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
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• 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