expert and biographer Martti Turtola. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Mervyn King champions the life of former prime minister of Finland Risto Ryti.Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England tells Matthew Parris why the life of the Prime Minister of Finland Risto Ryti was so remarkable. They are also joined by expert and biographer Martti Turtola. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:48:00 +00001684http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150127-1748.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05077kvcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b05077kvFormer newspaper editor and writer Eve Pollard tells Matthew Parris why Nora Ephron, the screenwriter of hit films such as 'When Harry Met Sally', 'Heartburn', and 'Sleepless in Seattle', is a Great Life. They are joined by Dr Jennifer Smyth, an historian whose teaching includes women in Hollywood at the University of Warwick. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Journalist Eve Pollard explores Hollywood screenwriter Nora Ephron with Matthew Parris.Former newspaper editor and writer Eve Pollard tells Matthew Parris why Nora Ephron, the screenwriter of hit films such as 'When Harry Met Sally', 'Heartburn', and 'Sleepless in Seattle', is a Great Life. They are joined by Dr Jennifer Smyth, an historian whose teaching includes women in Hollywood at the University of Warwick. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:26:00 +00001679http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150126-1226.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04yk47gcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04yk47gMichael Dobbs champions the life of Guy Burgess - journalist, diplomat and spy. Between 1935 and 1951, Guy Burgess worked for a Conservative MP, the BBC, MI6 and the Foreign Office. Brilliant, flamboyant and apparently shambolic, he also shot like an arrow to the heart of the Establishment and secretly and systematically betrayed its secrets to the KGB. Matthew Parris chairs as Michael explains why he believes that Guy Burgess was a Great Life. Burgess's biographer Stewart Purvis, who uncovered the only known audio recording of Guy Burgess, is the expert witness. Producer: Julia Johnson.Michael Dobbs looks back at the life of Cambridge spy Guy Burgess.Michael Dobbs champions the life of Guy Burgess - journalist, diplomat and spy. Between 1935 and 1951, Guy Burgess worked for a Conservative MP, the BBC, MI6 and the Foreign Office. Brilliant, flamboyant and apparently shambolic, he also shot like an arrow to the heart of the Establishment and secretly and systematically betrayed its secrets to the KGB. Matthew Parris chairs as Michael explains why he believes that Guy Burgess was a Great Life. Burgess's biographer Stewart Purvis, who uncovered the only known audio recording of Guy Burgess, is the expert witness. Producer: Julia Johnson.Tue, 13 Jan 2015 17:00:00 +00001662http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150113-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04xp4wqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04xp4wqWhen Philippa Langley and other members of the Richard III Society helped to discover the body of the king in a Leicester car park, Richard's life once again became a hotly contested debating point. Philippa joins Matthew Parris to defend Richard III as a Great Life, with expert witness and Richard biographer Annette Carson. Can the man who may have been responsible for the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower really be described as "great"? Or was he the victim of Tudor propaganda and Shakespearian slander? Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris talks to Philippa Langley about the life of Richard III.When Philippa Langley and other members of the Richard III Society helped to discover the body of the king in a Leicester car park, Richard's life once again became a hotly contested debating point. Philippa joins Matthew Parris to defend Richard III as a Great Life, with expert witness and Richard biographer Annette Carson. Can the man who may have been responsible for the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower really be described as "great"? Or was he the victim of Tudor propaganda and Shakespearian slander? Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 06 Jan 2015 17:00:00 +00001669http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20150106-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wv045cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04wv045Writer Roald Dahl is well known as the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and The BFG, but he was also fascinated by medical science. Professor Tom Solomon, who looked after him during his last illness, spent hours discussing medicine with Dahl. Tom talks to Matthew Parris about Dahl's life and work, through the prism of his forensic interest in the workings of the human body. With them is Donald Sturrock, Dahl's biographer. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris finds out about the life of writer Roald Dahl from one of his doctors.Writer Roald Dahl is well known as the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and The BFG, but he was also fascinated by medical science. Professor Tom Solomon, who looked after him during his last illness, spent hours discussing medicine with Dahl. Tom talks to Matthew Parris about Dahl's life and work, through the prism of his forensic interest in the workings of the human body. With them is Donald Sturrock, Dahl's biographer. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:00:00 +00001668http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20141230-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04vkl1vcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04vkl1vBrian Eno has worked with David Bowie, David Byrne and U2 but his choice of Great Life is not a rock star but the sociologist Lord Young of Dartington. Michael Young wrote the Labour party's 1945 election manifesto, researched slum clearance in the East End of London, set up the Consumers' Association, coined the word meritocracy, co-founded the Open University and planned the colonisation of Mars. With the help of Michael's son Toby, Brian considers the life and work of one of the architects of post-war Britain. Producer: Julia Johnson.Brian Eno champions the life and work of social reformer Michael Young.Brian Eno has worked with David Bowie, David Byrne and U2 but his choice of Great Life is not a rock star but the sociologist Lord Young of Dartington. Michael Young wrote the Labour party's 1945 election manifesto, researched slum clearance in the East End of London, set up the Consumers' Association, coined the word meritocracy, co-founded the Open University and planned the colonisation of Mars. With the help of Michael's son Toby, Brian considers the life and work of one of the architects of post-war Britain. Producer: Julia Johnson.Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:13:00 +00001466http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20141223-1713.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04vdzyhcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04vdzyhLaura Bates, journalist and curator of the Everyday Sexism Project, explains to Matthew Parris why the 19th century children's author Louisa M. Alcott has her vote for a Great Life. They are joined by Sarah Churchwell, Professor of American Literature at the University of East Anglia. Louisa May Alcott is best known as the writer of Little Women, the story of four sisters growing up during the Civil War in America. Generations of girls have read the book, which at first sight seems to be an improving tract on growing up and becoming good Christian wives. Both Laura and Sarah have a very different reading of the book and believe Louisa M. Alcott to have been a remarkable woman and a dedicated feminist. Producer Christine Hall.Journalist Laura Bates tells Matthew Parris why Louisa M Alcott is her Great Life.Laura Bates, journalist and curator of the Everyday Sexism Project, explains to Matthew Parris why the 19th century children's author Louisa M. Alcott has her vote for a Great Life. They are joined by Sarah Churchwell, Professor of American Literature at the University of East Anglia. Louisa May Alcott is best known as the writer of Little Women, the story of four sisters growing up during the Civil War in America. Generations of girls have read the book, which at first sight seems to be an improving tract on growing up and becoming good Christian wives. Both Laura and Sarah have a very different reading of the book and believe Louisa M. Alcott to have been a remarkable woman and a dedicated feminist. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 16 Dec 2014 17:00:00 +00001671http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20141216-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04v382pcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04v382pMatthew Parris - himself current holder of the House of Commons marathon record time - meets comedian Arthur Smith, who also turns out to have been a runner when he was younger, and whose choice for a Great Life is an athlete whom he has admired since his childhood. Emil Zátopek emerged onto the international stage in 1948 when he became a sensation at the Olympics in London, but it was his performance in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics which put him in the record books. Already an established distance runner, he bagged gold in the 5000 and 10000 metres and then, having previously given no hint that he would be a champion marathon runner, he also won that race. The expert witness is Pat Butcher, writer and ex-runner, who is working on a biography of Zátopek, and he argues that no-one is likely ever to equal Zátopek's achievement in winning gold in three different distance events. Zátopek retired from competitive running in 1957 and later fell heavily out of favour with the post- Dubcek regime in Czechoslovakia but was rehabilitated after 1989 and remains a much-cherished hero in Czech Republic and among the running community. Producer Christine Hall.Comedian Arthur Smith tells Matthew Parris about the life of Olympic runner Emil Zatopek.Matthew Parris - himself current holder of the House of Commons marathon record time - meets comedian Arthur Smith, who also turns out to have been a runner when he was younger, and whose choice for a Great Life is an athlete whom he has admired since his childhood. Emil Zátopek emerged onto the international stage in 1948 when he became a sensation at the Olympics in London, but it was his performance in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics which put him in the record books. Already an established distance runner, he bagged gold in the 5000 and 10000 metres and then, having previously given no hint that he would be a champion marathon runner, he also won that race. The expert witness is Pat Butcher, writer and ex-runner, who is working on a biography of Zátopek, and he argues that no-one is likely ever to equal Zátopek's achievement in winning gold in three different distance events. Zátopek retired from competitive running in 1957 and later fell heavily out of favour with the post- Dubcek regime in Czechoslovakia but was rehabilitated after 1989 and remains a much-cherished hero in Czech Republic and among the running community. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:43:00 +00001661http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20141209-1743.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04tjft0cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04tjft0Matthew Parris discovers that Edith Hall, Professor of Classics at King's College, London, has a surprising nomination for a Great Life - that of Lucille Ball, the vivacious redhead who in the 1950s and 1960s was one of the best-known and best-loved actresses on television, both in the United States and here. What makes a professor of Greek and Roman writing such a great fan of a zany American actress? What was Lucy like behind the television persona? Matthew finds out in the company of Carole Cook, Lucy's long-time friend and protégée. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris talks to Prof Edith Hall about the life and work of Lucille Ball.Matthew Parris discovers that Edith Hall, Professor of Classics at King's College, London, has a surprising nomination for a Great Life - that of Lucille Ball, the vivacious redhead who in the 1950s and 1960s was one of the best-known and best-loved actresses on television, both in the United States and here. What makes a professor of Greek and Roman writing such a great fan of a zany American actress? What was Lucy like behind the television persona? Matthew finds out in the company of Carole Cook, Lucy's long-time friend and protégée. Producer Christine Hall.Thu, 02 Oct 2014 10:36:00 +00001656http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20141002-1136.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04jk3qmcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04jk3qmMatthew Parris hears from Labour peer Lord Adonis why Joseph Bazalgette, the Victorian engineer, has his nomination as a Great Life. Bazalgette, the grandson of a French immigrant who made a fortune lending money to the Hanoverian royal family, is one of the most important of the great Victorian engineers. He not only built a sewage system for London which wiped out cholera in the city, he also built the famous Embankments, laid out several of the main thoroughfares and built or improved many of the city's landmark bridges. Yet he is far less well-known than his flamboyant contemporary Brunel and less celebrated than the creators of the railways. With the help of Joseph Bazalgette's great-great-grandson Sir Peter Bazalgette, the man responsible for Ready Steady Cook and Big Brother and now Chairman of the Arts Council, Matthew pieces together the story of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 'The Sewer King'. Producer Christine Hall.Matthew Parris talks to Lord Adonis about a great Victorian engineer.Matthew Parris hears from Labour peer Lord Adonis why Joseph Bazalgette, the Victorian engineer, has his nomination as a Great Life. Bazalgette, the grandson of a French immigrant who made a fortune lending money to the Hanoverian royal family, is one of the most important of the great Victorian engineers. He not only built a sewage system for London which wiped out cholera in the city, he also built the famous Embankments, laid out several of the main thoroughfares and built or improved many of the city's landmark bridges. Yet he is far less well-known than his flamboyant contemporary Brunel and less celebrated than the creators of the railways. With the help of Joseph Bazalgette's great-great-grandson Sir Peter Bazalgette, the man responsible for Ready Steady Cook and Big Brother and now Chairman of the Arts Council, Matthew pieces together the story of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 'The Sewer King'. Producer Christine Hall.Thu, 02 Oct 2014 10:17:00 +00001668http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20141002-1117.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04hvy0lcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04hvy0lDame Stella Rimington, former director of MI5 and a celebrated crime writer herself, nominates for a Great Life that of Dorothy L Sayers. Sayers' first Lord Peter Wimsey novel was published in the 1920s, the Golden Age of crime fiction, and he is still very much with us, appearing often on Radio 4 Extra. She went on to enjoy a huge popularity with her crime novels and then turned to writing Christian essays and plays, most notably the series for the BBC on the life of Christ - which stirred up a great controversy as no-one had before impersonated Jesus on the radio. Dame Stella tells Matthew Parris why the paradoxes and contradictions in Dorothy Sayers' life fascinate her, and explains how Sayers' writing influences her own. With Seona Ford, chairman of the Dorothy L Sayers Society.Dame Stella Rimington explains to Matthew Parris why Dorothy L Sayers fascinates her.Dame Stella Rimington, former director of MI5 and a celebrated crime writer herself, nominates for a Great Life that of Dorothy L Sayers. Sayers' first Lord Peter Wimsey novel was published in the 1920s, the Golden Age of crime fiction, and he is still very much with us, appearing often on Radio 4 Extra. She went on to enjoy a huge popularity with her crime novels and then turned to writing Christian essays and plays, most notably the series for the BBC on the life of Christ - which stirred up a great controversy as no-one had before impersonated Jesus on the radio. Dame Stella tells Matthew Parris why the paradoxes and contradictions in Dorothy Sayers' life fascinate her, and explains how Sayers' writing influences her own. With Seona Ford, chairman of the Dorothy L Sayers Society.Wed, 10 Sep 2014 08:15:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140910-0915.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04g8m0tcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04g8m0tMatthew Parris invites his guests to nominate the person who they feel is a great life. This week singer-songwriter Labi Siffre discusses the life and work of Arthur Ransome. Siffre says that the Swallows and Amazons books taught him responsibility for his own actions and also a morality that has influenced and shaped him throughout his life. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Matthew Parris invites singer-songwriter Labi Siffre to nominate his choice of life.Matthew Parris invites his guests to nominate the person who they feel is a great life. This week singer-songwriter Labi Siffre discusses the life and work of Arthur Ransome. Siffre says that the Swallows and Amazons books taught him responsibility for his own actions and also a morality that has influenced and shaped him throughout his life. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:06:00 +00001665http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140909-1706.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04g8jh3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04g8jh3Dr Tom Shakespeare, lecturer at the Medical School in the University of East Anglia and prominent campaigner for the rights of the disabled, explains to Matthew Parris why the life and work of the Italian left-wing revolutionary Antonio Gramsci means a great deal to him personally. They are joined in the studio by Professor Anne Sassoon. Producer Christine Hall.Dr Tom Shakespeare tells Matthew Parris why Antonio Gramsci is his Great Life.Dr Tom Shakespeare, lecturer at the Medical School in the University of East Anglia and prominent campaigner for the rights of the disabled, explains to Matthew Parris why the life and work of the Italian left-wing revolutionary Antonio Gramsci means a great deal to him personally. They are joined in the studio by Professor Anne Sassoon. Producer Christine Hall.Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:30:00 +00001680http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140902-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04fz6kycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04fz6kyThe life of Erwin Rommel, for a time Hitler's favourite general is nominated by Ray Mears. Matthew Parris hears why this German soldier was a "great life". They are also joined by Dr Niall Barr, Reader in Military History, Defence Studies Department at Kings College, London. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Ray Mears champions the life of German field marshal Erwin Rommel.The life of Erwin Rommel, for a time Hitler's favourite general is nominated by Ray Mears. Matthew Parris hears why this German soldier was a "great life". They are also joined by Dr Niall Barr, Reader in Military History, Defence Studies Department at Kings College, London. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:00:00 +00001655http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140826-1600.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04f9r9mcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04f9r9mMatthew Parris leads a discussion on Ida B. Wells the African American civil rights and women's rights activist who was a political trailblazer. Throughout her life, Wells was militant in her demands for equality and justice for black Americans and she encouraged the African American community to fight for positive change through their own efforts. She was an investigative journalist who highlighted the practice of lynching in the United States, showing how it was used as a way to control or punish blacks , often under the guise of trumped up rape charges. Ida was also active in women's rights and the women's suffrage movement, establishing several notable women's organizations. She was a skilled and inspiring rhetorician, and travelled internationally on lecture tours. She is the great life chosen this week by Baroness Oona King.Ida B Wells, the African-American civil rights activist, is chosen by Baroness Oona King.Matthew Parris leads a discussion on Ida B. Wells the African American civil rights and women's rights activist who was a political trailblazer. Throughout her life, Wells was militant in her demands for equality and justice for black Americans and she encouraged the African American community to fight for positive change through their own efforts. She was an investigative journalist who highlighted the practice of lynching in the United States, showing how it was used as a way to control or punish blacks , often under the guise of trumped up rape charges. Ida was also active in women's rights and the women's suffrage movement, establishing several notable women's organizations. She was a skilled and inspiring rhetorician, and travelled internationally on lecture tours. She is the great life chosen this week by Baroness Oona King.Tue, 19 Aug 2014 15:30:00 +00001675http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140819-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04dm9d2cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04dm9d2Matthew Parris invites his guests to nominate the person whom they feel is a great life. In this programme, music entrepreneur and DJ Jazzie B of Soul II Soul chooses American singer and musician, James Brown, 'the Godfather of Funk'. Jazzie B, who was awarded a CBE for services to black British music, spent time with James Brown towards the end of his life and says he became 'like a big brother' to him. Here, together with music journalist Charles Shaar Murray, they talk to Matthew about why they believe 'Mr Brown' is a Great Life. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Soul II Soul frontman and DJ Jazzie B chooses the life of musician and singer James Brown.Matthew Parris invites his guests to nominate the person whom they feel is a great life. In this programme, music entrepreneur and DJ Jazzie B of Soul II Soul chooses American singer and musician, James Brown, 'the Godfather of Funk'. Jazzie B, who was awarded a CBE for services to black British music, spent time with James Brown towards the end of his life and says he became 'like a big brother' to him. Here, together with music journalist Charles Shaar Murray, they talk to Matthew about why they believe 'Mr Brown' is a Great Life. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 12 Aug 2014 15:30:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140812-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04d4n8bcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04d4n8bWriter Jonathan Meades nominates the English artist Edward Burra, who died in 1976, for "great life" status, arguing that he deserves to be better known. Burra painted sailors, drinkers and prostitutes in Toulon; jazz musicians in Harlem; surreal wartime pictures of soldiers in terrifying bird masks; and, in his later years, landscapes in which anthropomorphic and malevolent machines bite chunks out of the countryside. Disabled with rheumatoid arthritis from an early age, Burra barely went to school and so escaped the Edwardian upper class upbringing that would otherwise have been his destiny. At once camp yet apparently celibate, Burra was intensely private and disliked talking about either himself or art - or, as he called it, "fart". Matthew Parris chairs the discussion, and is joined by Burra's biographer Jane Stevenson. Producer: Jolyon Jenkins.Writer Jonathan Meades nominates the English artist Edward Burra. Matthew Parris chairs.Writer Jonathan Meades nominates the English artist Edward Burra, who died in 1976, for "great life" status, arguing that he deserves to be better known. Burra painted sailors, drinkers and prostitutes in Toulon; jazz musicians in Harlem; surreal wartime pictures of soldiers in terrifying bird masks; and, in his later years, landscapes in which anthropomorphic and malevolent machines bite chunks out of the countryside. Disabled with rheumatoid arthritis from an early age, Burra barely went to school and so escaped the Edwardian upper class upbringing that would otherwise have been his destiny. At once camp yet apparently celibate, Burra was intensely private and disliked talking about either himself or art - or, as he called it, "fart". Matthew Parris chairs the discussion, and is joined by Burra's biographer Jane Stevenson. Producer: Jolyon Jenkins.Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:00:00 +00001675http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140805-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04cc7crcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b04cc7crMichael Palin first came across his Great Life when he was studying for school exams, and his love of Ernest Hemingway has never gone away. He, along with expert Naomi Wood, tells Matthew Parris why this twentieth century legend is a Great Life. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Monty Python's Michael Palin chooses the American writer, Ernest Hemingway.Michael Palin first came across his Great Life when he was studying for school exams, and his love of Ernest Hemingway has never gone away. He, along with expert Naomi Wood, tells Matthew Parris why this twentieth century legend is a Great Life. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 27 May 2014 15:00:00 +00001662http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140527-1600.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b044h6nqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b044h6nqCountryfile presenter John Craven proposes Victorian Engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, as a great life. He's joined by engineering historian Julia Elton and presenter Matthew Parris And where better to discuss Brunel's achievements than by the harbour in Bristol in the shadow of his magnificent steam ship the SS Great Britain. But should his creator of great machines himself be considered a great man or is finest achievement the engineering of his own reputation? Recorded at the Food Connections Festival in Bristol.John Craven proposes Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel as a great life.Countryfile presenter John Craven proposes Victorian Engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, as a great life. He's joined by engineering historian Julia Elton and presenter Matthew Parris And where better to discuss Brunel's achievements than by the harbour in Bristol in the shadow of his magnificent steam ship the SS Great Britain. But should his creator of great machines himself be considered a great man or is finest achievement the engineering of his own reputation? Recorded at the Food Connections Festival in Bristol.Tue, 13 May 2014 15:30:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140513-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b042ztr7cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b042ztr7Jake Thackray hated being known as the north country Noel Coward, but at the height of his fame the description stuck. His songs are very British, but his influences were European - Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel. Nominating Jake Thackray is Isy Suttie, Dobby from Peep Show and star of the A-Z of Mrs P. