
Weekly reflections on topical issues from a range of contributors including historian Lisa Jardine, novelist Sarah Dunant and writer Alain de Botton.
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.
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".
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.
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.
Fri, 27 Apr 12
Duration:
10 mins
Will Self asks whether "human rights" really exist - when they can so easily be taken away?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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