A Point of View
Summary: Weekly reflections on topical issues from a range of contributors including historian Lisa Jardine, novelist Sarah Dunant and writer Alain de Botton.
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- Artist: BBC Radio 4
- Copyright: (C) BBC 2015
Podcasts:
Adam Gopnik reflects on our continuing obsession with the Nazis.
Adam Gopnik ruminates on how to handle a bad review. An amusing guide on how to get your own back on your critics.
As the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' first concert approaches, Adam Gopnik ponders what it is that makes the fab four's music endure.
Adam Gopnik reflects on a universal truth of parenting: why, at exactly age 13, your child will discover that you are the most embarrassing, ridiculous and annoying person on the planet.
Adam Gopnik muses on why Shakespeare didn't seem to know that the top bee is a girl bee! He takes us - via a bunch of bee experts - on a journey of "long and buzzing thoughts".
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.
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".
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.
Will Self savages the continuing role of hereditary peers in parliament and denounces the narrowing of the range of political choice in Britain.
Will Self asks whether "human rights" really exist - when they can so easily be taken away?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