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer Miles Warde.Isy Suttie chooses Yorkshire-born singer songwriter Jake Thackray.Jake Thackray hated being known as the north country Noel Coward, but at the height of his fame the description stuck. His songs are very British, but his influences were European - Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel. Nominating Jake Thackray is Isy Suttie, Dobby from Peep Show and star of the A-Z of Mrs P. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer Miles Warde.Tue, 06 May 2014 15:59:00 +00001677http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140506-1659.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b042jhlmcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b042jhlmSoprano Emma Kirkby discusses the life of English composer Henry Purcell with Matthew Parris. Despite dying at the age of 36, Purcell was arguably the first composer to become a national figure, as shown by his funeral at Westminster Abbey. Living through turbulent times, and through the reign of three monarchs, Purcell had to cope with shifting Catholic and Protestant regimes while producing a steady output of religious music. But he also did some of his most memorable and enduring work for the commercial theatre. Few composers have set the English language to music so felicitously. After his death, Britain produced few world class composers for 200 years. To discuss his legacy, Emma and Matthew are joined by Purcell scholar Michael Burden Producer: Jolyon Jenkins.Soprano Emma Kirkby discusses the life of composer Henry Purcell with Matthew Parris.Soprano Emma Kirkby discusses the life of English composer Henry Purcell with Matthew Parris. Despite dying at the age of 36, Purcell was arguably the first composer to become a national figure, as shown by his funeral at Westminster Abbey. Living through turbulent times, and through the reign of three monarchs, Purcell had to cope with shifting Catholic and Protestant regimes while producing a steady output of religious music. But he also did some of his most memorable and enduring work for the commercial theatre. Few composers have set the English language to music so felicitously. After his death, Britain produced few world class composers for 200 years. To discuss his legacy, Emma and Matthew are joined by Purcell scholar Michael Burden Producer: Jolyon Jenkins.Tue, 06 May 2014 12:43:00 +00001466http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140506-1343.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b043x48vcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b043x48vWriter Deborah Moggach nominates the author Arnold Bennett whose work she thinks has been wrongly overlooked. Deborah thinks that the work of the Staffordshire writer Arnold Bennett has been forgotten, largely due to snobbery on the part of the Bloomsbury Set who dismissed it as being too popular. Moggach believes that because he was a working writer who earned his living writing both serious and light fiction, he was not taken seriously after his death in 1931 despite his books being hugely popular during his lifetime. Bennett wrote many novels from Anna of the Five Towns set in his native Potteries district of Staffordshire to The Old Wives Tale and The Grand Babylon Hotel. As a journalist, he also wrote self help and lifestyle articles for magazines from How to Bathe a Baby Part One to Do Rich Women Quarrel More Frequently Than poor? Gyles Brandreth has been a lifelong fan of the works of Arnold Bennett and believes he is one of the greatest writers of the 20th century who deserves to be rediscovered. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Author Deborah Moggach talks about the life of Potteries writer Arnold Bennett.Writer Deborah Moggach nominates the author Arnold Bennett whose work she thinks has been wrongly overlooked. Deborah thinks that the work of the Staffordshire writer Arnold Bennett has been forgotten, largely due to snobbery on the part of the Bloomsbury Set who dismissed it as being too popular. Moggach believes that because he was a working writer who earned his living writing both serious and light fiction, he was not taken seriously after his death in 1931 despite his books being hugely popular during his lifetime. Bennett wrote many novels from Anna of the Five Towns set in his native Potteries district of Staffordshire to The Old Wives Tale and The Grand Babylon Hotel. As a journalist, he also wrote self help and lifestyle articles for magazines from How to Bathe a Baby Part One to Do Rich Women Quarrel More Frequently Than poor? Gyles Brandreth has been a lifelong fan of the works of Arnold Bennett and believes he is one of the greatest writers of the 20th century who deserves to be rediscovered. Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:30:00 +00001676http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140429-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b041xdgmcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b041xdgmMathematician Marcus du Sautoy chooses the blind Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges for Great Lives. He is fascinated by the connection between the creator of 'The Library of Babel' and science - did Borges really understand notions of infinity and space ? Biographer Jason Wilson adds colourful detail to the life of a great writer whom he insists was just being impish when it came to the weighty matters that have excited more than one mathematician over the years. The programme includes beautiful recordings of Borges in conversation in 1971. Marcus du Sautoy is the Charles Simonyi Professor for the Understanding of Science. The presenter is Matthew Parris, and the producer is Miles Warde.Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy chooses the blind Argentinian writer Borges.Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy chooses the blind Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges for Great Lives. He is fascinated by the connection between the creator of 'The Library of Babel' and science - did Borges really understand notions of infinity and space ? Biographer Jason Wilson adds colourful detail to the life of a great writer whom he insists was just being impish when it came to the weighty matters that have excited more than one mathematician over the years. The programme includes beautiful recordings of Borges in conversation in 1971. Marcus du Sautoy is the Charles Simonyi Professor for the Understanding of Science. The presenter is Matthew Parris, and the producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:00:00 +00001683http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140422-1600.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0418kg8cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0418kg8Sir Mark Walport, the government's Chief Scientific Advisor champions the life of Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum. Along with expert Marjorie Caygill they tell Matthew Parris why they think Sloane is the mother and father of all collectors. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum, is championed by Sir Mark Walport.Sir Mark Walport, the government's Chief Scientific Advisor champions the life of Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum. Along with expert Marjorie Caygill they tell Matthew Parris why they think Sloane is the mother and father of all collectors. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:30:00 +00001662http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140415-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b040hy59cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b040hy59Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris. Poet Simon Armitage nominates Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, who took his own life in 1980 at the age of 23. Curtis's fellow band member Peter Hook remembers his friend.Poet Simon Armitage nominates Joy Division singer Ian Curtis.Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris. Poet Simon Armitage nominates Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, who took his own life in 1980 at the age of 23. Curtis's fellow band member Peter Hook remembers his friend.Wed, 09 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +00001689urn:bbc:podcast:b00b4wtyhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00b4wtycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00b4wty"Whenever I have too much to drink, I bang on about Dante ...." Sarah Vine makes a choice from the heart - the great Italian writer Dante Alighieri, father of the Italian language and author of the Divine Comedy. "I'm not an expert," she says, "mine is more of a romantic infatuation." Joining the outspoken Daily Mail columnist - listed recently with her husband, Michael Gove, on a 'most wanted' dinner party guest list - is Claire Honess, professor of Italian studies at Leeds University. Together they piece together an extraordinary life. Includes extracts from Radio 4's current production of the Divine Comedy starring John Hurt. Matthew Parris presents, the producer is Miles Warde.Sarah Vine chooses Dante, author of the Italian literary masterpiece The Divine Comedy."Whenever I have too much to drink, I bang on about Dante ...." Sarah Vine makes a choice from the heart - the great Italian writer Dante Alighieri, father of the Italian language and author of the Divine Comedy. "I'm not an expert," she says, "mine is more of a romantic infatuation." Joining the outspoken Daily Mail columnist - listed recently with her husband, Michael Gove, on a 'most wanted' dinner party guest list - is Claire Honess, professor of Italian studies at Leeds University. Together they piece together an extraordinary life. Includes extracts from Radio 4's current production of the Divine Comedy starring John Hurt. Matthew Parris presents, the producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 08 Apr 2014 09:30:00 +00001652http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140408-1030.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03zy2kdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03zy2kdEvelyn Glennie, solo percussionist talks about her admiration for the cellist Jacqueline Du Pre with presenter Matthew Parris. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.The English cellist Jacqueline Du Pre is championed by solo percussionist Evelyn Glennie.Evelyn Glennie, solo percussionist talks about her admiration for the cellist Jacqueline Du Pre with presenter Matthew Parris. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 01 Apr 2014 15:30:00 +00001672http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140401-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03zb4bdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03zb4bdSara Cox nominates Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, a hip hop artist and rapper, the first on Great Lives. The presenter is Matthew Parris. Producer: Perminder Khatkar. Assistant Producer: Milly Chowles.Sara Cox nominates hip hop artist and rapper Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes.Sara Cox nominates Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, a hip hop artist and rapper, the first on Great Lives. The presenter is Matthew Parris. Producer: Perminder Khatkar. Assistant Producer: Milly Chowles.Tue, 28 Jan 2014 16:30:00 +00001668http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140128-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03s718gcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03s718gSnubbed and practically ignored by the literary establishment in the West, this week's Great Live is Kahlil Gibran author of 'The Prophet'. Regarded by millions as a world class poet his work, published in 1923, has never been out of print and next to the bible is the biggest selling book in America. Businessman Mark Constantine champions the poet and together with the actor Nadim Sawalha. Matthew Parris is the presenter. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Businessman Mark Constantine champions the life of poet Kahlil Gibran with Matthew Parris.Snubbed and practically ignored by the literary establishment in the West, this week's Great Live is Kahlil Gibran author of 'The Prophet'. Regarded by millions as a world class poet his work, published in 1923, has never been out of print and next to the bible is the biggest selling book in America. Businessman Mark Constantine champions the poet and together with the actor Nadim Sawalha. Matthew Parris is the presenter. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:05:00 +00001672http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140123-1005.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03q8z43cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03q8z43At home in Edinburgh Isabella Bird was the very picture of the ailing Victorian spinster but the moment her tiny feet hit the gangway of a steamer or squeezed into the stirrups of a horse she was transformed. Taking a doctor's advice to travel for the sake of her health Isabella headed for Australia, Japan, Korea and Hawaii before finding her spiritual home amongst the most rotten scoundrels of America's West. In 'Great Lives' the award-winning author of novels including 'How I Live Now' and 'The Bride's Farewell', Meg Rosoff explains why Isabella's transformation has inspired her books and her love of horses. She's joined by David McClay from the National Library of Scotland who maintains an archive of Isabella's colourful correspondence from the farthest flung corners of the Earth.Novelist Meg Rosoff explores the life of the Victorian travel writer Isabella Bird.At home in Edinburgh Isabella Bird was the very picture of the ailing Victorian spinster but the moment her tiny feet hit the gangway of a steamer or squeezed into the stirrups of a horse she was transformed. Taking a doctor's advice to travel for the sake of her health Isabella headed for Australia, Japan, Korea and Hawaii before finding her spiritual home amongst the most rotten scoundrels of America's West. In 'Great Lives' the award-winning author of novels including 'How I Live Now' and 'The Bride's Farewell', Meg Rosoff explains why Isabella's transformation has inspired her books and her love of horses. She's joined by David McClay from the National Library of Scotland who maintains an archive of Isabella's colourful correspondence from the farthest flung corners of the Earth.Thu, 23 Jan 2014 09:52:00 +00001658http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140123-0952.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03m79cxcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03m79cxComedian Dave Allen is chosen by Adil Ray, creator and star of Citizen Khan. He explains to Matthew Parris how the legendary Irish comic helped shape his own career. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Irish comic Dave Allen is chosen by actor and comedian Adil Ray. Matthew Parris presents.Comedian Dave Allen is chosen by Adil Ray, creator and star of Citizen Khan. He explains to Matthew Parris how the legendary Irish comic helped shape his own career. Producer: Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 14 Jan 2014 16:30:00 +00001666http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140114-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03phrwncleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03phrwnHis novels perfectly captured the shifting moral codes of middle America in the 1970s and 80s but do John Updike's novels still have something important to tell us today? The writer and comedian David Baddiel makes the case for Updike in conversation with Matthew Parris and the novelist and Updike expert, Justin Cartwright.Writer and comedian David Baddiel explores the life of novelist John Updike.His novels perfectly captured the shifting moral codes of middle America in the 1970s and 80s but do John Updike's novels still have something important to tell us today? The writer and comedian David Baddiel makes the case for Updike in conversation with Matthew Parris and the novelist and Updike expert, Justin Cartwright.Wed, 08 Jan 2014 10:12:00 +00001660http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20140108-1012.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03nt8bwcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03nt8bwPioneer of Modern architecture, Le Corbusier, chosen by award winning architect Sir David Chipperfield. Le Corbusier aimed to build a better world through radical buildings and the controversial reshaping of whole cities. Flora Samuel, Professor of Architecture at the University of Sheffield, joins Matthew Parris to unpick the life of a man who considered himself a herioc figure, fighting battles to improve the world. Presenter: Matthew Parris. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Pioneer of modern architecture Le Corbusier is chosen by architect Sir David Chipperfield.Pioneer of Modern architecture, Le Corbusier, chosen by award winning architect Sir David Chipperfield. Le Corbusier aimed to build a better world through radical buildings and the controversial reshaping of whole cities. Flora Samuel, Professor of Architecture at the University of Sheffield, joins Matthew Parris to unpick the life of a man who considered himself a herioc figure, fighting battles to improve the world. Presenter: Matthew Parris. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:31:00 +00001683http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20131231-1631.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03mfwk1cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03mfwk1Matthew Parris is joined by Michael Horovitz who nominates fellow poet and founder of the Beat generation Allen Ginsberg as his Great Life. Ginsberg's friend and biographer Barry Miles provides biographical detail of this colourful and controversial writer, who through his battle for free expression inspired American counter culture. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Michael Horovitz nominates fellow poet and founder of the Beat generation Allen Ginsberg.Matthew Parris is joined by Michael Horovitz who nominates fellow poet and founder of the Beat generation Allen Ginsberg as his Great Life. Ginsberg's friend and biographer Barry Miles provides biographical detail of this colourful and controversial writer, who through his battle for free expression inspired American counter culture. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:30:00 +00001680http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20131217-1630.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03lph8mcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03lph8mA new series of Great Lives with Matthew Parris begins with the life of the 'Hillbilly Shakespeare' Hank Williams as chosen by Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross. Williams is regarded as being the prototype rock star and continues to be hugely influential on musicians today despite a short recording career of just six years before he died at the age of 29 Producer: Maggie Ayre.Ricky Ross from Deacon Blue champions songwriter Hank Williams. Matthew Parris presents.A new series of Great Lives with Matthew Parris begins with the life of the 'Hillbilly Shakespeare' Hank Williams as chosen by Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross. Williams is regarded as being the prototype rock star and continues to be hugely influential on musicians today despite a short recording career of just six years before he died at the age of 29 Producer: Maggie Ayre.Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:00:00 +00001667http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20131210-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03kqfzzcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03kqfzzThe chanteuse, pianist, composer and civil rights activist Nina Simone is the choice of another female musician who has made a career of defying convention; Joanna Macgregor. Presented by Matthew Parris.Joanna Macgregor nominates the chanteuse and civil rights activist Nina Simone.The chanteuse, pianist, composer and civil rights activist Nina Simone is the choice of another female musician who has made a career of defying convention; Joanna Macgregor. Presented by Matthew Parris.Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +00001710urn:bbc:podcast:p00gj86hhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00gj86hcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/p00gj86hGrace Dent loves Nancy Mitford for her wit, and for the way in which she showed women that it was possible to live your life fully and unconventionally. Matthew Parris asks why, with the aid of biographer Lisa Hilton. Nancy Mitford's greatest success came with the novels The Pursuit of Love (1945) and Love in a Cold Climate (1949). Matthew Parris asks what it is about Nancy that so inspires Grace, with the aid of Mitford biographer Lisa Hilton. Grace Dent is a TV critic, newspaper columnist, author, and broadcaster. Producer Beth O'Dea First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.Grace Dent loves Nancy Mitford, author of Love in a Cold Climate. From 2013.Grace Dent loves Nancy Mitford for her wit, and for the way in which she showed women that it was possible to live your life fully and unconventionally. Matthew Parris asks why, with the aid of biographer Lisa Hilton. Nancy Mitford's greatest success came with the novels The Pursuit of Love (1945) and Love in a Cold Climate (1949). Matthew Parris asks what it is about Nancy that so inspires Grace, with the aid of Mitford biographer Lisa Hilton. Grace Dent is a TV critic, newspaper columnist, author, and broadcaster. Producer Beth O'Dea First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.Wed, 02 Oct 2013 11:28:00 +00001687http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20131002-1228.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pzs74cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01pzs74"In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable" - so said Winston Churchill on this week's Great Life, Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery. Many would argue that he was Britain's greatest field commander since Wellington - arrogant, hard to like but undeniably successful - one of the most, perhaps the most, conspicuously successful British commander of the Second World War. He was a national celebrity. In this edition of Great Lives - Al Murray - comedian and TV personality best known for his character of 'The Pub Landlord' champions Monty - and Al starts off by showing presenter Matthew Parris his action figure doll of the man. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Comedian Al Murray champions the life of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery."In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable" - so said Winston Churchill on this week's Great Life, Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery. Many would argue that he was Britain's greatest field commander since Wellington - arrogant, hard to like but undeniably successful - one of the most, perhaps the most, conspicuously successful British commander of the Second World War. He was a national celebrity. In this edition of Great Lives - Al Murray - comedian and TV personality best known for his character of 'The Pub Landlord' champions Monty - and Al starts off by showing presenter Matthew Parris his action figure doll of the man. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 01 Oct 2013 16:00:00 +00001657http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20131001-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03brkdxcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03brkdxMatthew Parris is joined by trade unionist Sir Brendan Barber who nominates American author John Steinbeck as his Great Life. The author of The Grapes of Wrath aimed to fight the cause of the common man, was derided by the right as a Communist and by the left as a sell-out for supporting the Vietnam war. Brendan Barber picks through the politics and explains how Steinbeck influenced him as a teenager to look towards joining the trade union movement. After early success, describing the catastrophic effects of the Great Depression and the Dustbowl in Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck became war correspondent, nobel laureate, presidential speechwriter, Hollywood scriptwriter, and environmentalist. Professor Christopher Bigsby from the University of East Anglia helps guide us through the life of a man described as 'America's Charles Dickens'. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Matthew Parris is joined by Brendan Barber, who nominates John Steinbeck as his Great LifeMatthew Parris is joined by trade unionist Sir Brendan Barber who nominates American author John Steinbeck as his Great Life. The author of The Grapes of Wrath aimed to fight the cause of the common man, was derided by the right as a Communist and by the left as a sell-out for supporting the Vietnam war. Brendan Barber picks through the politics and explains how Steinbeck influenced him as a teenager to look towards joining the trade union movement. After early success, describing the catastrophic effects of the Great Depression and the Dustbowl in Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck became war correspondent, nobel laureate, presidential speechwriter, Hollywood scriptwriter, and environmentalist. Professor Christopher Bigsby from the University of East Anglia helps guide us through the life of a man described as 'America's Charles Dickens'. Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Tue, 24 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +00001683http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130924-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03bdsntcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03bdsntFrom Banking, to air traffic control systems and to controlling the United States defence department there's a computer language called 'Ada' - it's named after Ada Lovelace - a 19th century mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron. Ada Lovelace is this week's Great Life. She's been called many things - but perhaps most poetically by Charles Babbage whom she worked with on a steam-driven calculating machine called the Difference Engine an 'enchantress of numbers', as her similarly mathematical mother had been called by Lord Byron a "princess of parallelograms". Augusta 'Ada' Byron was born in 1815 but her parents marriage was short and unhappy; they separated when Ada was one month old and she never saw her father , he died when was eight years old. Her mother, Annabella concerned Ada might inherit Byron's "poetic tendencies" had her schooled her in maths and science to try to combat any madness inherited from her father. She's championed by TV presenter and writer -Konnie Huq, most well known for presenting the BBC's children's programme - 'Blue Peter' and together with expert- Suw Charman- Anderson, a Social technologist, they lift the lid on the life of this mathematician, now regarded as the first computer programmer with presenter Matthew Parris. