The Reith Lectures

Supporting Content

• 2019: Jonathan Sumption

  Jonathan Sumption argues that the law is taking over the space once occupied by politics.

  

• Ten of the best Reith Lectures

  Series producer Jim Frank picks his personal favourites.

  

• The Mark of Cain: Margaret MacMillan

  Historian Margaret MacMillan explores the tangled history of war and society.

  

• Six Reith Lectures to make you smarter

  A helpful steer from the series producer.

  

• New to the Reith Lectures? Here’s where to start

  Four lectures recommended by the series producer.

  

• Hear more Reith Lectures

  Download talks on subjects such as: the limits of contemporary art or what freedom means.

  

• Are women as warlike as men?

  Historian Margaret Macmillan says women have often been cheerleaders for war.

  Duration: 0:57

• How worried should you be about nuclear war?

  Prof Margaret Macmillan says we should be concerned about nuclear proliferation.

  Duration: 0:56

• History does not repeat itself

  Hilary Mantel says history is never repeated. But, it can be lived again through art.

  Duration: 1:56

• An obsession with history killed a young Polish writer

  Hilary Mantel claims a piece of literature can have a damaging hold over it's author.

  Duration: 1:41
  See all clips

• Grayson Perry: Playing to the Gallery

• The Reith Lectures in pictures

• The Archive Hour: Reith at 60

  Professor Laurie Taylor marks the 60th anniversary of the Reith Lectures, charting their evolution, controversies and influence.

  • Listen to The Archive Hour: Reith at 60

  

• TICKETS FOR THE 2021 REITH LECTURES

  If you’d like to apply for tickets to attend recordings of this year’s Reith Lectures please visit the BBC ticket site. Tickets available from 29 September.