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24/05/2013

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.

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Episode 1

In Our Time, The Written World Episode 1 of 5

Duration:
30 minutes
First broadcast:
Monday 02 January 2012

Melvyn Bragg investigates the development of the written word and how it has shaped our intellectual history. In this first programme he looks at the technology of writing, arguably our most important invention. He examines some of the oldest surviving writing implements, and discovers and how making signs on clay, wood or parchment enabled the development of human culture.

Producer: Thomas Morris.

  • Chinese oracle bones

    Chinese oracle bones

    The Couling-Chalfant collection of Shang period oracle bones (c. 1600-1050 BC) are the oldest items in the British Library.

    Image copyright British Library Board

    The British Library - The Written World

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Every episode of In Our Time - available to download to listen to when & where you want.

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  1. Image for In Our Time Archive: Culture

    In Our Time Archive: Culture

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history of ideas as it applies to culture - from literature...

  2. Image for In Our Time Archive: History

    In Our Time Archive: History

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the people, conflicts and events that have shaped the world.

  3. Image for In Our Time Archive: Philosophy

    In Our Time Archive: Philosophy

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history of philosophy - from ancient Greek thinkers to the...

  4. Image for In Our Time Archive: Religion

    In Our Time Archive: Religion

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history of religious ideas - from the faith systems of...

  5. Image for In Our Time Archive: Science

    In Our Time Archive: Science

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history of ideas and the evolution of the sciences - from...

  6. Image for In Our Time With Melvyn Bragg

    In Our Time With Melvyn Bragg

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history of ideas - including topics drawn from philosophy,...

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