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Lord Byron's only legitimate child is championed by Konnie Huq.From Banking, to air traffic control systems and to controlling the United States defence department there's a computer language called 'Ada' - it's named after Ada Lovelace - a 19th century mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron. Ada Lovelace is this week's Great Life. She's been called many things - but perhaps most poetically by Charles Babbage whom she worked with on a steam-driven calculating machine called the Difference Engine an 'enchantress of numbers', as her similarly mathematical mother had been called by Lord Byron a "princess of parallelograms". Augusta 'Ada' Byron was born in 1815 but her parents marriage was short and unhappy; they separated when Ada was one month old and she never saw her father , he died when was eight years old. Her mother, Annabella concerned Ada might inherit Byron's "poetic tendencies" had her schooled her in maths and science to try to combat any madness inherited from her father. She's championed by TV presenter and writer -Konnie Huq, most well known for presenting the BBC's children's programme - 'Blue Peter' and together with expert- Suw Charman- Anderson, a Social technologist, they lift the lid on the life of this mathematician, now regarded as the first computer programmer with presenter Matthew Parris. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 17 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +00001652http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130917-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03b0ydycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b03b0ydyMatthew Parris is joined by actor Peter Bowles who nominates George Devine, groundbreaking artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre. Devine battled against repressive censorship, enhanced the careers of actors like Lawrence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft, and by discovering writers like John Osborne and other Angry Young Men changed British theatre forever. Helping guide us through the landscape of Devine's life is Philip Roberts, Emeritus Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds. Produced in Bristol by Melvin Rickarby.Matthew Parris is joined by Peter Bowles to discuss the life of director George Devine.Matthew Parris is joined by actor Peter Bowles who nominates George Devine, groundbreaking artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre. Devine battled against repressive censorship, enhanced the careers of actors like Lawrence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft, and by discovering writers like John Osborne and other Angry Young Men changed British theatre forever. Helping guide us through the landscape of Devine's life is Philip Roberts, Emeritus Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds. Produced in Bristol by Melvin Rickarby.Tue, 10 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +00001664http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130910-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b039q24ycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b039q24yTV journalist and writer Paul Mason talks to Matthew Parris about the 19th Century French anarchist, Louise Michel, heroine of the Paris Commune. They're joined by historian Carolyn Eichner who says that Michel "expounded action and aggression with a theatrical, infectious elegance." Known as 'the Red Virgin of Montmartre', Michel fought on the barricades in the short-lived revolution of 1871. Captured and tried by the French government, she told her accusers: "Since it seems that every heart that beats for freedom has no right to anything but a little lump of lead, I demand my share. If you let me live, I shall never cease to cry for vengeance and l shall avenge my brothers. If you are not cowards, kill me!" She served seven years in a penal colony in the South Pacific and seven thousand Parisians turned out to welcome her home. She was a school teacher, writer, orator, anthropologist, feminist and cat-lover. She wrote some moving poems - and an opera about the destruction of the world. Producer: Peter Everett.Paul Mason talks to Matthew Parris about 19th-century French anarchist Louise Michel.TV journalist and writer Paul Mason talks to Matthew Parris about the 19th Century French anarchist, Louise Michel, heroine of the Paris Commune. They're joined by historian Carolyn Eichner who says that Michel "expounded action and aggression with a theatrical, infectious elegance." Known as 'the Red Virgin of Montmartre', Michel fought on the barricades in the short-lived revolution of 1871. Captured and tried by the French government, she told her accusers: "Since it seems that every heart that beats for freedom has no right to anything but a little lump of lead, I demand my share. If you let me live, I shall never cease to cry for vengeance and l shall avenge my brothers. If you are not cowards, kill me!" She served seven years in a penal colony in the South Pacific and seven thousand Parisians turned out to welcome her home. She was a school teacher, writer, orator, anthropologist, feminist and cat-lover. She wrote some moving poems - and an opera about the destruction of the world. Producer: Peter Everett.Tue, 03 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +00001671http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130903-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b039ctghcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b039ctghThe writer Julie Burchill talks to Matthew Parris about the Hollywood star Ava Gardner. They're joined by Ava's biographer Lee Server. Often described as "the most beautiful woman in the world", Ava Gardner made 65 movies, ranging from 'Mogambo' (for which she won an Oscar nomination) to 'Maisie Goes To Reno' (for which she didn't). She had three husbands (Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra) and hundreds of lovers including Howard Hughes, David Niven, Robert Mitchum, John F.Kennedy and various playboys, beach-boys and bullfighters. She was, says Matthew Parris, a "hard-drinking, wisecracking, libidinous vamp - a liberated woman before the phrase was invented.Writer Julie Burchill talks to Matthew Parris about Hollywood star Ava Gardner.The writer Julie Burchill talks to Matthew Parris about the Hollywood star Ava Gardner. They're joined by Ava's biographer Lee Server. Often described as "the most beautiful woman in the world", Ava Gardner made 65 movies, ranging from 'Mogambo' (for which she won an Oscar nomination) to 'Maisie Goes To Reno' (for which she didn't). She had three husbands (Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra) and hundreds of lovers including Howard Hughes, David Niven, Robert Mitchum, John F.Kennedy and various playboys, beach-boys and bullfighters. She was, says Matthew Parris, a "hard-drinking, wisecracking, libidinous vamp - a liberated woman before the phrase was invented.Tue, 27 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +00001663http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130827-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b038xtd8cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b038xtd8Playwright Tanika Gupta chooses as her Great Life, a man who is a hero to Bengali speakers across the World, Rabindranath Tagore. Born in 1861, to a wealthy family in Calcutta, Tagore would be the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, his work spanning every genre. He was also a humanist, philanthropist, and thinker, whose friends included Yeats and Gandhi. Tagore began writing in his boyhood, and his work reflects a deep feeling for the landscape of Bengal. His plays, essays, stories and poetry quickly found a ready audience in Bengali speakers. And in 1913, when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his poetry collection 'Gitanjali', or 'Song Offerings', his reputation was established world-wide. Tagore's brand of humanism, his anti-imperial politics, and his literature, took him around the World. It also convinced him of the dangers of European aggression and the need for Indian Independence. He died just six years before it was achieved. Playwright Tanika Gupta joins Matthew Parris to share her deep love of Tagore's work and her early experiences of performing it. She is joined by Tagore's translator, Ketaki Kushari Dyson, to discuss Tagore's vast legacy to Bengali speakers and beyond. The producer is Lizz Pearson.Playwright Tanika Gupta chooses Rabindranath Tagore as her Great Life.Playwright Tanika Gupta chooses as her Great Life, a man who is a hero to Bengali speakers across the World, Rabindranath Tagore. Born in 1861, to a wealthy family in Calcutta, Tagore would be the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, his work spanning every genre. He was also a humanist, philanthropist, and thinker, whose friends included Yeats and Gandhi. Tagore began writing in his boyhood, and his work reflects a deep feeling for the landscape of Bengal. His plays, essays, stories and poetry quickly found a ready audience in Bengali speakers. And in 1913, when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his poetry collection 'Gitanjali', or 'Song Offerings', his reputation was established world-wide. Tagore's brand of humanism, his anti-imperial politics, and his literature, took him around the World. It also convinced him of the dangers of European aggression and the need for Indian Independence. He died just six years before it was achieved. Playwright Tanika Gupta joins Matthew Parris to share her deep love of Tagore's work and her early experiences of performing it. She is joined by Tagore's translator, Ketaki Kushari Dyson, to discuss Tagore's vast legacy to Bengali speakers and beyond. The producer is Lizz Pearson.Tue, 20 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +00001678http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130820-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b038c7bvcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b038c7bvPoet, playwright, and critic Gabriel Gbadamosi chooses as his Great Life the political maverick and inventor of Afrobeat, musician Fela Kuti, and tells Matthew Parris why his work deserves to be better known. Whether withstanding ferocious beatings from the Nigerian police, insulting his audiences, or demanding a million pounds in cash upfront from Motown records, his strength and stubbornness were legendary, and his gift for controversy unmatched. Fela had more than 25 wives, some of whom he beat, and was President of his own self proclaimed Republic. He smoked dope and was the scourge of the rulers of a corrupt Nigerian state and was acclaimed as having the best live band on earth. Gabriel Gbadamosi is joined by Stephen Chan, professor of International Relations at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, to discuss the musical and political life of this outspoken force of nature. Presenter: Matthew Parris Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Gabriel Gbadamosi chooses the political maverick and Afrobeat inventor Fela Kuti.Poet, playwright, and critic Gabriel Gbadamosi chooses as his Great Life the political maverick and inventor of Afrobeat, musician Fela Kuti, and tells Matthew Parris why his work deserves to be better known. Whether withstanding ferocious beatings from the Nigerian police, insulting his audiences, or demanding a million pounds in cash upfront from Motown records, his strength and stubbornness were legendary, and his gift for controversy unmatched. Fela had more than 25 wives, some of whom he beat, and was President of his own self proclaimed Republic. He smoked dope and was the scourge of the rulers of a corrupt Nigerian state and was acclaimed as having the best live band on earth. Gabriel Gbadamosi is joined by Stephen Chan, professor of International Relations at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, to discuss the musical and political life of this outspoken force of nature. Presenter: Matthew Parris Producer: Melvin Rickarby.Tue, 13 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +00001668http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130813-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0383yt5cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0383yt5Astrologer and performer Russell Grant chooses one of the greatest screen legends of cinema's early years - Ivor Novello. Born in 1893 in Cardiff, he was also a talented writer and composer, and would dominate both screen and stage with his epic romantic fantasies, until his death in 1951. The son of a Cardiff rent collector and an internationally renowned singing tutor, Novello, born David Ivor Davies, had a musical childhood. He was a gifted choirboy, and composer, but when his voice broke, he did not sing again. His ambitious mother saw his future in classical composition and moved with him to London before the First World War, to pursue his fame. He would live near to London's theatrical heartland, Drury Lane, all of his life. Novello did not have to wait long for recognition. After a brief stint in the Royal Naval Air Service, he burst onto the musical scene in the First World War with the song Keep the Home Fires Burning. This success led to a number of commissions to write for the London stage, with his style more operetta, than musical theatre. In the 1920s, he began his film career, and he starred in both silent films and the first 'talkies', becoming a favourite of Alfred Hitchcock in the film 'The Lodger'. Novello had a magnetic screen presence, and was a box office favourite with men and women a like. His friend Noel Coward said that the two most perfect things in the world were his own wit, and Novello's profile. After a brief spell in Hollywood, where he scripted dialogue for 'Tarzan', Novello returned to Britain and wrote a string of successful numbers for Drury Lane. Theatre-land in the 1930s, was struggling, but each of Novello's romantic operettas proved a huge success. However, his fortunes turned during the Second World War, when he was briefly jailed for the misuse of petrol coupons. The month he spent in Wormwood Scrubs would have a lowering effect on him for the rest of his life. His last West End production was the lavish King's Rhapsody, and he performed up until the night of his death of coronary thrombosis, in 1951. Astrologer and entertainer Russell Grant first came to know Novello's work when he too performed in a version of King's Rhapsody in the 1970s, and he has loved his music ever since. He joins Richard Stirling, author of the stage biography of Novello, 'Love From Ivor', and the adaptor of one of Novello's last productions, Gay's the Word. Produced by Lizz Pearson.Russell Grant chooses Ivor Novello, the popular British film star of the pre-War years.Astrologer and performer Russell Grant chooses one of the greatest screen legends of cinema's early years - Ivor Novello. Born in 1893 in Cardiff, he was also a talented writer and composer, and would dominate both screen and stage with his epic romantic fantasies, until his death in 1951. The son of a Cardiff rent collector and an internationally renowned singing tutor, Novello, born David Ivor Davies, had a musical childhood. He was a gifted choirboy, and composer, but when his voice broke, he did not sing again. His ambitious mother saw his future in classical composition and moved with him to London before the First World War, to pursue his fame. He would live near to London's theatrical heartland, Drury Lane, all of his life. Novello did not have to wait long for recognition. After a brief stint in the Royal Naval Air Service, he burst onto the musical scene in the First World War with the song Keep the Home Fires Burning. This success led to a number of commissions to write for the London stage, with his style more operetta, than musical theatre. In the 1920s, he began his film career, and he starred in both silent films and the first 'talkies', becoming a favourite of Alfred Hitchcock in the film 'The Lodger'. Novello had a magnetic screen presence, and was a box office favourite with men and women a like. His friend Noel Coward said that the two most perfect things in the world were his own wit, and Novello's profile. After a brief spell in Hollywood, where he scripted dialogue for 'Tarzan', Novello returned to Britain and wrote a string of successful numbers for Drury Lane. Theatre-land in the 1930s, was struggling, but each of Novello's romantic operettas proved a huge success. However, his fortunes turned during the Second World War, when he was briefly jailed for the misuse of petrol coupons. The month he spent in Wormwood Scrubs would have a lowering effect on him for the rest of his life. His last West End production was the lavish King's Rhapsody, and he performed up until the night of his death of coronary thrombosis, in 1951. Astrologer and entertainer Russell Grant first came to know Novello's work when he too performed in a version of King's Rhapsody in the 1970s, and he has loved his music ever since. He joins Richard Stirling, author of the stage biography of Novello, 'Love From Ivor', and the adaptor of one of Novello's last productions, Gay's the Word. Produced by Lizz Pearson.Tue, 06 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +00001693http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130806-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037tnxpcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b037tnxpDr Lucy Worsley chooses a figure as familiar as she is unknown, the great champion of Victorian nursing, Florence Nightingale. Known as 'the Lady with the Lamp' for her work in the Crimea, Florence was however not just a nurse. She was a health administrator and statistician, whose work laid the foundations for the development of the NHS. Born in 1820 into an upper middle class family, Florence experienced early life as a bird in a gilded cage and suffered frequent 'nervous collapse'. Prodigiously intelligent, she was also deeply religious, and at 16 declared she had heard the voice of God, calling her to nursing. By her thirties, and despite opposition from her family, Florence had succeeded in training as a nurse. She was working in a Harley Street establishment for the care of gentlewomen when Britain and France joined Turkish forces against the Russians in the Crimea. As reports came in of the men's suffering, she became convinced of her ability to help. Commissioned by the War Office, Florence set sail for the Crimea in 1854, and her work there quickly became well known. Walking the corridors with her lamp, she was adored by the men for her determination to spare them the diseases like cholera and typhus that were decimating their numbers. But she was as steely as she was compassionate, and ran her troop of nurses with a military discipline. In Britain her reputation grew. By the time of her return two years later, Florence was a reluctant celebrity, frail and ill. While her mother and sister basked in her glory, Florence retreated from the limelight, and for some years was bed-bound. It's now believed she had brucellosis, an illness contracted through infected milk, which leads to depression and severe pain. Yet this did not stop her engagement with medicine, and even from her bed she was instrumental in changing the way that healthcare was implemented both in the Army, and in society at large. Statistics was key to this, and a passion for Florence, who saw in the gathering of data, the evidence of God's patterns at work. She also famously established a school for nursing, and professionalised nursing work. Dr Lucy Worsley, television historian, writer and Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after buildings including Hampton Court and the Tower of London, joins Matthew Parris to discuss the complex background of 'the Lady with the Lamp'. And biographer Mark Bostridge explains why Nightingale has a right to be regarded as a great genius of the Victorian age. Producer: Lizz Pearson.Dr Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator Historic Royal Palaces, chooses The Lady With the Lamp.Dr Lucy Worsley chooses a figure as familiar as she is unknown, the great champion of Victorian nursing, Florence Nightingale. Known as 'the Lady with the Lamp' for her work in the Crimea, Florence was however not just a nurse. She was a health administrator and statistician, whose work laid the foundations for the development of the NHS. Born in 1820 into an upper middle class family, Florence experienced early life as a bird in a gilded cage and suffered frequent 'nervous collapse'. Prodigiously intelligent, she was also deeply religious, and at 16 declared she had heard the voice of God, calling her to nursing. By her thirties, and despite opposition from her family, Florence had succeeded in training as a nurse. She was working in a Harley Street establishment for the care of gentlewomen when Britain and France joined Turkish forces against the Russians in the Crimea. As reports came in of the men's suffering, she became convinced of her ability to help. Commissioned by the War Office, Florence set sail for the Crimea in 1854, and her work there quickly became well known. Walking the corridors with her lamp, she was adored by the men for her determination to spare them the diseases like cholera and typhus that were decimating their numbers. But she was as steely as she was compassionate, and ran her troop of nurses with a military discipline. In Britain her reputation grew. By the time of her return two years later, Florence was a reluctant celebrity, frail and ill. While her mother and sister basked in her glory, Florence retreated from the limelight, and for some years was bed-bound. It's now believed she had brucellosis, an illness contracted through infected milk, which leads to depression and severe pain. Yet this did not stop her engagement with medicine, and even from her bed she was instrumental in changing the way that healthcare was implemented both in the Army, and in society at large. Statistics was key to this, and a passion for Florence, who saw in the gathering of data, the evidence of God's patterns at work. She also famously established a school for nursing, and professionalised nursing work. Dr Lucy Worsley, television historian, writer and Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after buildings including Hampton Court and the Tower of London, joins Matthew Parris to discuss the complex background of 'the Lady with the Lamp'. And biographer Mark Bostridge explains why Nightingale has a right to be regarded as a great genius of the Victorian age. Producer: Lizz Pearson.Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:15:00 +00001672http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130605-1515.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sm714cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01sm714Edmund de Waal chooses a writer he believes is one of the greatest of the modern age - Primo Levi, author of the Periodic Table. Born in 1919 in Turin, Levi was an Italian Jew, one of the few deported to Auschwitz who would escape alive. Primo Levi's account of his time in the camp, If This Is a Man, made him one of the first writers to document the Holocaust and it established his name around the world. But Levi was not just a writer. He was a chemist, which gave him the skills that helped save his life in Auschwitz. It was also a day job he never gave up, and his passion for science remained a life-long pursuit. After the War, Levi returned to Turin, married, had a family and wrote books in his spare time. He also became an enthusiastic letter-writer, corresponding with a new generation of Germans, to help them better understand the effects of the Nazi regime. Yet from his youth, Levi suffered from depression. In 1987 he took his own life, throwing himself down the stairwell in the house where he'd been born. Ceramicist and author Edmund de Waal joins Matthew Parris to discuss how Levi's work inspired The Hare With Amber Eyes - his own memoir of his family's history as Jews in 19th and 20th century Europe. And biographer Ian Thomson, one of the last to interview Levi, explains why we shouldn't confuse Levi the writer with Levi the man. Producer: Lizz Pearson.Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes, chooses Holocaust writer Primo Levi.Edmund de Waal chooses a writer he believes is one of the greatest of the modern age - Primo Levi, author of the Periodic Table. Born in 1919 in Turin, Levi was an Italian Jew, one of the few deported to Auschwitz who would escape alive. Primo Levi's account of his time in the camp, If This Is a Man, made him one of the first writers to document the Holocaust and it established his name around the world. But Levi was not just a writer. He was a chemist, which gave him the skills that helped save his life in Auschwitz. It was also a day job he never gave up, and his passion for science remained a life-long pursuit. After the War, Levi returned to Turin, married, had a family and wrote books in his spare time. He also became an enthusiastic letter-writer, corresponding with a new generation of Germans, to help them better understand the effects of the Nazi regime. Yet from his youth, Levi suffered from depression. In 1987 he took his own life, throwing himself down the stairwell in the house where he'd been born. Ceramicist and author Edmund de Waal joins Matthew Parris to discuss how Levi's work inspired The Hare With Amber Eyes - his own memoir of his family's history as Jews in 19th and 20th century Europe. And biographer Ian Thomson, one of the last to interview Levi, explains why we shouldn't confuse Levi the writer with Levi the man. Producer: Lizz Pearson.Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:00 +00001669http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130521-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sj1tdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01sj1tdJohn Cooper Clarke, poetry's Punk Laureate, nominates Salvador Dali for great life status - melting clocks, bright red sofas in the shape of Mae West's lips, lobster telephones, trademark sharply pointed waxed moustache and all. The Bard of Salford reveals that he has an acutely observant eye when it comes to appreciating the works by Surrealism's Spanish enfant terrible, who first inspired him when a teenager at a Catholic secondary school in the city. But, asks Matthew Parris, was Dali a genius artist or just a gifted marketeer of his own brand image? "Both" comes the resounding answer from John Cooper Clarke and the eminent art historian Dawn Ades, who recalls meeting the artist when she knocked on his door in Figueres, Catalonia, as an unsuspecting student in 1968. Listen in to find out what happened next. Producer: Mark Smalley.John Cooper Clarke nominates Salvador Dali for great life status, melting clocks and all.John Cooper Clarke, poetry's Punk Laureate, nominates Salvador Dali for great life status - melting clocks, bright red sofas in the shape of Mae West's lips, lobster telephones, trademark sharply pointed waxed moustache and all. The Bard of Salford reveals that he has an acutely observant eye when it comes to appreciating the works by Surrealism's Spanish enfant terrible, who first inspired him when a teenager at a Catholic secondary school in the city. But, asks Matthew Parris, was Dali a genius artist or just a gifted marketeer of his own brand image? "Both" comes the resounding answer from John Cooper Clarke and the eminent art historian Dawn Ades, who recalls meeting the artist when she knocked on his door in Figueres, Catalonia, as an unsuspecting student in 1968. Listen in to find out what happened next. Producer: Mark Smalley.Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 +00001672http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130514-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sdlgpcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01sdlgpMumsnet founder Justine Roberts champions the life of the legendary football manager Bill Shankly, who in the 1960s took Liverpool from the second division to become one of the world's greatest sides. Famous for his quip that "football is not a matter of life and death, it's much more important than that", Shankly lived and breathed football; but in his later years he felt that the Liverpool managers had frozen him out of the side he had nurtured, and betrayed him. Shankly came from humble beginnings. After school he worked down the local coal mine until the pit was closed. He never became rich and lived in a modest semi-detached house where Liverpool fans were always welcome. His life was a far cry from that of today's top managers, but through his canny playing of the transfer market, did he anticipate their methods? Matthew Parris chairs the discussion, with the aid of Shankly biographer Stephen Kelly. Producer: Jolyon Jenkins.Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts champions the life of the Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts champions the life of the legendary football manager Bill Shankly, who in the 1960s took Liverpool from the second division to become one of the world's greatest sides. Famous for his quip that "football is not a matter of life and death, it's much more important than that", Shankly lived and breathed football; but in his later years he felt that the Liverpool managers had frozen him out of the side he had nurtured, and betrayed him. Shankly came from humble beginnings. After school he worked down the local coal mine until the pit was closed. He never became rich and lived in a modest semi-detached house where Liverpool fans were always welcome. His life was a far cry from that of today's top managers, but through his canny playing of the transfer market, did he anticipate their methods? Matthew Parris chairs the discussion, with the aid of Shankly biographer Stephen Kelly. Producer: Jolyon Jenkins.Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 +00001671http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130507-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s8cnzcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01s8cnzBroadcaster Gyles Brandreth nominates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as his "Great Life". Matthew Parris chairs, assisted by biographer Andrew Lycett. Conan Doyle is best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes. This always irritated him, and he tried to kill off the great detective, only to bring him back by popular demand. But there was more to Conan Doyle than Holmes. A sportsman who helped bring skiing to the Alps, a campaigner against the Belgian atrocities in the Congo, and most startlingly, a convinced spiritualist who became embroiled in a public argument with Harry Houdini over whether it was possible to make contact with the dead. The paradox of Conan Doyle's life was that, having invented the most rational, cerebral fictional character of all time, he himself embraced superstition and behaved in ways that caused even his allies to despair of his credulity.Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth nominates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes.Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth nominates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as his "Great Life". Matthew Parris chairs, assisted by biographer Andrew Lycett. Conan Doyle is best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes. This always irritated him, and he tried to kill off the great detective, only to bring him back by popular demand. But there was more to Conan Doyle than Holmes. A sportsman who helped bring skiing to the Alps, a campaigner against the Belgian atrocities in the Congo, and most startlingly, a convinced spiritualist who became embroiled in a public argument with Harry Houdini over whether it was possible to make contact with the dead. The paradox of Conan Doyle's life was that, having invented the most rational, cerebral fictional character of all time, he himself embraced superstition and behaved in ways that caused even his allies to despair of his credulity.Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +00001676http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130430-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s4g7jcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01s4g7jDr David Livingstone was the Victorian equivalent of an astronaut - a man who ventured into the interior of Africa to report on territory that was wholly unknown to Europeans. In this programme, the explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell explains why he admires his predecessor. Matthew Parris chairs the discussion, assisted by Dr Sarah Worden of the National Museum of Scotland. Livingstone went to Africa as a missionary but succeeded in making only one convert, who soon lapsed. Frustrated, he switched his focus to exploration, crossing southern Africa from east to west and back again. He discovered the Victoria Falls, but his attempts to reach the interior by going up the Zambezi were a disaster when he discovered that the rapids he had been warned about were impassable. On his recommendation, missionary families came out from England to settle in what is now Malawi but - as he should have anticipated - many of them died of disease. Despite these failures, he was and is regarded as a hero. As a self-made man who put himself through university on his wages from working in a cotton mill, he embodied the Victorian can-do spirit. His map-making, natural history observations, facility with languages and sheer endurance in the face of overwhelming obstacles made him a formidable character. Above all, his legacy in helping to end the east African slave trade mean that he is still revered in Africa today.John Blashford-Snell explains why he admires fellow explorer, Dr David Livingstone.Dr David Livingstone was the Victorian equivalent of an astronaut - a man who ventured into the interior of Africa to report on territory that was wholly unknown to Europeans. In this programme, the explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell explains why he admires his predecessor. Matthew Parris chairs the discussion, assisted by Dr Sarah Worden of the National Museum of Scotland. Livingstone went to Africa as a missionary but succeeded in making only one convert, who soon lapsed. Frustrated, he switched his focus to exploration, crossing southern Africa from east to west and back again. He discovered the Victoria Falls, but his attempts to reach the interior by going up the Zambezi were a disaster when he discovered that the rapids he had been warned about were impassable. On his recommendation, missionary families came out from England to settle in what is now Malawi but - as he should have anticipated - many of them died of disease. Despite these failures, he was and is regarded as a hero. As a self-made man who put himself through university on his wages from working in a cotton mill, he embodied the Victorian can-do spirit. His map-making, natural history observations, facility with languages and sheer endurance in the face of overwhelming obstacles made him a formidable character. Above all, his legacy in helping to end the east African slave trade mean that he is still revered in Africa today.Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130423-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s0b04cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01s0b04Chris Tarrant chooses one of the great pioneers of modern radio - a man born Maurice Cole in Liverpool in 1944, who became famous on television as Gizzard Puke, Cupid Stunt and Sid Snot. Kenny Everett's life was almost as bizarre as the characters he played, but it is for his work as a deejay that Chris Tarrant selects him. Tarrant was at Capital Radio for twenty years. Kenny Everett began his career in pirate radio, from where he was sacked. He also worked for the BBC, from where he was sacked. He made one appearance on Radio 4's Just a Minute, famously talking about marbles. Other employees included Radio Luxembourg and Capital. Presenter Matthew Parris reminisces about the Young Conservatives invitation to Kenny Everett to join them on stage in 1983 - his slogans included 'Let's Bomb Russia' and 'Let's kick Michael Foot's stick away' - while biographer James Hogg fills in some of the details of Everett's complicated personal life. The producer is Miles Warde.Chris Tarrant chooses Kenny Everett, with help from biographer James Hogg.Chris Tarrant chooses one of the great pioneers of modern radio - a man born Maurice Cole in Liverpool in 1944, who became famous on television as Gizzard Puke, Cupid Stunt and Sid Snot. Kenny Everett's life was almost as bizarre as the characters he played, but it is for his work as a deejay that Chris Tarrant selects him. Tarrant was at Capital Radio for twenty years. Kenny Everett began his career in pirate radio, from where he was sacked. He also worked for the BBC, from where he was sacked. He made one appearance on Radio 4's Just a Minute, famously talking about marbles. Other employees included Radio Luxembourg and Capital. Presenter Matthew Parris reminisces about the Young Conservatives invitation to Kenny Everett to join them on stage in 1983 - his slogans included 'Let's Bomb Russia' and 'Let's kick Michael Foot's stick away' - while biographer James Hogg fills in some of the details of Everett's complicated personal life. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +00001663http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130416-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rvppqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01rvppqIt was in 1992- on the 31st October , when Pope John Paul ll - 350 years after this week's 'Great Lives' gave an address on behalf of the Catholic church in which he admitted that errors had been made by theological advisors in the case of Galileo Galilei . He declared the Galileo case closed ,but he did not admit that the Church was wrong to convict the Italian physicist, mathematician and astronomer on the charge of heresy because of his belief that the Earth rotates around the sun. Bobby Friction - DJ and radio presenter better known for his Bhangra music remixes champions Galileo Galileo in this edition; the first on Great Lives to have named his son after the person who is his hero. For Bobby Galileo is almost 'God like' :..."If he didn't recant it would have been the ultimate two-fingered salute" . The presenter is Matthew Parris, with contributions from Dr David Berman from Queen Mary, University of London. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Galileo, charged with heresy for saying the earth revolved around the sun, is championed.It was in 1992- on the 31st October , when Pope John Paul ll - 350 years after this week's 'Great Lives' gave an address on behalf of the Catholic church in which he admitted that errors had been made by theological advisors in the case of Galileo Galilei . He declared the Galileo case closed ,but he did not admit that the Church was wrong to convict the Italian physicist, mathematician and astronomer on the charge of heresy because of his belief that the Earth rotates around the sun. Bobby Friction - DJ and radio presenter better known for his Bhangra music remixes champions Galileo Galileo in this edition; the first on Great Lives to have named his son after the person who is his hero. For Bobby Galileo is almost 'God like' :..."If he didn't recant it would have been the ultimate two-fingered salute" . The presenter is Matthew Parris, with contributions from Dr David Berman from Queen Mary, University of London. Producer : Perminder Khatkar.Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +00001655http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130409-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rr36xcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01rr36x"I remember seeing him sitting on the bishops' bench, and I went to him and said, George, I believe you are going to make a speech. He replied, yes I am. I said, George, there isn't a soul in this House who doesn't wish you wouldn't make the speech ..." Lord Woolton, 1944 George Bell, bishop of Chichester, was the most famous churchman of his day. His brave speech attacking the allies' bombing tactics in World War Two is justly remembered here by Peter Hitchens as one of the clearest, most coherent and measured statements ever made about the war. But his contemporaries did not see it quite the same way. "Don't let's be beastly to the Germans," sang Noel Coward, in part inspired by Bell's anti-war stance. But George Bell was not a pacifist - he just believed that the British should not be as barbaric, as he saw it, as the Nazis who had provoked the war. In his speech Bell said, "... to justify methods inhumane in themselves by arguments of expediency smacks of the Nazi philosophy that Might is Right." The controversy surrounding the tactics of bomber command remain alive today. Peter Hitchens is a columnist on the Mail on Sunday, and was once described by a contemporary as a 'deeply compassionate man with the air of a prophet about him; and like all prophets, doomed to be scorned by so many'. The programme discussion also includes Andrew Chandler, director of the George Bell Institute; and the presenter Matthew Parris. This series also features Galileo, Kenny Everett, Bill Shankly and Arthur Conan Doyle. The producer is Miles Warde.George Bell, who in 1944 condemned the obliteration bombing of Germany."I remember seeing him sitting on the bishops' bench, and I went to him and said, George, I believe you are going to make a speech. He replied, yes I am. I said, George, there isn't a soul in this House who doesn't wish you wouldn't make the speech ..." Lord Woolton, 1944 George Bell, bishop of Chichester, was the most famous churchman of his day. His brave speech attacking the allies' bombing tactics in World War Two is justly remembered here by Peter Hitchens as one of the clearest, most coherent and measured statements ever made about the war. But his contemporaries did not see it quite the same way. "Don't let's be beastly to the Germans," sang Noel Coward, in part inspired by Bell's anti-war stance. But George Bell was not a pacifist - he just believed that the British should not be as barbaric, as he saw it, as the Nazis who had provoked the war. In his speech Bell said, "... to justify methods inhumane in themselves by arguments of expediency smacks of the Nazi philosophy that Might is Right." The controversy surrounding the tactics of bomber command remain alive today. Peter Hitchens is a columnist on the Mail on Sunday, and was once described by a contemporary as a 'deeply compassionate man with the air of a prophet about him; and like all prophets, doomed to be scorned by so many'. The programme discussion also includes Andrew Chandler, director of the George Bell Institute; and the presenter Matthew Parris. This series also features Galileo, Kenny Everett, Bill Shankly and Arthur Conan Doyle. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +00001657http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130402-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rl8n8cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01rl8n8Gardener Carol Klein's great life is a Victorian hero of the wild garden, the writer and horticulturalist William Robinson. Matthew Parris presents, with expert help from Robinson's biographer Richard Bisgrove and reader Stephen Hogan. William Robinson was a radical and persuasive writer and designer whose influence on British gardens has been compared to that of William Morris on interiors. You may not recognise his name but his influence lives on: 'we are all Robinsonians now, even if we don't know it', according to one recent review. Born in 1838 in Ireland, he started young as a garden boy for the Marquess of Waterford. Little more is known about Robinson's early life, but his rise to prominence was swift once he'd arrived in London. Within a few years he'd been elected as a fellow to the Linnaean Society, sponsored by Charles Darwin and James Veitch. He founded, wrote and published his own gardening periodicals and almanacs as well as writing best-selling books on gardening which struck a chord with the newly wealthy English middle classes who were beginning to build their own gardens in the suburbs around London. Carol Klein is the garden expert and star of Gardener's World, who started life as an art teacher. Her gardening hobby became a successful career, with a trugful of gold medals from RHS shows and many best selling books on gardening, as well as her own TV series, most recently 'Life in a Cottage Garden'. She shares Robinson's passion and what she calls his 'empathy' for plants, too, making the best of their individual features, whatever they may be. Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery.Gardener Carol Klein's choice is wild garden hero, William Robinson. With Matthew Parris.Gardener Carol Klein's great life is a Victorian hero of the wild garden, the writer and horticulturalist William Robinson. Matthew Parris presents, with expert help from Robinson's biographer Richard Bisgrove and reader Stephen Hogan. William Robinson was a radical and persuasive writer and designer whose influence on British gardens has been compared to that of William Morris on interiors. You may not recognise his name but his influence lives on: 'we are all Robinsonians now, even if we don't know it', according to one recent review. Born in 1838 in Ireland, he started young as a garden boy for the Marquess of Waterford. Little more is known about Robinson's early life, but his rise to prominence was swift once he'd arrived in London. Within a few years he'd been elected as a fellow to the Linnaean Society, sponsored by Charles Darwin and James Veitch. He founded, wrote and published his own gardening periodicals and almanacs as well as writing best-selling books on gardening which struck a chord with the newly wealthy English middle classes who were beginning to build their own gardens in the suburbs around London. Carol Klein is the garden expert and star of Gardener's World, who started life as an art teacher. Her gardening hobby became a successful career, with a trugful of gold medals from RHS shows and many best selling books on gardening, as well as her own TV series, most recently 'Life in a Cottage Garden'. She shares Robinson's passion and what she calls his 'empathy' for plants, too, making the best of their individual features, whatever they may be. Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery.Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +00001646http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130129-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01q8nnycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01q8nnyLaurence Llewelyn-Bowen on the Victorian artist Aubrey Beardsley, whose shocking originality he compares to that of Alexander McQueen. Laurence's first foray into art was copying Beardsley drawings to sell at his school - with the more erotic ones fetching a premium price... Biographer Matthew Sturgis fills in the detail of Beardsley's short but extraordinary life, and Matthew Parris presents. Produce:r Beth O'Dea First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on his passion for Aubrey Beardsley. Matthew Parris presents.Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on the Victorian artist Aubrey Beardsley, whose shocking originality he compares to that of Alexander McQueen. Laurence's first foray into art was copying Beardsley drawings to sell at his school - with the more erotic ones fetching a premium price... Biographer Matthew Sturgis fills in the detail of Beardsley's short but extraordinary life, and Matthew Parris presents. Produce:r Beth O'Dea First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +00001665http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130115-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pty45cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01pty45Max Mosley nominates the philosopher and proponent of personal liberty, John Stuart Mill, as his great life. With presenter Matthew Parris and biographer Richard Reeves. Max Mosley trained as a barrister and was an amateur racing driver before becoming involved in the professional sport, latterly as president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The youngest son of Sir Oswald Mosley, former leader of the British Union of Fascists, and Diana Mitford, his family name made a career in politics impossible. His choice of Mill as a great life is a result of his recent experiences of suing the News of the World for invasion of privacy, and giving evidence to the Leveson Inquiry. He says that both sides of the debate used Mill's work on liberty to justify their arguments. Until summer 2012 Richard Reeves was Nick Clegg's Director of Strategy, and before that, head of the think-tank 'Demos'. His biography, 'John Stuart Mill - Victorian Firebrand', depicts Mill as a passionate man of action: a philosopher, radical MP and reformer who profoundly shaped Victorian society and continues to illuminate our own. Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.Matthew Parris and Max Mosley celebrate the life of John Stuart Mill. Max Mosley nominates the philosopher and proponent of personal liberty, John Stuart Mill, as his great life. With presenter Matthew Parris and biographer Richard Reeves. Max Mosley trained as a barrister and was an amateur racing driver before becoming involved in the professional sport, latterly as president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The youngest son of Sir Oswald Mosley, former leader of the British Union of Fascists, and Diana Mitford, his family name made a career in politics impossible. His choice of Mill as a great life is a result of his recent experiences of suing the News of the World for invasion of privacy, and giving evidence to the Leveson Inquiry. He says that both sides of the debate used Mill's work on liberty to justify their arguments. Until summer 2012 Richard Reeves was Nick Clegg's Director of Strategy, and before that, head of the think-tank 'Demos'. His biography, 'John Stuart Mill - Victorian Firebrand', depicts Mill as a passionate man of action: a philosopher, radical MP and reformer who profoundly shaped Victorian society and continues to illuminate our own. Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130108-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pp5vbcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01pp5vbWhat was so notable about Grigori Rasputin ? "The hypnotic power shining in his exceptional gaze," said one observer. The photos are indeed remarkable, and so are the myths. This programme begins with his death. The date is December 1916, and Rasputin, ice encrusted and with a mutilated face, is dragged out of a frozen river in St Petersburg. According to police reports at the time, people ran to the river with armed with jugs and buckets, hoping to scoop up any unfrozen water that had come into contact with this famous man. Comedian Richard Herring chooses Rasputin as much for the mythology as the fact. Was he really the lover of the Russian Queen ? No ... but it is said that his dead body sat up in the fire when it was being burnt. Filling in some of the gaps in this mysterious tale of pre-revolutionary Russia is Bob Service of Oxford University, and an endlessly entertained Matthew Parris presents. Producer: Miles Warde.Grigori Rasputin, mad monk or righteous spiritual man ?What was so notable about Grigori Rasputin ? "The hypnotic power shining in his exceptional gaze," said one observer. The photos are indeed remarkable, and so are the myths. This programme begins with his death. The date is December 1916, and Rasputin, ice encrusted and with a mutilated face, is dragged out of a frozen river in St Petersburg. According to police reports at the time, people ran to the river with armed with jugs and buckets, hoping to scoop up any unfrozen water that had come into contact with this famous man. Comedian Richard Herring chooses Rasputin as much for the mythology as the fact. Was he really the lover of the Russian Queen ? No ... but it is said that his dead body sat up in the fire when it was being burnt. Filling in some of the gaps in this mysterious tale of pre-revolutionary Russia is Bob Service of Oxford University, and an endlessly entertained Matthew Parris presents. Producer: Miles Warde.Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +00001613http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20130101-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01phgjscleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01phgjsMatthew Parris talks to writer, broadcaster and 6Music presenter Stuart Maconie about the life of Ralph Vaughan Williams. The expert witness is Em Marshall-Luck, chairman of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society and founder-director of the English Music Festival. Producer: Christine HallMatthew Parris and Stuart Maconie celebrate the life of Ralph Vaughan Williams.Matthew Parris talks to writer, broadcaster and 6Music presenter Stuart Maconie about the life of Ralph Vaughan Williams. The expert witness is Em Marshall-Luck, chairman of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society and founder-director of the English Music Festival. Producer: Christine HallTue, 25 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +00001498http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20121225-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pfxj3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01pfxj3Children’s author Francesca Simon chooses artist, writer and film-maker Jean Cocteau. With Matthew Parris. From December 2012.Francesca Simon tells Matthew Parris why Jean Cocteau's is a Great Life.Children’s author Francesca Simon chooses artist, writer and film-maker Jean Cocteau. With Matthew Parris. From December 2012.Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +00001671http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20121211-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p71ggcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01p71ggThe date is 1956, Aintree, and Dick Francis is riding the Queen Mother's horse to victory in the Grand National. Except Devon Loch collapses bizarrely to the ground within sight of the finishing post. The jockey later says that he never recovered from this defeat. But the strange case of Devon Loch and the most famous Grand National of them all is the making of Dick Francis, who becomes both a household name and a best selling author too. Martin Broughton, chairman of British Airways, the British Horse Racing Board and - for a while - Liverpool FC, chooses Dick Francis as his example of a man who succeeded in two careers. The Francis novels have sold in millions. Philip Larkin loved the opening lines: "There was a godawful cock up in Bologna," begins The Danger. But there have been question marks over whether the books were all his own work. Mischievous biographer Graham Lord tells Miles Warde why he thinks Dick's wife, Mary, was responsible. "Garbage," says Martin Broughton. Expert opinion comes from Jonathan Powell, racing correspondent of the Mail on Sunday and a man who knew Dick Francis in his later years. