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Out of the Shadows

Helen Lewis: Great Wives Series 1
Episode 4 of 4

Helen Lewis introduces some iconic figures from history and looks at the influence of their less well-known life partners.

For two decades, Great Lives on Radio 4 has explored what it takes to change the world. But Helen Lewis wants to ask a different question: what does it take to live with someone who changes the world?

Behind the history of genius lies a second, hidden history: the stories of people who give geniuses the time they need to flourish. This series explores the many "supporting roles" needed to sustain an apparently "singular" genius.

In the final episode of the series Helen explores the myth of the solitary genius as we meet Alma Mahler, discover Charles Darwin's "pros and cons" list on the subject of taking a wife and unpick the influential work of the psychologist Hans Eysenck.

Written by Helen Lewis with additional voices from Joshua Higgott
Producer: Richard Morris
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Design: Chris Maclean

A Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Studios Production

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Fri 1 Dec 2023 13:45
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 15 Sep 2021 23:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Apr 2022 14:45
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Dec 2023 13:45
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Five great wives from history you need to know about

Five great wives from history you need to know about

Helen Lewis explores the oft forgotten women behind some of history's most iconic men.