Great Lives
Biography series exploring the greatest people who ever lived. Matthew Parris interviews an eminent guest and an expert to reveal the truth behind their history heroes.
- Updated:
Weekly -
Episodes available:
Indefinitely
Recent episodes (10)
Sebastian Walker
Tue, 22 May 12
Duration:
28 minsLynn 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.
Goya
Tue, 15 May 12
Duration:
28 minsDiana Athill joins Matthew Parris to explore the life of the Spanish painter, Francisco de Goya with the help of art historian Dr Sarah Symmons and reader Javier Marzan.
John Ford
Tue, 8 May 12
Duration:
29 minsJohn Ford, director of Stagecoach, The Searchers and The Grapes of Wrath, is chosen by Eric Pickles for Great Lives. Matthew Parris presents.
Edward Said
Thu, 26 Apr 12
Duration:
29 minsIn Great Lives, comedian and author Alexei Sayle explains to Matthew Parris why Edward Said inspired him.
George Lyward
Tue, 24 Apr 12
Duration:
29 minsMusician and broadcaster Tom Robinson tells Matthew Parris how educationalist George Lyward saved his life. Dr Norman Alm provides expert assistance.
Gertrude Stein
Tue, 17 Apr 12
Duration:
28 minsActivist and best-selling novelist Erin Pizzey chooses the American poet and writer Gertrude Stein. Joining presenter Matthew Parris in the studio is Diana Souhami, author of "Gertrude and Alice".
Oscar Wilde
Tue, 10 Apr 12
Duration:
29 minsWill Self chooses Oscar Wilde, author of The Importance of Being Earnest. Matthew Parris presents with expert contribution from Franny Moyle, biographer of Mrs Oscar Wilde.
Dylan Thomas
Tue, 3 Apr 12
Duration:
29 minsDylan Thomas proposed by another Welsh poet Owen Sheers in a specially recorded edition at Bristol's More Than Words Listening Festival. Includes Richard Burton reading Under Milk Wood. Matthew Parris presents.
Razia Sultana 31 Jan 12
Tue, 31 Jan 12
Duration:
28 minsCo-chairman of the Conservative party Sayeeda Warsi tells Matthew Parris why she's fascinated by the much mythologized thirteenth century Indian princess Razia Sultana, who ruled for less than four years in the 1230s but has long been celebrated as the first female Indian Muslim leader. They are joined by writer and expert on India, William Dalrymple.
Vera Brittain 23 Jan 12
Tue, 24 Jan 12
Duration:
28 minsThe pacifist Vera Brittain - who bore witness to the toll of the First World War on her generation - is discussed by her daughter Baroness Shirley Williams and Dr Clare Gerada. Presented by Matthew Parris.
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