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer Miles Warde.Martin Broughton nominates Dick Francis, champion jockey and champion author.The date is 1956, Aintree, and Dick Francis is riding the Queen Mother's horse to victory in the Grand National. Except Devon Loch collapses bizarrely to the ground within sight of the finishing post. The jockey later says that he never recovered from this defeat. But the strange case of Devon Loch and the most famous Grand National of them all is the making of Dick Francis, who becomes both a household name and a best selling author too. Martin Broughton, chairman of British Airways, the British Horse Racing Board and - for a while - Liverpool FC, chooses Dick Francis as his example of a man who succeeded in two careers. The Francis novels have sold in millions. Philip Larkin loved the opening lines: "There was a godawful cock up in Bologna," begins The Danger. But there have been question marks over whether the books were all his own work. Mischievous biographer Graham Lord tells Miles Warde why he thinks Dick's wife, Mary, was responsible. "Garbage," says Martin Broughton. Expert opinion comes from Jonathan Powell, racing correspondent of the Mail on Sunday and a man who knew Dick Francis in his later years. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer Miles Warde.Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +00001631http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20121204-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p41h8cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01p41h8Whilst at school, a young Alan Johnson was given some money by a teacher and told to go and buy four copies of any book for the school library. He headed down the Kings Road in Chelsea, stopping only for a sly cigarette along the way. Having already read 'Animal Farm', he picked 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' and yearned for the life of lead character Gordon Comstock. In conversation with Matthew Parris, former Home Secretary Alan Johnson explains why Orwell was crucial to his education and political development. He's surprised to learn that Orwell is not on the National Curriculum, and insists that Orwell would have hated I.D. cards. They're joined by Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and Chair of the Orwell Prize. Orwell was in the news recently when the outgoing Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, turned down a proposal to erect a statue of George Orwell outside BBC Broadcasting House, reportedly telling Joan Bakewell that it was 'far too Left-wing an idea.' Producers: Beatrice Fenton and Toby Field. From 2010.Alan Johnson tells Matthew Parris about the impact George Orwell has had on his life.Whilst at school, a young Alan Johnson was given some money by a teacher and told to go and buy four copies of any book for the school library. He headed down the Kings Road in Chelsea, stopping only for a sly cigarette along the way. Having already read 'Animal Farm', he picked 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' and yearned for the life of lead character Gordon Comstock. In conversation with Matthew Parris, former Home Secretary Alan Johnson explains why Orwell was crucial to his education and political development. He's surprised to learn that Orwell is not on the National Curriculum, and insists that Orwell would have hated I.D. cards. They're joined by Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and Chair of the Orwell Prize. Orwell was in the news recently when the outgoing Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, turned down a proposal to erect a statue of George Orwell outside BBC Broadcasting House, reportedly telling Joan Bakewell that it was 'far too Left-wing an idea.' Producers: Beatrice Fenton and Toby Field. From 2010.Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:02:00 +00001680http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120928-1002.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mqpghcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01mqpgh"If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." Edith Wharton is as well known for her wit as for her novels. Born in 1862, she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, for The Age of Innocence in 1921. She is nominated by Naomi Wolf, the provocative American commentator and author of The Beauty Myth. Presenter Matthew Parris is also joined in the studio by Janet Beer and Avril Horner. The producer is Jolyon Jenkins. From 2012.Naomi Wolf nominates Edith Wharton for Great Lives."If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." Edith Wharton is as well known for her wit as for her novels. Born in 1862, she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, for The Age of Innocence in 1921. She is nominated by Naomi Wolf, the provocative American commentator and author of The Beauty Myth. Presenter Matthew Parris is also joined in the studio by Janet Beer and Avril Horner. The producer is Jolyon Jenkins. From 2012.Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +00001673http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120925-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mw358cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01mw358Film director Stephen Frears discusses the life of his mentor, Czech-born director, Karel Reisz, with the help of critic and Reisz's friend, John Lahr. Frears is one of Britain's most successful directors, responsible for "My Beautiful Laundrette", "Dangerous Liaisons", and "Dirty Pretty Things", among many others. Reisz is probably best known for "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", and "The French Lieutenant's Woman". "Karel took me into his life and into his family and he took on the business of turning me into whatever it is I've become," Frears has said. "Without him, I wouldn't have become a film director". Matthew Parris chairs the discussion.Film-maker Stephen Frears champions his mentor, Karel Reisz.Film director Stephen Frears discusses the life of his mentor, Czech-born director, Karel Reisz, with the help of critic and Reisz's friend, John Lahr. Frears is one of Britain's most successful directors, responsible for "My Beautiful Laundrette", "Dangerous Liaisons", and "Dirty Pretty Things", among many others. Reisz is probably best known for "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", and "The French Lieutenant's Woman". "Karel took me into his life and into his family and he took on the business of turning me into whatever it is I've become," Frears has said. "Without him, I wouldn't have become a film director". Matthew Parris chairs the discussion.Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +00001684http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120911-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mk4mwcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01mk4mwThe late Ken Dodd explains to Matthew Parris why Stan Laurel inspired him to get into comedy, with the help of expert Glenn Mitchell. Born Stan Jefferson into a theatrical family, in Lancashire, he later moved to the United States, where talent and a leg of lamb helped forge the Laurel & Hardy partnership. They became the last big comedy sensation of the silent era but took to talkies like "ducks to water" and were mobbed by fans and reporters everywhere they went. Features archive clips, including their memorable performance of The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.Comedian and performer Ken Dodd explains how Stan Laurel inspired him to go into comedy.The late Ken Dodd explains to Matthew Parris why Stan Laurel inspired him to get into comedy, with the help of expert Glenn Mitchell. Born Stan Jefferson into a theatrical family, in Lancashire, he later moved to the United States, where talent and a leg of lamb helped forge the Laurel & Hardy partnership. They became the last big comedy sensation of the silent era but took to talkies like "ducks to water" and were mobbed by fans and reporters everywhere they went. Features archive clips, including their memorable performance of The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +00001650http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120904-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mdf0dcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01mdf0dMatthew Parris invites writer and comic Natalie Haynes to explain why her nomination for a Great Life is a Roman poet about whose life we know very little. Dr Llewelyn Morgan of Brasenose College Oxford helps her explain the enduring appeal of this scurrilous writer. On the face of it, Juvenal's life is hard to defend as a Great one. In the first place - as Dr Llewelyn Morgan, lecturer in Classical Languages and Literature at Oxford, confirms - we know very little about his life. He may have been a first-generation Roman from a Spanish family; he may have served in army; he may have been sent into exile. None of this can be confirmed. What we do know is that he uses his Satires to rant and rail against women, foreigners, gays and the upstarts who are all ruining Rome - which might make him hard to love. But Natalie Haynes, veteran of the stand-up circuit and now a writer and critic, finds Juvenal an indispensable part of her life and is very happy to explain why. Producer Christine Hall From 2012.Matthew Parris and his guest Natalie Haynes encounter the Latin poet Juvenal.Matthew Parris invites writer and comic Natalie Haynes to explain why her nomination for a Great Life is a Roman poet about whose life we know very little. Dr Llewelyn Morgan of Brasenose College Oxford helps her explain the enduring appeal of this scurrilous writer. On the face of it, Juvenal's life is hard to defend as a Great one. In the first place - as Dr Llewelyn Morgan, lecturer in Classical Languages and Literature at Oxford, confirms - we know very little about his life. He may have been a first-generation Roman from a Spanish family; he may have served in army; he may have been sent into exile. None of this can be confirmed. What we do know is that he uses his Satires to rant and rail against women, foreigners, gays and the upstarts who are all ruining Rome - which might make him hard to love. But Natalie Haynes, veteran of the stand-up circuit and now a writer and critic, finds Juvenal an indispensable part of her life and is very happy to explain why. Producer Christine Hall From 2012.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:49:00 +00001678http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120829-1549.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01m5jtkcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01m5jtkMatthew Parris finds out why the actor Bill Paterson would nominate for Great Life status a Scottish actor little known outside Scotland. He is Leonard Maguire, who died in 1997 after a career which took in acting on stage, television, film and radio and included some wonderful writing - not bad going for a man who learned English as his third language as a child. The expert witness is Leonard Maguire's writer daughter, Susie. Produced by Christine Hall and Sarah Langan. First heard on Radio 4 in 2012.Matthew Parris in conversation with actor Bill Paterson about Leonard Maguire.Matthew Parris finds out why the actor Bill Paterson would nominate for Great Life status a Scottish actor little known outside Scotland. He is Leonard Maguire, who died in 1997 after a career which took in acting on stage, television, film and radio and included some wonderful writing - not bad going for a man who learned English as his third language as a child. The expert witness is Leonard Maguire's writer daughter, Susie. Produced by Christine Hall and Sarah Langan. First heard on Radio 4 in 2012.Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +00001588http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120821-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01m0fz3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01m0fz3Tory MP author and adventurer Rory Stewart champions the life of Sir Walter Scott. Presenter Matthew Parris is joined by Scott's biographer Stuart Kelly. Scott arguably invented the idea of Scottishness and marketed it to the world. But now he is virtually unread and he stands accused of saddling Scotland with tartan tat and Highland kitsch. Rory Stewart argues that Scott's version of Scottish identity represents a valid alternative to today's Scottish nationalism. Producer: Jolyon Jenkins From 2012.Conservative politician, author and adventurer Rory Stewart chooses Sir Walter Scott.Tory MP author and adventurer Rory Stewart champions the life of Sir Walter Scott. Presenter Matthew Parris is joined by Scott's biographer Stuart Kelly. Scott arguably invented the idea of Scottishness and marketed it to the world. But now he is virtually unread and he stands accused of saddling Scotland with tartan tat and Highland kitsch. Rory Stewart argues that Scott's version of Scottish identity represents a valid alternative to today's Scottish nationalism. Producer: Jolyon Jenkins From 2012.Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +00001693http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120814-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lt2f3cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01lt2f3"I get to Milan," wrote Napoleon. "I fling myself into your room. I have left everything in order to see you, to clasp you in my arms .... you were not there." The tale of Napoleon and Josephine is one of history's great love affairs, and while she did not win the battles he fought, she was both present, and perhaps influential, at a great moment in Europe's past. Her own life before then was equally extraordinary - born in Martinique, her first husband was executed and she was in jail too, expecting the madame guillotine at any time. Reporter Janine di Giovanni champions Josephine with the expert help of her biographer Andrea Stuart, who makes no apology for the methods Josephine employed to ensure her survival and rise. An astonishing life, though presenter Matthew Parris remains unconvinced that she was truly great. The producer is Miles Warde.Josephine Bonaparte, first empress of France, chosen by Janine di Giovanni."I get to Milan," wrote Napoleon. "I fling myself into your room. I have left everything in order to see you, to clasp you in my arms .... you were not there." The tale of Napoleon and Josephine is one of history's great love affairs, and while she did not win the battles he fought, she was both present, and perhaps influential, at a great moment in Europe's past. Her own life before then was equally extraordinary - born in Martinique, her first husband was executed and she was in jail too, expecting the madame guillotine at any time. Reporter Janine di Giovanni champions Josephine with the expert help of her biographer Andrea Stuart, who makes no apology for the methods Josephine employed to ensure her survival and rise. An astonishing life, though presenter Matthew Parris remains unconvinced that she was truly great. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +00001662http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120807-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lhgwdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01lhgwdThe date is June 18 1963, the final seconds of the fourth round of a boxing match. In the ring, Henry Cooper, eight years older and 26 pounds lighter than his opponent, Cassius Clay. And then Cooper hits Clay, just as the bell rings. Des Lynam was Henry Cooper's boxing co-commentator for many years. He nominates our 'Enery - or Lord 'Enery as he became - as the representative of a different era of sporting prowess. Winner of three Lonsdale belts, but never world champion himself, Henry Cooper is always remembered for his two fights with Cassius Clay, later Muhammed Ali. The programme features archive of the first of those fights, plus the voice of Cooper's famous manager, the Bishop, also known as Jim Wicks. Expert opinion is provided by Norman Giller, author of Henry Cooper: A Hero For All Time. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer Miles Warde.Des Lynam chooses Henry Cooper for Great Lives.The date is June 18 1963, the final seconds of the fourth round of a boxing match. In the ring, Henry Cooper, eight years older and 26 pounds lighter than his opponent, Cassius Clay. And then Cooper hits Clay, just as the bell rings. Des Lynam was Henry Cooper's boxing co-commentator for many years. He nominates our 'Enery - or Lord 'Enery as he became - as the representative of a different era of sporting prowess. Winner of three Lonsdale belts, but never world champion himself, Henry Cooper is always remembered for his two fights with Cassius Clay, later Muhammed Ali. The programme features archive of the first of those fights, plus the voice of Cooper's famous manager, the Bishop, also known as Jim Wicks. Expert opinion is provided by Norman Giller, author of Henry Cooper: A Hero For All Time. The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer Miles Warde.Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:00:00 +00001690http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120731-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01l7spwcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01l7spwLynn Barber first met Sebastian Walker at Oxford. "He was the first person I'd ever met who was gay...quite funny looking with a big adam's apple and bespeckled face...he dressed in a very dandy way." He formed Walker Books in 1978 which, in Lynn's words, "launched a whole new era of children's book publishing." He took every opportunity to reinvent the rules of publishing - he paid the illustrators more money than anyone else, befriending the likes of Maurice Sendak and Helen Oxenbury till they agreed to work for him. He struck a deal to sell books through Sainsbury's supermarkets and justified it in the name of child literacy. Titles like 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' and 'Where's Wally? would establish Walker Books as a major player in children's book publishing. Walker would describe the financial side of business as a "bore" preferring to spend his money on lavish parties for his friends. Lynn Barber talks to Matthew Parris about why Sebastian Walker remains such a memorable friend. They're joined by Walker's sister and biographer Mirabel Cecil who says her brother "..had very little sense of his own identity", and that his one true love was really the piano. Producer: Toby Field First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2012.Lynn Barber talks to Matthew Parris about Sebastian Walker of Walker Books.Lynn Barber first met Sebastian Walker at Oxford. "He was the first person I'd ever met who was gay...quite funny looking with a big adam's apple and bespeckled face...he dressed in a very dandy way." He formed Walker Books in 1978 which, in Lynn's words, "launched a whole new era of children's book publishing." He took every opportunity to reinvent the rules of publishing - he paid the illustrators more money than anyone else, befriending the likes of Maurice Sendak and Helen Oxenbury till they agreed to work for him. He struck a deal to sell books through Sainsbury's supermarkets and justified it in the name of child literacy. Titles like 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' and 'Where's Wally? would establish Walker Books as a major player in children's book publishing. Walker would describe the financial side of business as a "bore" preferring to spend his money on lavish parties for his friends. Lynn Barber talks to Matthew Parris about why Sebastian Walker remains such a memorable friend. They're joined by Walker's sister and biographer Mirabel Cecil who says her brother "..had very little sense of his own identity", and that his one true love was really the piano. Producer: Toby Field First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2012.Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 +00001668http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120522-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01hxh6ycleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01hxh6yDiana Athill joins Matthew Parris to explore the life of the Spanish painter, Francisco de Goya, who has been called the last old masters and the first of the moderns. The literary editor and memoirist praises Goya for bearing witness truthfully to the horrors of war, for the tenderness of his observations as a painter, his unorthodox style and his desire to keep learning, even in old age. We know more about Goya thanks to his letters, which have been edited by Dr Sarah Symmons, who also contributes to this programme. They reveal a passionate and playful man, who was fascinated by people and every incarnation of human life and behaviour - including royalty, prostitutes and the elderly. He also wrote openly about professional humiliation and shared intimate details about his private life. Diana Athill helped establish the publishing company Andre Deutsch, worked with some of the 20th century's greatest writers in her long career, and her six volumes of memoirs include Somewhere Towards the End, an examination of what it means to be old. Reader Javier Marzan. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.Diana Athill joins Matthew Parris to explore the life of Spanish painter Goya.Diana Athill joins Matthew Parris to explore the life of the Spanish painter, Francisco de Goya, who has been called the last old masters and the first of the moderns. The literary editor and memoirist praises Goya for bearing witness truthfully to the horrors of war, for the tenderness of his observations as a painter, his unorthodox style and his desire to keep learning, even in old age. We know more about Goya thanks to his letters, which have been edited by Dr Sarah Symmons, who also contributes to this programme. They reveal a passionate and playful man, who was fascinated by people and every incarnation of human life and behaviour - including royalty, prostitutes and the elderly. He also wrote openly about professional humiliation and shared intimate details about his private life. Diana Athill helped establish the publishing company Andre Deutsch, worked with some of the 20th century's greatest writers in her long career, and her six volumes of memoirs include Somewhere Towards the End, an examination of what it means to be old. Reader Javier Marzan. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 +00001650http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120515-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01hjs17cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01hjs17John Ford had a monumental Hollywood career - over 140 films, Oscars he never turned up to receive, and a blunt way of approaching the business that made him enemies as well as friends. He stood up once at a meeting and said simply, "My name's John Ford, I make westerns." Critic Ed Buscombe also joins Matthew Parris and we hear archive of the tough-talking director John Ford. From 2012. Producer: Miles Warde.Eric Pickles chooses Hollywood director John Ford.John Ford had a monumental Hollywood career - over 140 films, Oscars he never turned up to receive, and a blunt way of approaching the business that made him enemies as well as friends. He stood up once at a meeting and said simply, "My name's John Ford, I make westerns." Critic Ed Buscombe also joins Matthew Parris and we hear archive of the tough-talking director John Ford. From 2012. Producer: Miles Warde.Tue, 08 May 2012 16:00:00 +00001681http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120508-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01h6678cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01h6678Edward Said was a man, who, in his own words, lived two quite separate lives. First there was the scholar and literary critic of Columbia University, and then there was the fierce critic of American and Israeli policies in the Middle East. In the United States he was an academic superstar, but his views - on Palestine in particular - made him an intensely divisive figure. He died of leukaemia in 2003. In Great Lives, Alexei Sayle explains to Matthew Parris why Edward Said, a man he met twice and described as "very noble and fiercely intelligent", inspired him. Edward Said once described the Palestinians as 'the victims of the victims'. This eloquence, on a subject that in America was taboo, still impresses Alexei Sayle today. Producer: Toby Field.Alexei Sayle explains why scholar and literary critic Edward Said inspired him.Edward Said was a man, who, in his own words, lived two quite separate lives. First there was the scholar and literary critic of Columbia University, and then there was the fierce critic of American and Israeli policies in the Middle East. In the United States he was an academic superstar, but his views - on Palestine in particular - made him an intensely divisive figure. He died of leukaemia in 2003. In Great Lives, Alexei Sayle explains to Matthew Parris why Edward Said, a man he met twice and described as "very noble and fiercely intelligent", inspired him. Edward Said once described the Palestinians as 'the victims of the victims'. This eloquence, on a subject that in America was taboo, still impresses Alexei Sayle today. Producer: Toby Field.Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:59:00 +00001685http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120426-1659.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gvn2kcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01gvn2kThe musician and broadcaster Tom Robinson nominates educationalist George Lyward in this episode of Great Lives. Aged 15 and struggling with his sexuality, Tom Robinson attempted to take his own life and had a nervous breakdown. Following a series of assessments and tests, he was interviewed for Finchden Manor, a therapeutic community founded by George Lyward. Tom shares his own experience, explaining to Matthew Parris how he believes Lyward saved his life. Former Finchden teacher Dr Norman Alm is also on hand to provide expert assistance. Lyward's work is also assessed in the context of the 2011 summer riots, as Matthew asks his guests what should society do with its troubled teens. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.Tom Robinson explains how educationalist George Lyward saved his life.The musician and broadcaster Tom Robinson nominates educationalist George Lyward in this episode of Great Lives. Aged 15 and struggling with his sexuality, Tom Robinson attempted to take his own life and had a nervous breakdown. Following a series of assessments and tests, he was interviewed for Finchden Manor, a therapeutic community founded by George Lyward. Tom shares his own experience, explaining to Matthew Parris how he believes Lyward saved his life. Former Finchden teacher Dr Norman Alm is also on hand to provide expert assistance. Lyward's work is also assessed in the context of the 2011 summer riots, as Matthew asks his guests what should society do with its troubled teens. