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David Cohen Prize, Mark Vernon, Tom Morris, Michael Axworthy

Anne McElvoy talks to Michael Axworthy, whose new book Revolutionary Iran offers a definitive history of the Islamic republic.

Described as being "the greatest honour a British or Irish writer can receive", the winner of the David Cohen Prize for literature is announced tonight. Anne McElvoy meets the writer who will be rewarded for their entire body of work.

Is romantic love really the pinnacle of love, or should we move beyond it towards the love of our fellow beings? The writer and former priest Mark Vernon discusses his latest book on love with the philosopher and economist Jamie Whyte, and the novelist and academic Eva Hoffman.

What can puppets bring to Shakespeare? The artistic team that created War Horse re-unite for Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream which opens this week at the Bristol Old Vic. Anne McElvoy discusses the new production with co-director Tom Morris.

And Revolutionary Iran - a new book explores the unique history of the Islamic republic that began with Ayatollah Khomeini's dramatic return to Iran in 1979 after years of exile. How is it that parliamentary democracy has lasted to its day? Anne McElvoy speaks to Michael Axworthy, one of the world's principle experts on the country.

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45 minutes

Last on

Thu 7 Mar 2013 22:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Chapters

  • Hilary Mantel

    Hilary Mantel defends her comments about the Duchess of Cambridge

    Duration: 09:17

  • The Meaning Of Love

    Author Mark Vernon, philosopher Jamie Whyte and novelist Eva Hoffman discuss love

    Duration: 13:38

  • Midsummer Night's Dream

    Co-director Tom Morris talks about his new production of Midsummer Night's Dream

    Duration: 11:57

  • Revolutionary Iran

    Michael Axworthy comments on a new book that explores the history of the Iran

    Duration: 09:44

Michael Axworthy

Michael Axworthy
Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic written by Michael Axworthy is published by Allen Lane.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris
directed by Tom Morris is on at the Bristol Old Vic until Saturday 4 May 2013. Image: David Ricardo-Pearce as Oberon.

David Cohen Prize 2013

David Cohen Prize 2013

The is awarded biennially, the Β£40,000 prize honours a lifetime's achievement in literature.

Mark Vernon

Mark Vernon
Love: All That Matters written by is published by Hodder Education.

Broadcast

  • Thu 7 Mar 2013 22:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Free Thinking

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