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The In Our Time Listeners' Top 10
Is your favourite here? As Melvyn Bragg approached his , we asked you to suggest which editions should be in a new Listeners' Top 10.
You came up with over 350 different programmes, of which these – listed alphabetically – had the most support. If you’re new to In Our Time, they’re a good place to start.
1816, the Year Without a Summer
People responded strongly to the idea of a volcanic eruption on one side of the planet wrecking the weather on the other side, inspiring Frankenstein and (allegedly) the invention of the bicycle.
Common Sense Philosophy
As Cicero said, “There is no statement so absurd that no philosopher will make it.” Maybe that’s why this suggestion was so popular?
Epic of Gilgamesh
One listener told us: “I didn't know that Gilgamesh was an actual historical story. Captain Picard told it to a Tamarian in the excellent Star Trek episode Darmok, as a way of attempting to communicate to a people whose language involved speaking using only allegory.”
The Gin Craze
Long-time listener Sioned Mills wrote: “The Gin Craze has whizzed into my personal top 10 of this *wonderful* podcast, mostly due to the brilliant podcast extra ending of Melvyn's childhood reminiscences and 'we have to have spontaneous combustion!'. Just marvelous!”
Godel's Incompleteness Theorems
“A difficult topic with ramifications outside mathematics, explained wonderfully by top-class guests. A good example of what IOT does week in, week out,” said listener Simon Prosser.
Hildegard of Bingen
It is no surprise to see this here. This programme about one of the first women composers has been popular since it was first broadcast.
The Muses
This is about the history of inspiration and where we all get our ideas from. It really seemed to resonate.
P v NP
Our programme about the mathematical problem of P versus NP, which has a bearing on online security, was one of the most challenging. It was also one of the most popular suggestions for the top 10.
Photosynthesis
This one has grown and grown. As one listener told us, “It was completely wonderful. The breadth of the subject – from planet to molecule – the depth of the knowledge around the table, and the way the narrative unfolded all came together. A truly outstanding programme.”