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +00001686http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120424-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gg7g0cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01gg7g0Gertude Stein, American poet, writer and art collector, lived most of her life in France. She was one of the first people to spot the genius of Picasso, Cezanne and Matisse, and she believed she was a genius too. Opinion on that score remains divided. In Great Lives, Erin Pizzey chooses her because Stein inspired her to live a life without compromise. Since setting up the world's first refuge for battered women in 1971, Erin Pizzey has campaigned and written about domestic violence, publishing "Scream Quietly Or The Neighbours Will Hear" and her autobiography "This Way To The Revolution". Joining presenter Matthew Parris in the studio is Diana Souhami, author of "Gertrude and Alice". The producer is Isobel Eaton.Erin Pizzey chooses American writer Gertrude Stein.Gertude Stein, American poet, writer and art collector, lived most of her life in France. She was one of the first people to spot the genius of Picasso, Cezanne and Matisse, and she believed she was a genius too. Opinion on that score remains divided. In Great Lives, Erin Pizzey chooses her because Stein inspired her to live a life without compromise. Since setting up the world's first refuge for battered women in 1971, Erin Pizzey has campaigned and written about domestic violence, publishing "Scream Quietly Or The Neighbours Will Hear" and her autobiography "This Way To The Revolution". Joining presenter Matthew Parris in the studio is Diana Souhami, author of "Gertrude and Alice". The producer is Isobel Eaton.Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +00001671http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120417-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01g9c4wcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01g9c4wOscar Wilde, author of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading Gaol, is proposed by Will Self, a writer once described as a 'high powered satirical weapon'. In 1895, and at the height of his success, Wilde began libel proceedings against the Marquess of Queensberry, sparking a disastrous sequence of trials, prison, exile and disgrace. A century later Oscar Wilde is often listed as one of the wittiest Britons who ever lived, but this was a life that ended in tragedy and early death. Joining Will Self and Matthew Parris in the studio is Franny Moyle, author of a biography of Oscar Wilde's wife, Constance, an often overlooked character in Wilde's life. The programme features actor Simon Russell Beale's reading of De Profundis - From The Depths. The producer is Miles Warde.Will Self nominates Oscar Wilde.Oscar Wilde, author of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading Gaol, is proposed by Will Self, a writer once described as a 'high powered satirical weapon'. In 1895, and at the height of his success, Wilde began libel proceedings against the Marquess of Queensberry, sparking a disastrous sequence of trials, prison, exile and disgrace. A century later Oscar Wilde is often listed as one of the wittiest Britons who ever lived, but this was a life that ended in tragedy and early death. Joining Will Self and Matthew Parris in the studio is Franny Moyle, author of a biography of Oscar Wilde's wife, Constance, an often overlooked character in Wilde's life. The programme features actor Simon Russell Beale's reading of De Profundis - From The Depths. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +00001685http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120410-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ddxcqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01ddxcqDylan Thomas, arguably Wales's most famous poet, comes under scrutiny on Great Lives. A man famous both for his linguistic exuberance and his chaotic, alcohol-fuelled private life, Dylan Thomas is proposed by another Welsh poet in a specially recorded programme at Bristol's More Than Words Listening Festival. Owen Sheers is one of Britain's brightest young writers and the author of Resistance, and he is keen to bust some myths about his fellow Welshman's reputation. Joining him on stage is presenter Matthew Parris along with Damian Walford-Davies of Aberystwyth University. The programme includes archive recordings of Dylan Thomas's famous voice, and also Richard Burton reading the opening of Under Milk Wood. The producer is Miles Warde.Welsh poet Owen Sheers chooses Dylan Thomas for Great Lives.Dylan Thomas, arguably Wales's most famous poet, comes under scrutiny on Great Lives. A man famous both for his linguistic exuberance and his chaotic, alcohol-fuelled private life, Dylan Thomas is proposed by another Welsh poet in a specially recorded programme at Bristol's More Than Words Listening Festival. Owen Sheers is one of Britain's brightest young writers and the author of Resistance, and he is keen to bust some myths about his fellow Welshman's reputation. Joining him on stage is presenter Matthew Parris along with Damian Walford-Davies of Aberystwyth University. The programme includes archive recordings of Dylan Thomas's famous voice, and also Richard Burton reading the opening of Under Milk Wood. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +00001688http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120403-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01f5mmfcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01f5mmfCo-chairman of the Conservative party, Baroness Warsi recalls her Pakistani-born father during her Yorkshire childhood telling her about the heroic martial deeds conducted by a thirteenth century Indian princess, Razia Sultana. Descended from humble stock, the much mythologized Sultana ruled for less than four years in the 1230s, but has long been celebrated as the first female Indian Muslim leader. Sayeeda Warsi explains why she's fascinated by this character whose reign was abruptly brought to an end by the jealous rivalries of the male nobility around her who could not tolerate the fact that she had been chosen by her father above the heads of her brothers. We'll hear whether Sayeeda draws inspiration from Razia's model of bold leadership, and whether she finds parallels with her own experience of British politics today within the senior ranks of the Conservative Party. Writer and expert on India, William Dalrymple sets the scene, explaining how and why Turkish Muslims had an empire that reached as far as the Himalayas, at a time when northern India was having to withstand the Mongol incursions of Genghis Khan. Producer: Mark Smalley.Conservative politician Baroness Warsi nominates a 13th-century Indian princess.Co-chairman of the Conservative party, Baroness Warsi recalls her Pakistani-born father during her Yorkshire childhood telling her about the heroic martial deeds conducted by a thirteenth century Indian princess, Razia Sultana. Descended from humble stock, the much mythologized Sultana ruled for less than four years in the 1230s, but has long been celebrated as the first female Indian Muslim leader. Sayeeda Warsi explains why she's fascinated by this character whose reign was abruptly brought to an end by the jealous rivalries of the male nobility around her who could not tolerate the fact that she had been chosen by her father above the heads of her brothers. We'll hear whether Sayeeda draws inspiration from Razia's model of bold leadership, and whether she finds parallels with her own experience of British politics today within the senior ranks of the Conservative Party. Writer and expert on India, William Dalrymple sets the scene, explaining how and why Turkish Muslims had an empire that reached as far as the Himalayas, at a time when northern India was having to withstand the Mongol incursions of Genghis Khan. Producer: Mark Smalley.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +00001669http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120131-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01b9kddcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01b9kddThe pacifist Vera Brittain - whose Testament of Youth conveys the toll of the First World War on her generation - is discussed by her daughter Baroness Shirley Williams and Dr Clare Gerada. Matthew Parris chairs a fascinating and insightful exploration of what it was like to be brought up by Vera Brittain, a mother who was effectively worldwide public property, and so in many ways was simply unavailable to the young Shirley. Vera, who as a teenage feminist was desperate for an education, turned her back on her studies at Oxford in 1914, because she felt compelled to serve as a nurse, wanting to join her brother and his friends in the Trenches as far as she could. The rest of Vera Brittain's life was shaped by the grief that followed the loss of her fiance, her own brother and two good friends. Candidly conveying all this in her best selling book, 'Testament of Youth', won her a lifelong audience. Shirley Williams explains that as a result of these experiences her mother became a passionately committed pacifist and feminist, who in 1944 denounced Bomber Command's blanket bombing of Germany at a time when it was deeply unpopular to do so. Brittain was vindicated in the eyes of the press when it was revealed that she and her husband George Catlin were the only married couple to feature in the Gestapo's notorious Black Book, listing those who would have been executed, had the German invasion of the UK been successful. Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, nominates a fascinating life in a programme that reflects on two influential women - mother and daughter - who have played key public roles across the entire twentieth century. Producer: Mark Smalley.Baroness Shirley Williams discusses her mother, feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain.The pacifist Vera Brittain - whose Testament of Youth conveys the toll of the First World War on her generation - is discussed by her daughter Baroness Shirley Williams and Dr Clare Gerada. Matthew Parris chairs a fascinating and insightful exploration of what it was like to be brought up by Vera Brittain, a mother who was effectively worldwide public property, and so in many ways was simply unavailable to the young Shirley. Vera, who as a teenage feminist was desperate for an education, turned her back on her studies at Oxford in 1914, because she felt compelled to serve as a nurse, wanting to join her brother and his friends in the Trenches as far as she could. The rest of Vera Brittain's life was shaped by the grief that followed the loss of her fiance, her own brother and two good friends. Candidly conveying all this in her best selling book, 'Testament of Youth', won her a lifelong audience. Shirley Williams explains that as a result of these experiences her mother became a passionately committed pacifist and feminist, who in 1944 denounced Bomber Command's blanket bombing of Germany at a time when it was deeply unpopular to do so. Brittain was vindicated in the eyes of the press when it was revealed that she and her husband George Catlin were the only married couple to feature in the Gestapo's notorious Black Book, listing those who would have been executed, had the German invasion of the UK been successful. Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, nominates a fascinating life in a programme that reflects on two influential women - mother and daughter - who have played key public roles across the entire twentieth century. Producer: Mark Smalley.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +00001676http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120124-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b019rpw0cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b019rpw0Matthew Parris is joined by the actress Emma Kennedy to explore the life of the American comedienne Gracie Allen. George Burns and Gracie Allen were a hugely successful stage act who went on to conquer the new media of radio and television. But, unusually for the time, it was Gracie who was getting all the laughs, whilst George played the straight man. For actress and comic Emma Kennedy, Gracie was a pioneering female comic who, with her energy, wit and "illogical logic", paved the way for the likes of Lucille Ball and Roseanne Barr. Professor Brian Ward provides the expert analysis.Actress Emma Kennedy chooses the life of the American comedienne Gracie Allen.Matthew Parris is joined by the actress Emma Kennedy to explore the life of the American comedienne Gracie Allen. George Burns and Gracie Allen were a hugely successful stage act who went on to conquer the new media of radio and television. But, unusually for the time, it was Gracie who was getting all the laughs, whilst George played the straight man. For actress and comic Emma Kennedy, Gracie was a pioneering female comic who, with her energy, wit and "illogical logic", paved the way for the likes of Lucille Ball and Roseanne Barr. Professor Brian Ward provides the expert analysis.Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +00001635http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120117-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b019fx9scleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b019fx9sAstronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees tells Matthew Parris why his hero, physicist Joseph Rotblat, lived a "great life". Rotblat was a brilliant physicist who was the only scientist to resign from the Manhattan Project once it became clear that Germany would not make an atomic bomb. Rotblat believed that all scientists have a moral obligation to work for the benefit of mankind, and spent his life campaigning against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Joining Lord Rees and Matthew Parris in the studio is Rotblat's friend and colleague Kit Hill.Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees champions the life of his hero, physicist Joseph Rotblat.Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees tells Matthew Parris why his hero, physicist Joseph Rotblat, lived a "great life". Rotblat was a brilliant physicist who was the only scientist to resign from the Manhattan Project once it became clear that Germany would not make an atomic bomb. Rotblat believed that all scientists have a moral obligation to work for the benefit of mankind, and spent his life campaigning against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Joining Lord Rees and Matthew Parris in the studio is Rotblat's friend and colleague Kit Hill.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +00001683http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120110-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0194mxscleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0194mxsDownton Abbey actor Jim Carter tells Matthew Parris why skiffle king Lonnie Donegan is his hero. Lonnie Donegan is probably best remembered for the novelty hits "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour? " However, early hits like "Rock Island Line" were instrumental in inspiring the likes of John Lennon, Brian May and Roger Daltrey to perform. Donegan played a decisive role in the development of British popular music. His revitalisation of skiffle provided the inspiration for the whole British beat movement that was to come. Ironically, although Donevan was the catalyst, he was soon eclipsed by the young electric guitar heroes of the mid-sixties, and he was left with the comedy and cabaret circuits.Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter champions the life and work of skiffle king Lonnie Donegan.Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter tells Matthew Parris why skiffle king Lonnie Donegan is his hero. Lonnie Donegan is probably best remembered for the novelty hits "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour? " However, early hits like "Rock Island Line" were instrumental in inspiring the likes of John Lennon, Brian May and Roger Daltrey to perform. Donegan played a decisive role in the development of British popular music. His revitalisation of skiffle provided the inspiration for the whole British beat movement that was to come. Ironically, although Donevan was the catalyst, he was soon eclipsed by the young electric guitar heroes of the mid-sixties, and he was left with the comedy and cabaret circuits.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +00001679http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20120103-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018xs8ccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b018xs8cBrian Sewell on his long-standing love of "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who built the ultimate fantasy castle at Neuschwanstein. From his first fateful glimpse of one of Ludwig's palaces, Brian's been fascinated with the eccentric King, and his mysterious death, and has become personally involved in the story of his life. Presenter Matthew Parris and contributor Simon Winder find out more... Producer Beth O'Dea.Brian Sewell on his love of 'Mad' King Ludwig II of Bavaria.Brian Sewell on his long-standing love of "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who built the ultimate fantasy castle at Neuschwanstein. From his first fateful glimpse of one of Ludwig's palaces, Brian's been fascinated with the eccentric King, and his mysterious death, and has become personally involved in the story of his life. Presenter Matthew Parris and contributor Simon Winder find out more... Producer Beth O'Dea.Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +00001676http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20111227-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018gpdgcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b018gpdgThomas Hobbes: the writer and psychologist Steven Pinker joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life of the great English philosopher. Noel Malcolm from All Souls College, Oxford provides the expert analysis. Power and violence are themes of the discussion of Hobbes who, Steven Pinker argues, was "perhaps the first cognitive psychologist." Although he was born in the late sixteenth century, we are fortunate to have some rich biographical description of Hobbes thanks to his contemporary and friend, the writer John Aubrey. Now, the word Hobbesian is often used to describe a world in which life is "nasty, brutish and short." But Professor Pinker suggests Hobbes was actually "a nice man, despite the fact his name became a rather nasty adjective." Producer: Chris Ledgard.Steven Pinker joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes.Thomas Hobbes: the writer and psychologist Steven Pinker joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life of the great English philosopher. Noel Malcolm from All Souls College, Oxford provides the expert analysis. Power and violence are themes of the discussion of Hobbes who, Steven Pinker argues, was "perhaps the first cognitive psychologist." Although he was born in the late sixteenth century, we are fortunate to have some rich biographical description of Hobbes thanks to his contemporary and friend, the writer John Aubrey. Now, the word Hobbesian is often used to describe a world in which life is "nasty, brutish and short." But Professor Pinker suggests Hobbes was actually "a nice man, despite the fact his name became a rather nasty adjective." Producer: Chris Ledgard.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +00001673http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20111220-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018csyqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b018csyqLudwig Wittgenstein, the fascinating and misunderstood genius who changed the course of philosophy, is chosen by writer Raymond Tallis. With biographer Ray Monk, he brings alive this most enigmatic of men and his singular life. And to make sure that they don't get lost in Wittgensteinian thought, presenter Matthew Parris brings along a whistle to blow whenever he feels in danger.. Producer Beth O'Dea.Ludwig Wittgenstein, fascinating and misunderstood thinker, is chosen by Raymond Tallis.Ludwig Wittgenstein, the fascinating and misunderstood genius who changed the course of philosophy, is chosen by writer Raymond Tallis. With biographer Ray Monk, he brings alive this most enigmatic of men and his singular life. And to make sure that they don't get lost in Wittgensteinian thought, presenter Matthew Parris brings along a whistle to blow whenever he feels in danger.. Producer Beth O'Dea.Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +00001694http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20111213-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0184rgncleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0184rgnActor Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon; The Queen; Midnight in Paris) explores the life of Philip K. Dick with Matthew Parris, and explains why he had such a big influence on his recent production of Hamlet. Michael first discovered Philip K. Dick through the film Bladerunner, and moved onto his short stories which got him thinking about science-fiction in a new way. Whilst reading about philosophy, quantum physics, and comparative mythology, it struck him how Dick was intuitively weaving narratives around all the most interesting elements that these fields were throwing up. He talks about Philip K. Dick's innate interest in multiples realities, and how they overlap with Sheen's own family experiences of mental health issues. In fact the more he found out about him, the more he was drawn to this enigmatic writer. Producer: Toby Field.Michael Sheen champions Philip K Dick who has had an influence on his production of HamletActor Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon; The Queen; Midnight in Paris) explores the life of Philip K. Dick with Matthew Parris, and explains why he had such a big influence on his recent production of Hamlet. Michael first discovered Philip K. Dick through the film Bladerunner, and moved onto his short stories which got him thinking about science-fiction in a new way. Whilst reading about philosophy, quantum physics, and comparative mythology, it struck him how Dick was intuitively weaving narratives around all the most interesting elements that these fields were throwing up. He talks about Philip K. Dick's innate interest in multiples realities, and how they overlap with Sheen's own family experiences of mental health issues. In fact the more he found out about him, the more he was drawn to this enigmatic writer. Producer: Toby Field.Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:45:00 +00001681http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20111206-1645.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017wyyccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b017wyycNo less a figure than the national bard, William Shakespeare, is nominated for great life status by poetry curator and TV producer, Daisy Goodwin. Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director of the Globe Theatre joins Matthew Parris to put flesh on the life that is remarkably light on known and verifiable facts. How and why did this son of an illiterate glovemaker from Stratford on Avon come to bestride the international stage, adopted not only as England's national poet, but even displacing Goethe and Schiller in Germany? Dromgoole argues that more than a sense of the man is conveyed in his 37 plays. Producer: Mark Smalley.Poetry curator Daisy Goodwin nominates the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.No less a figure than the national bard, William Shakespeare, is nominated for great life status by poetry curator and TV producer, Daisy Goodwin. Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director of the Globe Theatre joins Matthew Parris to put flesh on the life that is remarkably light on known and verifiable facts. How and why did this son of an illiterate glovemaker from Stratford on Avon come to bestride the international stage, adopted not only as England's national poet, but even displacing Goethe and Schiller in Germany? Dromgoole argues that more than a sense of the man is conveyed in his 37 plays. Producer: Mark Smalley.Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:30:00 +00001688http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20111007-1730.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013q212cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b013q212Former England footballer Graeme le Saux champions the life of writer, broadcaster and conservationist Gerald Durrell. Graeme and presenter Matthew Parris are joined in the studio by Durrell's widow, Lee. Gerald Malcolm Durrell (1925 - 1995) was a pioneering conservationist who took on the established "zoo community" by emphasising the need to preserve endangered species, rather than just repeatedly dip in to the natural world for more animals to amuse and entertain. His work culminated in the creation of his own zoo on Jersey. It was there that a teenage islander called Graeme le Saux helped out in the gorilla enclosure, before moving on to play at left back for Chelsea and England.Former England player Graeme le Saux champions the life of conservationist Gerald Durrell.Former England footballer Graeme le Saux champions the life of writer, broadcaster and conservationist Gerald Durrell. Graeme and presenter Matthew Parris are joined in the studio by Durrell's widow, Lee. Gerald Malcolm Durrell (1925 - 1995) was a pioneering conservationist who took on the established "zoo community" by emphasising the need to preserve endangered species, rather than just repeatedly dip in to the natural world for more animals to amuse and entertain. His work culminated in the creation of his own zoo on Jersey. It was there that a teenage islander called Graeme le Saux helped out in the gorilla enclosure, before moving on to play at left back for Chelsea and England.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +00001684http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110927-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0150p96cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0150p96When the singer Cerys Matthews first played the music of the 12th century nun, Hildegard von Bingen, on her BBC 6 music show, she said she felt she could hear the tumble weed rolling through the listeners' houses. Matthew unravels Cerys's admiration for the woman who was given by her parents as a 'tithe' to the church at the age of eight and who became one of the most influential people of her time. She wrote about the visions that she experienced from the age of three, later deemed to have been migraines, but was a true polymath, writing liturgical texts, songs, botanical studies and morality plays. Despite her religious devotion, she was no demure subject. Her influence was widespread and she even had the ear of the Pope. Beatified but never officially canonized, Matthew, Cerys and guest expert (tbc) celebrate the life of the woman who was nonetheless known to millions as Saint Hildegard von Bingen Producer: Sarah Langan.Cerys Matthews on why 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen qualifies as a great life.When the singer Cerys Matthews first played the music of the 12th century nun, Hildegard von Bingen, on her BBC 6 music show, she said she felt she could hear the tumble weed rolling through the listeners' houses. Matthew unravels Cerys's admiration for the woman who was given by her parents as a 'tithe' to the church at the age of eight and who became one of the most influential people of her time. She wrote about the visions that she experienced from the age of three, later deemed to have been migraines, but was a true polymath, writing liturgical texts, songs, botanical studies and morality plays. Despite her religious devotion, she was no demure subject. Her influence was widespread and she even had the ear of the Pope. Beatified but never officially canonized, Matthew, Cerys and guest expert (tbc) celebrate the life of the woman who was nonetheless known to millions as Saint Hildegard von Bingen Producer: Sarah Langan.Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:45:00 +00001663http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110920-1645.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014q00ccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b014q00cIf Edwin Lutyens, the architect behind New Delhi, the Cenotaph, and the British embassy in Washington, sounds an austere, imperial figure then think again. He was fun and almost child-like - he loved to dance and doodle, and he told terrible jokes. But his great grand daughter, Jane Ridley, believes it was Lutyens' shockingly miserable marriage that inspired his greatest work. Simon Jenkins, former editor of The Times and current head of the National Trust, chooses Lutyens primarily for the quality of his work. But he also recognises that the grimness of the marriage - Emily Lutyens fell in love with Krishnamurti - spurred the architect onto greater heights. Presenter Matthew Parris initially questions whether the quality of Lutyens' sex life really needs to play a part in this tale, then declares himself underwhelmed by much of the work. Expert Jane Ridley is the author of the Architect and his Wife, and the producer is Miles Warde.Simon Jenkins proposes Edwin Lutyens, architect of New Delhi and the Cenotaph.If Edwin Lutyens, the architect behind New Delhi, the Cenotaph, and the British embassy in Washington, sounds an austere, imperial figure then think again. He was fun and almost child-like - he loved to dance and doodle, and he told terrible jokes. But his great grand daughter, Jane Ridley, believes it was Lutyens' shockingly miserable marriage that inspired his greatest work. Simon Jenkins, former editor of The Times and current head of the National Trust, chooses Lutyens primarily for the quality of his work. But he also recognises that the grimness of the marriage - Emily Lutyens fell in love with Krishnamurti - spurred the architect onto greater heights. Presenter Matthew Parris initially questions whether the quality of Lutyens' sex life really needs to play a part in this tale, then declares himself underwhelmed by much of the work. Expert Jane Ridley is the author of the Architect and his Wife, and the producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:41:00 +00001679http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110913-1741.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0145x80cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0145x80The Fast Show comedian Simon Day tells Matthew Parris why he's fascinated by the life and work of German author Hans Fallada. Matthew is also joined by Fallada's biographer Jenny Williams. Hans Fallada (real name Rudolf Ditzen) was an alcoholic, a thief, a morphine addict and, prone to depression, attempted suicide twice. He lived and worked in the Germany of the 1930's and, although declared an "undesirable author," stayed in his beloved country for the duration of the Second World War. In and out of prison, sanatoriums and relationships, his volatile personal life often informed his writing (The Drinker, 1950.) Simon Day achieved fame as "Competitive Dad" and "Dave Angel, Eco-Warrior" in The Fast Show of the 1990's. More recently he has written of his battles with various addictions, and finds parallels between his own experience of addiction, and that of Hans Fallada.Fast Show comic Simon Day tells Matthew Parris why he is fascinated by writer Hans FalladaThe Fast Show comedian Simon Day tells Matthew Parris why he's fascinated by the life and work of German author Hans Fallada. Matthew is also joined by Fallada's biographer Jenny Williams. Hans Fallada (real name Rudolf Ditzen) was an alcoholic, a thief, a morphine addict and, prone to depression, attempted suicide twice. He lived and worked in the Germany of the 1930's and, although declared an "undesirable author," stayed in his beloved country for the duration of the Second World War. In and out of prison, sanatoriums and relationships, his volatile personal life often informed his writing (The Drinker, 1950.) Simon Day achieved fame as "Competitive Dad" and "Dave Angel, Eco-Warrior" in The Fast Show of the 1990's. More recently he has written of his battles with various addictions, and finds parallels between his own experience of addiction, and that of Hans Fallada.Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:01:00 +00001686http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110906-1701.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014fkwvcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b014fkwvThis week's Great Life, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, hated being tagged as the father of pop art, yet his representations of images from popular culture came almost two decades before Warhol and Lichtenstein. Prolific and generous, his public sculptures populate many cities across the country, yet his name is not as well known as Moore, Hepworth or Gormley. The diversity of the forms that he worked in, and his reluctance to be packaged and promoted by agents, accounts at least partly for that. Paolozzi's personal story is no less complicated. Born in Edinburgh to Italian parents that sent him back to Fascist summer camp in Italy every year, all the men in his family, including the young Eduardo were interned when Mussolini declares war in 1940. Eduardo spent three months prison, but his father and grandfather met a far worse fate. Joining Matthew in the studio are two close friends of Paolozzi's. Nominating him is the restaurateur Antonio Carluccio, who remembers dining and cooking with Paolozzi, and marvelling at how his 'fatty sausage' fingers could produce artwork of such intricacy. Cultural historian, Professor Sir Christopher Frayling who taught with Paolozzi for many years also has many anecdotes to tell, and he and Matthew agree to differ on their appraisal of one of Paolozzi's most well known works; the mosaics at Tottenham Court Road tube station. Produced by: Sarah Langan.Restaurateur Antonio Carluccio nominates the Scottish artist Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.This week's Great Life, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, hated being tagged as the father of pop art, yet his representations of images from popular culture came almost two decades before Warhol and Lichtenstein. Prolific and generous, his public sculptures populate many cities across the country, yet his name is not as well known as Moore, Hepworth or Gormley. The diversity of the forms that he worked in, and his reluctance to be packaged and promoted by agents, accounts at least partly for that. Paolozzi's personal story is no less complicated. Born in Edinburgh to Italian parents that sent him back to Fascist summer camp in Italy every year, all the men in his family, including the young Eduardo were interned when Mussolini declares war in 1940. Eduardo spent three months prison, but his father and grandfather met a far worse fate. Joining Matthew in the studio are two close friends of Paolozzi's. Nominating him is the restaurateur Antonio Carluccio, who remembers dining and cooking with Paolozzi, and marvelling at how his 'fatty sausage' fingers could produce artwork of such intricacy. Cultural historian, Professor Sir Christopher Frayling who taught with Paolozzi for many years also has many anecdotes to tell, and he and Matthew agree to differ on their appraisal of one of Paolozzi's most well known works; the mosaics at Tottenham Court Road tube station. Produced by: Sarah Langan.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +00001671http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110823-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013f976cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b013f976Broadcaster Janice Long tells Matthew Parris why singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl led a "great life" despite her tragically early death in a boating accident in Mexico in 2000. Kirsty MacColl was a supremely gifted singer-songwriter in the "English" tradition, often compared to Ray Davies or Morrissey for her kitchen-sink realism and sardonic wit. She loved pop but insisted on witty and literate writing, and, whilst sporadically successful in her own right, she was everyone's favourite collaborative artist. She battled stage-fright and writers block to produce five outstanding albums, and worked with The Smiths, Talking Heads, the Rolling Stones, Simple Minds and U2. She once described her talent as a "one-woman-Beach Boys" for her ability to layer and orchestrate harmonies. Her father, Ewan MacColl, was a famous folk singer, but Kirsty had no interest in folk music - a clear rejection of the world her father inhabited - and wanted instead to create great, "edgy" pop records. She died in controversial circumstances when she was hit by a speedboat whilst on a diving holiday in Mexico in 2000.Broadcaster Janice Long champions the life and work of singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl.Broadcaster Janice Long tells Matthew Parris why singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl led a "great life" despite her tragically early death in a boating accident in Mexico in 2000. Kirsty MacColl was a supremely gifted singer-songwriter in the "English" tradition, often compared to Ray Davies or Morrissey for her kitchen-sink realism and sardonic wit. She loved pop but insisted on witty and literate writing, and, whilst sporadically successful in her own right, she was everyone's favourite collaborative artist. She battled stage-fright and writers block to produce five outstanding albums, and worked with The Smiths, Talking Heads, the Rolling Stones, Simple Minds and U2. She once described her talent as a "one-woman-Beach Boys" for her ability to layer and orchestrate harmonies. Her father, Ewan MacColl, was a famous folk singer, but Kirsty had no interest in folk music - a clear rejection of the world her father inhabited - and wanted instead to create great, "edgy" pop records. She died in controversial circumstances when she was hit by a speedboat whilst on a diving holiday in Mexico in 2000.Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:45:00 +00001682http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110809-1645.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01322dkcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b01322dkThe Third Man, Brighton Rock, Travels With My Aunt - the books of Graham Greene all still have a definite ring. But the the man himself was an enigma. He worked both as a spy as well as a foreign correspondent, and wrote endlessly about shady characters and secret affairs. This programme opens with him talking about his love of playing Russian Roulette - it turns out that Graham Greene was easily bored. Choosing Greene for Great Lives is Tim Butcher, 20 years a war reporter for the Daily Telegraph and more recently author of Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart, a title that suggests the influence of Greeneland. Tim says that it's his depiction of seedy life that appeals. The programme also features the voices of Beryl Bainbridge, Christopher Hampton and Auberon Waugh, along with a classic clip of Trevor Howard as Scobie in the Heart of the Matter from 1953. Matthew Parris is unimpressed with Greene's treatment of his wife, Vivienne, and questions whether the image Greene created was really true. David Pearce, founding trustee of the International Graham Greene Festival offers a robust defence. Future programmes in the series include editions on Shakespeare, Kirsty MacColl, and Antonio Carluccio on the sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi. The producer is Miles Warde.War reporter Tim Butcher chooses an exploration into the strange world of Graham Greene.The Third Man, Brighton Rock, Travels With My Aunt - the books of Graham Greene all still have a definite ring. But the the man himself was an enigma. He worked both as a spy as well as a foreign correspondent, and wrote endlessly about shady characters and secret affairs. This programme opens with him talking about his love of playing Russian Roulette - it turns out that Graham Greene was easily bored. Choosing Greene for Great Lives is Tim Butcher, 20 years a war reporter for the Daily Telegraph and more recently author of Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart, a title that suggests the influence of Greeneland. Tim says that it's his depiction of seedy life that appeals. The programme also features the voices of Beryl Bainbridge, Christopher Hampton and Auberon Waugh, along with a classic clip of Trevor Howard as Scobie in the Heart of the Matter from 1953. Matthew Parris is unimpressed with Greene's treatment of his wife, Vivienne, and questions whether the image Greene created was really true. David Pearce, founding trustee of the International Graham Greene Festival offers a robust defence. Future programmes in the series include editions on Shakespeare, Kirsty MacColl, and Antonio Carluccio on the sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +00001639http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110802-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012wjd1cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b012wjd1Matthew Parris is joined by Diane Abbott MP and biographer and critic Michael Billington to explore the life of playwright and Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter. His name - if you add an "esque" to it, as in Thatcheresque or Ortonesque - defines that which is 'marked especially by halting dialogue, uncertainty of identity, and air of menace'. But today's great life is not an easy man to encapsulate. He was a polymath - a playwright, poet, screenwriter, actor, director, political activist and Nobel Laureate - whom his biographer describes as 'an instinctively radical poet whose chosen medium is drama.' He was one of Britain's most celebrated writers - the master of the pause - Harold Pinter. Pinter is said to have 'stamped his mark on the cultural and political scene as an observer of suburban brooding and as an irate iconoclast.' He was also born in Hackney, which explains in part why he has been chosen by Diane Abbott, Shadow Minister for Public Health, and MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. The programme explores Pinter's life and his appeal for Abbott with expert assistance from Pinter's biographer, the writer and critic Michael Billington.Matthew Parris introduces the life of writer Harold Pinter, chosen by Diane Abbott MP.Matthew Parris is joined by Diane Abbott MP and biographer and critic Michael Billington to explore the life of playwright and Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter. His name - if you add an "esque" to it, as in Thatcheresque or Ortonesque - defines that which is 'marked especially by halting dialogue, uncertainty of identity, and air of menace'. But today's great life is not an easy man to encapsulate. He was a polymath - a playwright, poet, screenwriter, actor, director, political activist and Nobel Laureate - whom his biographer describes as 'an instinctively radical poet whose chosen medium is drama.' He was one of Britain's most celebrated writers - the master of the pause - Harold Pinter. Pinter is said to have 'stamped his mark on the cultural and political scene as an observer of suburban brooding and as an irate iconoclast.' He was also born in Hackney, which explains in part why he has been chosen by Diane Abbott, Shadow Minister for Public Health, and MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. The programme explores Pinter's life and his appeal for Abbott with expert assistance from Pinter's biographer, the writer and critic Michael Billington.Tue, 24 May 2011 16:00:00 +00001673http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110524-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011c0trcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b011c0trIt was the fight of the century, July 4th 1910, when Tim Jeffries, the so-called Great White Hope, was stopped by Jack Johnson in the 15th round. Suddenly white supremacy didn't seem so self-assured. In America there were riots, while a follow up fight in Britain - between Johnson and the British champion, Bombardier Wells - never took place. A leader in the Times newspaper had urged the promoter to consider 'the special position of trusteeship for coloured subject peoples which the British empire holds ....' Jack Johnson, also known as the Galveston Giant, has been proposed by Matthew Syed, a recent sports journalist of the year. His nomination is based not only on Johnson's life, but what he came to represent. The expert is Kasia Boddy, author of Boxing: A Cultural History. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer Miles Warde.Matthew Syed chooses the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion.It was the fight of the century, July 4th 1910, when Tim Jeffries, the so-called Great White Hope, was stopped by Jack Johnson in the 15th round. Suddenly white supremacy didn't seem so self-assured. In America there were riots, while a follow up fight in Britain - between Johnson and the British champion, Bombardier Wells - never took place. A leader in the Times newspaper had urged the promoter to consider 'the special position of trusteeship for coloured subject peoples which the British empire holds ....' Jack Johnson, also known as the Galveston Giant, has been proposed by Matthew Syed, a recent sports journalist of the year. His nomination is based not only on Johnson's life, but what he came to represent. The expert is Kasia Boddy, author of Boxing: A Cultural History. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer Miles Warde.Tue, 17 May 2011 16:00:00 +00001674http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110517-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0112fv5cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b0112fv5Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives. Green MP Caroline Lucas nominates German Green politician Petra Kelly. Kelly was one of the first Green parliamentarians to be elected anywhere in the world. Intense, charismatic and beautiful, she became an international political superstar who rejected the idea of conventional politics. But she fell out with her colleagues and became reliant on her lover, a former German army General turned peace activist, Gert Bastian. Bastian, possibly fearing exposure as a Stasi agent, murdered Kelly and himself in 1992. Joining the discussion is Kelly's biographer and former Green Party activist, Sara Parkin.Green MP Caroline Lucas nominates Petra Kelly, the German Green superstar politician.Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives. Green MP Caroline Lucas nominates German Green politician Petra Kelly. Kelly was one of the first Green parliamentarians to be elected anywhere in the world. Intense, charismatic and beautiful, she became an international political superstar who rejected the idea of conventional politics. But she fell out with her colleagues and became reliant on her lover, a former German army General turned peace activist, Gert Bastian. Bastian, possibly fearing exposure as a Stasi agent, murdered Kelly and himself in 1992. Joining the discussion is Kelly's biographer and former Green Party activist, Sara Parkin.Tue, 10 May 2011 15:45:00 +00001688http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110510-1645.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010xzzwcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b010xzzwMatthew Parris and writer Lynne Truss discuss the life of author Lewis Carroll. Famous for the Alice books, Carroll was also a brilliant mathematician and early photographer. But his reputation has been clouded by allegations, never substantiated, that he was a repressed paedophile. With the help of biographer Robin Wilson, Lynne and Matthew try to discover why, despite the millions of words written about him, Carroll still remains a mystery.Writer Lynne Truss chooses the creator of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll.Matthew Parris and writer Lynne Truss discuss the life of author Lewis Carroll. Famous for the Alice books, Carroll was also a brilliant mathematician and early photographer. But his reputation has been clouded by allegations, never substantiated, that he was a repressed paedophile. With the help of biographer Robin Wilson, Lynne and Matthew try to discover why, despite the millions of words written about him, Carroll still remains a mystery.Tue, 03 May 2011 15:45:00 +00001687http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110503-1645.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010t6hbcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b010t6hbKathleen Ferrier was a British contralto singer who died in 1953 from breast cancer. Her professional career had lasted just 14 years but in that time she had had become an international star, singing at Covent Garden, Glyndebourne and Carnegie Hall; and had worked with such luminaries of post-war music as Benjamin Britten, Sir John Barbirolli, and Bruno Walter. Not bad for someone who had no formal training as a singer and who had left school to work in the Blackburn telephone exchange. Ferrier never lost her common touch, never became a prima donna, and retained her liking for beer, cigarettes, and risque jokes. In this programme, broadcaster Sue MacGregor tells Matthew Parris why she admires Ferrier's work. Joining the discussion is conductor Christopher Fifield who edited Ferrier's letters.Broadcaster Sue MacGregor nominates singer Kathleen Ferrier who died tragically young.Kathleen Ferrier was a British contralto singer who died in 1953 from breast cancer. Her professional career had lasted just 14 years but in that time she had had become an international star, singing at Covent Garden, Glyndebourne and Carnegie Hall; and had worked with such luminaries of post-war music as Benjamin Britten, Sir John Barbirolli, and Bruno Walter. Not bad for someone who had no formal training as a singer and who had left school to work in the Blackburn telephone exchange. Ferrier never lost her common touch, never became a prima donna, and retained her liking for beer, cigarettes, and risque jokes. In this programme, broadcaster Sue MacGregor tells Matthew Parris why she admires Ferrier's work. Joining the discussion is conductor Christopher Fifield who edited Ferrier's letters.Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:45:00 +00001665http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110426-1645.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010fd93cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b010fd93Actress Diana Quick tells Matthew Parris why she believes that existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir lived a great life, despite living in the shadow of Jean Paul Sartre. Simone de Beauvoir was a brilliant writer and philosopher in her own right. Her study, The Second Sex, made her an iconic figure for the feminist movement, and she remained true to her intellectual honesty until her death in 1986, aged 78. Yet despite all of her achievements, she is chiefly remembered as the student of her lover and teacher, Jean Paul Sartre. Joining Matthew Parris and Diana Quick in the studio is de Beauvoir biographer Lisa Appignanesi. The producer is John Byrne.Actress Diana Quick selects philosopher Simone de Beauvoir for Great Lives.Actress Diana Quick tells Matthew Parris why she believes that existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir lived a great life, despite living in the shadow of Jean Paul Sartre. Simone de Beauvoir was a brilliant writer and philosopher in her own right. Her study, The Second Sex, made her an iconic figure for the feminist movement, and she remained true to her intellectual honesty until her death in 1986, aged 78. Yet despite all of her achievements, she is chiefly remembered as the student of her lover and teacher, Jean Paul Sartre. Joining Matthew Parris and Diana Quick in the studio is de Beauvoir biographer Lisa Appignanesi. The producer is John Byrne.Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +00001535http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110419-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010dp15cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b010dp15The conductor Charles Hazlewood chooses the great American composer Leonard Bernstein, music director of the New York Philharmonic and creator of West Side Story, Wonderful Town, and Candide. The charismatic Bernstein clearly influenced Charles Hazlewood's own choice of career - he's an award winning conductor, made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2003 and recently presented The Birth of British Music on BBC tv. Joining him in the studio is Humphrey Burton, friend and professional colleague of Leonard Bernstein and whose documentaries include The Making of West Side Story. Matthew Parris presents. The producer is Miles Warde.Conductor Charles Hazlewood chooses Leonard Bernstein.The conductor Charles Hazlewood chooses the great American composer Leonard Bernstein, music director of the New York Philharmonic and creator of West Side Story, Wonderful Town, and Candide. The charismatic Bernstein clearly influenced Charles Hazlewood's own choice of career - he's an award winning conductor, made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2003 and recently presented The Birth of British Music on BBC tv. Joining him in the studio is Humphrey Burton, friend and professional colleague of Leonard Bernstein and whose documentaries include The Making of West Side Story. Matthew Parris presents. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +00001688http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110412-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010626pcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b010626pMatthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives. Here, Sir Clive Sinclair nominates fellow inventor Thomas Edison. Edison invented sound recording, the electric light bulb and moving pictures, but also had his fair share of duds along the way. Sir Clive invented the first electronic calculator but also the ill-fated C5 electric car. Separated by a century, do the two men have anything in common? Joining the discussion is Edison's biographer Neil Baldwin.Sir Clive Sinclair discusses fellow inventor Thomas Edison with Matthew Parris.Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives. Here, Sir Clive Sinclair nominates fellow inventor Thomas Edison. Edison invented sound recording, the electric light bulb and moving pictures, but also had his fair share of duds along the way. Sir Clive invented the first electronic calculator but also the ill-fated C5 electric car. Separated by a century, do the two men have anything in common? Joining the discussion is Edison's biographer Neil Baldwin.