Great Lives

BBC Radio 4

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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408 episodes
Updated June 2

Episodes408

Newest first

Apr 21, 2020 · 27 min
Ursula Le Guin nominated by Kate Stables
Musician Kate Stables highlights the fascinating life of author Ursula le Guin.
Apr 14, 2020 · 27 min
Frank Cottrell Boyce on Tove Jansson
Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins.
Apr 10, 2020 · 26 min
Rick Stein on Jim Morrison
Chef, writer and presenter Rick Stein nominates Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors.
Jan 21, 2020 · 27 min
Andi Oliver on Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison
Andi Oliver chooses the Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison
Jan 10, 2020 · 27 min
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut on Kurt Vonnegut, with a little help from Josie Long
Jan 3, 2020 · 29 min
Charlie Parker nominated by Ken Clarke
Charlie Parker - Bird - proposed by Ken Clarke
Dec 24, 2019 · 27 min
Bill Bailey on his hero Alfred Russel Wallace
Bill Bailey and his love for Victorian naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace
Dec 24, 2019 · 27 min
Novelist Enid Blyton
How can Enid Blyton not be a great life?
Dec 17, 2019 · 27 min
Jeremy Paxman nominates Lord Shaftesbury
Jeremy Paxman nominates the Victorian social reformer Lord Shaftesbury.
Dec 10, 2019 · 27 min
Lee Miller, war photographer and model
Lindsey Hilsum on the extraordinary life of Lee Miller.
Dec 3, 2019 · 28 min
Just William / Richmal Crompton proposed by Peter Oborne with Martin Jarvis
William Brown, star of the Just William books, proposed by Peter Oborne.
Oct 7, 2019 · 27 min
Constance Agatha Cummings-John
Author Chibundu Onuzo on the first elected female in Africa, Constance Cummings-John.
Sep 17, 2019 · 28 min
Comedian Sindhu Vee on Prince
The comedian Sindhu Vee nominates Prince, the musical superstar.
Sep 12, 2019 · 27 min
Fiona Shaw nominates the actress Eleonora Duse
Eleonora Duse, pioneering 19th-century actress, is the choice of Fiona Shaw.
Sep 3, 2019 · 29 min
Philippa Perry on the Italian educator Maria Montessori
Psychotherapist Philippa Perry on the Italian educator Maria Montessori.
Aug 27, 2019 · 24 min
First Labour Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald
Ramsay Macdonald, Labour's first Prime Minister, chosen by Shaun Ley.
Aug 20, 2019 · 27 min
Caroline Quentin nominates Sir John Vanbrugh
Caroline Quentin nominates the 17th century dramatist and architect Sir John Vanbrugh
Aug 13, 2019 · 27 min
Laura Marling on Lou Andreas-Salome
Laura Marling on the first female psychoanalyst Lou Andreas-Salomé.
Aug 13, 2019 · 24 min
Robinson Crusoe
Real-life castaway Lucy Irvine nominates Robinson Crusoe. With Martin Popplewell.
Aug 12, 2019 · 27 min
Ed Balls nominates Herbert Howells
Ed Balls discusses the influence of 20th-century composer Herbert Howells on his life.