A Point of View

A Point of View

Weekly reflections on topical issues from a range of contributors including historian Lisa Jardine, novelist Sarah Dunant and writer Alain de Botton.

  • Updated:
    Weekly
  • Episodes available:
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Recent episodes (10)

  • Will Self: A Right Loyal Toast 25 May 2012

    Fri, 25 May 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Will Self reflects on the historical tradition of the Loyal Toast. A week before the Jubilee celebrations get underway, he muses on where deference is properly due.

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  • Will Self: Europe & My Quadriga-Spotting Tour 18 May 2012

    Fri, 18 May 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Will Self ponders the future of Europe as he stands by Berlin's Brandenburg gate and asks whether we should consider an end to the European Union "in its current banjaxed form".

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  • Will Self: Military Matters 11 May 2012

    Fri, 11 May 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Will Self calls for a return of National Service in the UK and asks why political leaders are so fond aligning themselves with the military to enhance their tough-guy credentials.

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  • Will Self: Lords, Lordlings and Crumpets 04 May 2012

    Fri, 4 May 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Will Self savages the continuing role of hereditary peers in parliament and denounces the narrowing of the range of political choice in Britain.

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  • Will Self: The Rights of Humans... and Animals 27 Apr 2012

    Fri, 27 Apr 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Will Self asks whether "human rights" really exist - when they can so easily be taken away?

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  • Will Self: Challenging Intellect 20 Apr 2012

    Fri, 20 Apr 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Will Self says we should embrace the intellectual challenge of 'difficult' books and art, and value works which are more taxing than our increasingly low-brow popular culture.

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  • David Cannadine: Jubilee Celebrations 13 Apr 2012

    Fri, 13 Apr 12

    Duration:
    11 mins

    Historian David Cannadine looks ahead to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, reflecting on the history of royal jubilees worldwide and, in particular, the celebrations for Queen Victoria.

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  • David Cannadine: Cathedral Heritage 06 April 12

    Fri, 6 Apr 12

    Duration:
    11 mins

    Historian David Cannadine reflects at Easter time on the architectural glories of cathedrals and the part these buildings have played in our national history and culture.

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  • David Cannadine: Fat Policemen 30 Mar 2012

    Fri, 30 Mar 12

    Duration:
    10 mins

    Historian David Cannadine reflects on the changing images of the typical British Bobby, in light of a recent report that over half of the members of the Metropolitan Police are overweight.

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  • David Cannadine: The Fashion for Westerns 23 Mar 2012

    Fri, 23 Mar 12

    Duration:
    11 mins

    Historian David Cannadine recalls the heyday of cinema and television Westerns and wonders if a forthcoming adaptation of the Lone Ranger will find a new audience.

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