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +00001615http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110405-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010023xcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b010023xPlaywright Kwame Kwei-Armah is a passionate advocate of Marcus Garvey, the inspirational black leader of the early twentieth century. Long before Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey was trying against all the odds to give black people a sense of pride, and to create the conditions in which they might hope to flourish and prosper. Kwame Kwei-Armah tells the story of Garvey's incredible rise and fall, and brings this impressive yet flawed man to life. He's joined by Colin Grant, the author of Negro with a Hat - a biography of Marcus Garvey. Presenter Matthew Parris contributes his own memories of living in both Jamaica and Africa. Producer: Beth O'Dea.Playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah on Marcus Garvey, the inspirational 20th-century black leader.Playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah is a passionate advocate of Marcus Garvey, the inspirational black leader of the early twentieth century. Long before Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey was trying against all the odds to give black people a sense of pride, and to create the conditions in which they might hope to flourish and prosper. Kwame Kwei-Armah tells the story of Garvey's incredible rise and fall, and brings this impressive yet flawed man to life. He's joined by Colin Grant, the author of Negro with a Hat - a biography of Marcus Garvey. Presenter Matthew Parris contributes his own memories of living in both Jamaica and Africa. Producer: Beth O'Dea.Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:00:00 +00001684http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110201-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00y2d8ccleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00y2d8cThe writer Katharine Whitehorn chooses Mary Stott, the great campaigning journalist and the first editor of the Guardian women's page. She's the journalist who more than anyone started the revolution in women's journalism since the 1950s. She gave ordinary women a voice, and a place to get together and share ideas. Liz Forgan, who was to edit the women's page later, shares her memories of working with Mary, and Matthew Parris presents. Producer Beth O'Dea.Katharine Whitehorn chooses journalist and campaigner Mary Stott.The writer Katharine Whitehorn chooses Mary Stott, the great campaigning journalist and the first editor of the Guardian women's page. She's the journalist who more than anyone started the revolution in women's journalism since the 1950s. She gave ordinary women a voice, and a place to get together and share ideas. Liz Forgan, who was to edit the women's page later, shares her memories of working with Mary, and Matthew Parris presents. Producer Beth O'Dea.Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +00001691http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110125-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xpp68cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00xpp68Gertrude Bell was a British woman who arguably founded the modern state of Iraq. Explorer, mountaineer and archaeologist, this extraordinarily talented woman travelled widely across Arabia in the years preceding the first world war. When war came, her knowledge of the tribes, geography and politics of the area made her a vital asset to British intelligence. In the wake of British victory in Mesopotamia, she became a key figure in the the post-war administration of the turbulent area, as the British grappled with how best to reduce their military commitment while still retaining influence - a situation that was to find strong echoes in post-war Iraq 90 years later. A woman who rose to the top in a man's world, her personal life was beset with ill-starred romance and tragedy. Physicist Jim al-Khalili was born in Iraq at a time when Gertrude Bell was still revered as someone who fought for Iraqi self-determination. With the help of Bell's biographer, Janet Wallach, he explores her remarkable life. Matthew Parris chairs.Physicist Jim al-Khalili nominates Gertrude Bell who shaped modern-day Iraq.Gertrude Bell was a British woman who arguably founded the modern state of Iraq. Explorer, mountaineer and archaeologist, this extraordinarily talented woman travelled widely across Arabia in the years preceding the first world war. When war came, her knowledge of the tribes, geography and politics of the area made her a vital asset to British intelligence. In the wake of British victory in Mesopotamia, she became a key figure in the the post-war administration of the turbulent area, as the British grappled with how best to reduce their military commitment while still retaining influence - a situation that was to find strong echoes in post-war Iraq 90 years later. A woman who rose to the top in a man's world, her personal life was beset with ill-starred romance and tragedy. Physicist Jim al-Khalili was born in Iraq at a time when Gertrude Bell was still revered as someone who fought for Iraqi self-determination. With the help of Bell's biographer, Janet Wallach, he explores her remarkable life. Matthew Parris chairs.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +00001682http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110118-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xhh2qcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00xhh2qIn his time, Aneurin Bevan was, according to one biographer, "the most colourful and controversial, most loved and most loathed political personality in Britain". The founding father of the NHS is the choice of Lord Kinnock, the former leader of the Labour Party who, like Bevan, grew up in Tredegar, in the heart of the Welsh coalfields, where he met his hero many times. Kinnock regards Bevan as a hero on a level with Nelson Mandela and believes it was Nye alone who had the force of personality and political will necessary to get the Health Service established after the war. But the presenter Matthew Parris and his other studio guest, Bevan's biographer, John Campbell are more sceptical. Campbell goes so far as to argue that, the achievement of the NHS not withstanding, Nye Bevan's life was essentially a failure because, in his commitment to socialism, he misread the trend of history so completely. Now, with the NHS facing radical reform, this programme captures some of the passion and debate that surrounded its inception and provides personal insights into the life and character of the man responsible for its creation. The producer is Isobel Eaton. Future subjects in the series include Barry Cryer on JB Priestley.Lord Kinnock chooses the life of Aneurin Bevan, the founder of the NHS.In his time, Aneurin Bevan was, according to one biographer, "the most colourful and controversial, most loved and most loathed political personality in Britain". The founding father of the NHS is the choice of Lord Kinnock, the former leader of the Labour Party who, like Bevan, grew up in Tredegar, in the heart of the Welsh coalfields, where he met his hero many times. Kinnock regards Bevan as a hero on a level with Nelson Mandela and believes it was Nye alone who had the force of personality and political will necessary to get the Health Service established after the war. But the presenter Matthew Parris and his other studio guest, Bevan's biographer, John Campbell are more sceptical. Campbell goes so far as to argue that, the achievement of the NHS not withstanding, Nye Bevan's life was essentially a failure because, in his commitment to socialism, he misread the trend of history so completely. Now, with the NHS facing radical reform, this programme captures some of the passion and debate that surrounded its inception and provides personal insights into the life and character of the man responsible for its creation. The producer is Isobel Eaton. Future subjects in the series include Barry Cryer on JB Priestley.Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +00001693http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20110104-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x3yjqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00x3yjqLionel Blair chooses his friend and dancing partner Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy described himself as a 'one-eyed black Jew' - and he was described by others as one of the greatest all-round entertainers of all time. Lionel danced and sang with Sammy in a dazzling performance on the stage at the Royal Variety Performance in 1961, and he revisits that memory through an evocative archive recording. Paul Gambaccini is on hand to help presenter Matthew Parris draw out the contradictions and triumphs of Sammy Davis Jr's great American life. Producer Beth O'Dea.Dancer and actor Lionel Blair chooses his friend, Sammy Davis Jr.Lionel Blair chooses his friend and dancing partner Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy described himself as a 'one-eyed black Jew' - and he was described by others as one of the greatest all-round entertainers of all time. Lionel danced and sang with Sammy in a dazzling performance on the stage at the Royal Variety Performance in 1961, and he revisits that memory through an evocative archive recording. Paul Gambaccini is on hand to help presenter Matthew Parris draw out the contradictions and triumphs of Sammy Davis Jr's great American life. Producer Beth O'Dea.Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +00001678http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20101228-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wr8pqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00wr8pqBusiness guru Sir Gerry Robinson was born in Ireland but moved to England in his teens, and he chooses Samuel Beckett, another Irishman who lived away for much of his life - in Paris. Gerry, a late convert to Beckett's plays, loves him because he's accepting of the human condition: that we're all locked in this repetitive pattern. We don't want to keep on doing the same thing over and over again, but we do. Presenter Matthew Parris is also joined by Jim Knowlson, who was a personal friend of Samuel Beckett for 19 years, and is his authorised biographer. He reveals that Beckett was far from the dour gloomy figure of popular imagination, and was in fact very good company - as long as you didn't interrupt him when he was watching the rugby on the telly on a Saturday afternoon. Producer: Beth O'Dea.Business guru Sir Gerry Robinson chooses playwright Samuel Beckett.Business guru Sir Gerry Robinson was born in Ireland but moved to England in his teens, and he chooses Samuel Beckett, another Irishman who lived away for much of his life - in Paris. Gerry, a late convert to Beckett's plays, loves him because he's accepting of the human condition: that we're all locked in this repetitive pattern. We don't want to keep on doing the same thing over and over again, but we do. Presenter Matthew Parris is also joined by Jim Knowlson, who was a personal friend of Samuel Beckett for 19 years, and is his authorised biographer. He reveals that Beckett was far from the dour gloomy figure of popular imagination, and was in fact very good company - as long as you didn't interrupt him when he was watching the rugby on the telly on a Saturday afternoon. Producer: Beth O'Dea.Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +00001681http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20101221-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wqbjqcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00wqbjqDH Lawrence was, in the words of Geoff Dyer, a man with thin wrists and thick trousers. He was also the author of Women in Love, Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley's Lover. But poet and performer John Hegley has chosen him above all for the quality of his poetry, an admiration presenter Matthew Parris also shares. Lawrence died aged just 44. An obituary at the time reckoned he was 'a rebel against all the accepted values of modern civilization'. Certainly his life - born in Eastwood, Notts, became a teacher only to run off with a German-born mother of three to embark on his 'savage pilgrimage' around the world - was unpredictable. As indeed was this programme, recorded in front of an audience at the Arnolfini in Bristol, with John Hegley using both music and verse to make his point. Geoff Dyer, the author of Out of Sheer Rage, makes the case that Lawrence's unpredictability was a sign of strength, and that his best work lies in his letters and not his books. The producer is Miles Warde.Poet John Hegley chooses the author of Lady Chatterley's Lover, DH Lawrence.DH Lawrence was, in the words of Geoff Dyer, a man with thin wrists and thick trousers. He was also the author of Women in Love, Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley's Lover. But poet and performer John Hegley has chosen him above all for the quality of his poetry, an admiration presenter Matthew Parris also shares. Lawrence died aged just 44. An obituary at the time reckoned he was 'a rebel against all the accepted values of modern civilization'. Certainly his life - born in Eastwood, Notts, became a teacher only to run off with a German-born mother of three to embark on his 'savage pilgrimage' around the world - was unpredictable. As indeed was this programme, recorded in front of an audience at the Arnolfini in Bristol, with John Hegley using both music and verse to make his point. Geoff Dyer, the author of Out of Sheer Rage, makes the case that Lawrence's unpredictability was a sign of strength, and that his best work lies in his letters and not his books. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +00001674http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20101214-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wldvgcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00wldvgMatthew Parris presents the life of the great rock and roll swindler, Malcolm McLaren, who died earlier this year. 'I've been called many things,' McLaren wrote as advance publicity for his one man show, 'a charlatan, a con man, or the culprit responsible for turning popular culture into nothing more than a cheap marketing gimmick. This is my chance to prove these accusations are true.' The man behind the Sex Pistols and Duck Rock is nominated by public relations expert Mark Borkowski, author of The Fame Formula, and a man who knew him well. What intrigues Borkowski is not just the success, but the myths that have evolved around this highly manipulative man. Matthew Parris is more sceptical, as is Chris Salewicz. As a journalist for NME between 1974-1981, Salewicz watched McLaren rewrite the rules of management. He also introduced the Sex Pistols to the man from EMI who then signed them up. An intriguing programme about fame, the media, and why the truth should not be confused with an easily believable myth. The producer is Miles Warde. Future subjects in the series include Samuel Beckett, Nye Bevan, and JB Priestley who is nominated by Barry Cryer.Public relations expert Mark Borkowski discusses the life of the Sex Pistols' manager.Matthew Parris presents the life of the great rock and roll swindler, Malcolm McLaren, who died earlier this year. 'I've been called many things,' McLaren wrote as advance publicity for his one man show, 'a charlatan, a con man, or the culprit responsible for turning popular culture into nothing more than a cheap marketing gimmick. This is my chance to prove these accusations are true.' The man behind the Sex Pistols and Duck Rock is nominated by public relations expert Mark Borkowski, author of The Fame Formula, and a man who knew him well. What intrigues Borkowski is not just the success, but the myths that have evolved around this highly manipulative man. Matthew Parris is more sceptical, as is Chris Salewicz. As a journalist for NME between 1974-1981, Salewicz watched McLaren rewrite the rules of management. He also introduced the Sex Pistols to the man from EMI who then signed them up. An intriguing programme about fame, the media, and why the truth should not be confused with an easily believable myth. The producer is Miles Warde. Future subjects in the series include Samuel Beckett, Nye Bevan, and JB Priestley who is nominated by Barry Cryer.Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +00001681http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20101207-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wdgxdcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00wdgxdSatirical cartoonist Gerald Scarfe nominates Walt Disney. Gerald Scarfe spent much of his childhood in his sick bed, so it's not surprising that Disney cartoons and feature films meant so much to him. He can still recall the thrill at the prospect of seeing Pinocchio at the cinema, and then the agony of being lead away again in the rain because the tickets were too expensive. Walt Disney came from a working family. His god-fearing father Elias, said by one writer to have 'hated Capital, and favoured Labour, but really needed to make a buck', found work where he could. So Walt lived a peripatetic childhood, and sought solace in drawing and play acting. Hard times early on did not make Walt frugal with money in adulthood, and despite the huge successes of the golden era of Disney, it was only with the opening of Disneyland that Walt attained any substantial personal wealth. You don't have to look far to find myth surrounding Walt Disney. Even after his death, rumours that his body had been cryogenically frozen spread so widely that they soon slipped into folklore. He had actually been cremated, but the readiness with which the cryogenic claim was accepted perhaps bears witness to a man who was terrified of dying, who believed in the white hope of technology and who, some might say, had been searching all his life for an escape into an immortal, fairytale world. Matthew Parris, Gerald Scarfe and guest experts Brian Sibley and Richard Williams, creator of Roger Rabbit, discuss the life of a complex cultural icon. A man who was seemingly unpretentious, and did not fit the image of movie mogul with his scruffy tweed jacket and awkward demeanour, yet a man who was accused of being a tyrannical egomaniac. The son of a socialist who ended up naming names at the House of Un- American Activities committee. Above all else perhaps though, they discuss the life of a man who strove tirelessly for perfection and who changed the cultural landscape of a little boy called Gerald, and arguably of the world, for ever. Scarfe himself is best known for his classic images lampooning the great and the good of politics, and also in his iconic animation for Pink Floyd's The Wall. He reveals in this programme that he also spent time working on the Disney production Hercules. The producer is Miles Warde.Gerald Scarfe, merciless political cartoon satirist, chooses an icon who created icons.Satirical cartoonist Gerald Scarfe nominates Walt Disney. Gerald Scarfe spent much of his childhood in his sick bed, so it's not surprising that Disney cartoons and feature films meant so much to him. He can still recall the thrill at the prospect of seeing Pinocchio at the cinema, and then the agony of being lead away again in the rain because the tickets were too expensive. Walt Disney came from a working family. His god-fearing father Elias, said by one writer to have 'hated Capital, and favoured Labour, but really needed to make a buck', found work where he could. So Walt lived a peripatetic childhood, and sought solace in drawing and play acting. Hard times early on did not make Walt frugal with money in adulthood, and despite the huge successes of the golden era of Disney, it was only with the opening of Disneyland that Walt attained any substantial personal wealth. You don't have to look far to find myth surrounding Walt Disney. Even after his death, rumours that his body had been cryogenically frozen spread so widely that they soon slipped into folklore. He had actually been cremated, but the readiness with which the cryogenic claim was accepted perhaps bears witness to a man who was terrified of dying, who believed in the white hope of technology and who, some might say, had been searching all his life for an escape into an immortal, fairytale world. Matthew Parris, Gerald Scarfe and guest experts Brian Sibley and Richard Williams, creator of Roger Rabbit, discuss the life of a complex cultural icon. A man who was seemingly unpretentious, and did not fit the image of movie mogul with his scruffy tweed jacket and awkward demeanour, yet a man who was accused of being a tyrannical egomaniac. The son of a socialist who ended up naming names at the House of Un- American Activities committee. Above all else perhaps though, they discuss the life of a man who strove tirelessly for perfection and who changed the cultural landscape of a little boy called Gerald, and arguably of the world, for ever. Scarfe himself is best known for his classic images lampooning the great and the good of politics, and also in his iconic animation for Pink Floyd's The Wall. He reveals in this programme that he also spent time working on the Disney production Hercules. The producer is Miles Warde.Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +00001686http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20100928-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00txhlbcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00txhlbMichel de Montaigne is one of the most influential writers of the French Renaissance. He is known for popularising the essay as a literary genre and became famous for his ability to fuse intellectual speculation with casual anecdotes and autobiography. Montaigne's work continues to influence writers to this day. Championing his life is the surgeon, scientist, broadcaster and politician Professor Robert Winston and providing expert witness is the writer Sarah Bakewell, whose recent biography, How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer, was recently published to great acclaim. Producer: Paul Dodgson.Professor Robert Winston chooses a famous writer from the French Renaissance.Michel de Montaigne is one of the most influential writers of the French Renaissance. He is known for popularising the essay as a literary genre and became famous for his ability to fuse intellectual speculation with casual anecdotes and autobiography. Montaigne's work continues to influence writers to this day. Championing his life is the surgeon, scientist, broadcaster and politician Professor Robert Winston and providing expert witness is the writer Sarah Bakewell, whose recent biography, How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer, was recently published to great acclaim. Producer: Paul Dodgson.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20100921-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tt5kncleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00tt5knWinston Churchill's is the Great Life chosen by Lord Digby Jones, former Director General of the CBI. Expert contribution comes from Professor David Reynolds. Both men have vivid memories of the day in 1965 when, as children, they heard that Churchill had died. Surprisingly this is the first time that Churchill has been nominated in the series. Considered by many a busted flush in the 1930s, Churchill is now remembered as our greatest wartime leader - his speech before the Battle of Britain still sends a shiver down the spine. But his great qualities and personal flaws remained inextricably linked. David Reynolds has uncovered a stark revelation about Churchill's real state of mind at the time he made that speech, while Digby Jones argues that the ability to instil confidence in people even when there is little rational hope of victory is one of the signs of a great leader. He believes that no one made his mark on the last century in the way that Churchill did. David Reynolds does not subscribe to the Great Man theory of history. He is the Professor of International History at Cambridge University. Known to Radio 4 listeners as the writer and presenter of "America, Empire of Liberty", he has also written extensively on Churchill, including the book "In Command of History" about Churchill's memoirs of World War Two. The presenter is Matthew Parris.Lord Digby Jones chooses Winston Churchill, with contribution from Prof David Reynolds.Winston Churchill's is the Great Life chosen by Lord Digby Jones, former Director General of the CBI. Expert contribution comes from Professor David Reynolds. Both men have vivid memories of the day in 1965 when, as children, they heard that Churchill had died. Surprisingly this is the first time that Churchill has been nominated in the series. Considered by many a busted flush in the 1930s, Churchill is now remembered as our greatest wartime leader - his speech before the Battle of Britain still sends a shiver down the spine. But his great qualities and personal flaws remained inextricably linked. David Reynolds has uncovered a stark revelation about Churchill's real state of mind at the time he made that speech, while Digby Jones argues that the ability to instil confidence in people even when there is little rational hope of victory is one of the signs of a great leader. He believes that no one made his mark on the last century in the way that Churchill did. David Reynolds does not subscribe to the Great Man theory of history. He is the Professor of International History at Cambridge University. Known to Radio 4 listeners as the writer and presenter of "America, Empire of Liberty", he has also written extensively on Churchill, including the book "In Command of History" about Churchill's memoirs of World War Two. The presenter is Matthew Parris.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +00001666http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/greatlives/greatlives_20100914-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tpsvkcleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00tpsvkGolda Meir was the Iron Lady of Israeli politics, a straight-talking, intransigent leader who once said, "There is a type of woman who does not let her husband narrow her horizons". She is the choice of former Conservative government minister Edwina Currie. Golda Meir was born in Kiev and educated in the United States, but moved to Palestine her twenties, just after the First World War. One of the signatories on Israel's Declaration of Independence in 1948, Meir was elected to the Knesset and stayed there until she retired in her late sixties. But when prime minister Levi Eshkol died unexpectedly she was called back to take his place. She was the compromise candidate but stayed there for five years and was in power during the Yom Kippur War. Edwina Currie admires her conviction and humanity, and that fact that she reminds her of her granny. Ahron Bregman from the Department of War Studies at Kings College London, served in the Israeli army and was present at Golda Meir's funeral. Unlike Edwina, Ahron thinks Golda Meir made some unforgiveable mistakes.Edwina Currie discusses the life of former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir.Golda Meir was the Iron Lady of Israeli politics, a straight-talking, intransigent leader who once said, "There is a type of woman who does not let her husband narrow her horizons". She is the choice of former Conservative government minister Edwina Currie. Golda Meir was born in Kiev and educated in the United States, but moved to Palestine her twenties, just after the First World War. One of the signatories on Israel's Declaration of Independence in 1948, Meir was elected to the Knesset and stayed there until she retired in her late sixties. But when prime minister Levi Eshkol died unexpectedly she was called back to take his place. She was the compromise candidate but stayed there for five years and was in power during the Yom Kippur War. Edwina Currie admires her conviction and humanity, and that fact that she reminds her of her granny. Ahron Bregman from the Department of War Studies at Kings College London, served in the Israeli army and was present at Golda Meir's funeral. Unlike Edwina, Ahron thinks Golda Meir made some unforgiveable mistakes.Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +00001670http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/greatlives_20100907-1700.mp3http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tmt95cleanBBC Radio 4/programmes/b00tmt95