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Great Lives Episodes

  1.

    Arlo Parks on Elliott Smith

    Singer-songwriter Arlo Parks nominates the young life of singer Elliott Smith.

  2. Jonathan Dimbleby on Harry Hopkins

    President Roosevelt's right hand man in World War Two, Harry Hopkins.

  3. KT Tunstall on Ivor Cutler

    Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall nominates Scottish humorist Ivor Cutler

  4. Black and British pioneer Kenny Lynch

    Veteran black and British entertainer Kenny Lynch.

  5. Chinua Achebe, Nigerian novelist

    Yasmin Alibhai-Brown picks Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe.

  6. The Talented Mr Ripley author, Patricia Highsmith

    Sometimes known as 'the stalker's balladeer', she is director Jonathan Kent's choice.

  7. Rights activist Cesar Chavez nominated by Cori Crider

    Human rights lawyer Cori Crider explains why she is inspired by the life of Cesar Chavez.

  8. Caroline Catz on Delia Derbyshire

    Actor Caroline Catz chooses Delia Derbyshire, who realised the theme to Doctor Who.

  9. David Jonsson on Jean Michel Basquiat

    Actor David Jonsson champions artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

  10. Rob Rinder on Jessica Mitford

    Jessica Mitford is championed by Robert Rinder.

  11. Diane Morgan on Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding

    Comedian and actor Diane Morgan chooses the life of Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding

  12. The Great Lives of Great Lives

    After 450 episodes, Matthew Parris thinks it's time to find out what makes a great life.

  13. David Spiegelhalter on Frank Ramsey

    Statistician David Spiegelhalter champions the short, brilliant life of Frank Ramsey.

  14. Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII

    Who would marry a serial killer? Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII

  15. Xuanzang, Chinese monk and traveller

    Michael Wood on the great Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.

  16. James Graham on John Maynard Keynes

    The acclaimed playwright tells Matthew Parris why he's inspired by Keynes' life and work.

  17. Sir David Adjaye on Okwui Enwezor

    Curator and educator Okwui Enwezor championed by the architect Sir David Adjaye.

  18. Tom Allen on Kenneth Williams

    Comedian Tom Allen chooses the entertainer Kenneth Williams.

  19. Ernie Bevin, forgotten political giant

    Frances O'Grady nominates Ernie Bevin

  20. Jessie Ware on Donna Summer

    The singer and podcaster, Jessie Ware, chooses the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer.

  21. Peter Frankopan on Konstantin Tsiolkovsky

    The best-selling historian Peter Frankopan nominates Russia's "father of space travel"

  22. Frida Kahlo nominated by author Jessie Burton

    Artist Frida Kahlo is nominated by Jessie Burton. With Circe Henestrosa.

  23. Mussolini

    Benito Mussolini, founder of fascism and ruler of Italy 1922-1943

  24. Dolly Alderton on Doris Day

    Doris Day is the choice of Dolly Alderton, author, podcaster and columnist.

  25. Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy

    Sara Wheeler nominates her literary hero, Sybille Bedford.

  26. Billy Bremner of Leeds United

    Anand Menon chooses Leeds United captain, Billy Bremner.

  27. Sally Phillips on Hollywood star Myrna Loy

    Sally Phillips nominates her comedy star, Myrna Loy

  28. Victoria Wood

    Victoria Wood, creator of Dinnerladies, Acorn Antiques and As Seen on TV

  29. Maya Angelou

    Professor Olivette Otele chooses author Maya Angelou.

  30. Ursula Le Guin nominated by Kate Stables

    Earthsea author Ursula le Guin

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