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Ghosts

Helen Lewis: Great WivesSeries 1
Episode 1 of 4

Einstein's wife Mileva, the Curie power couple and a man who claimed to be the genius behind some terrible paintings. From 2021.

For two decades, Great Lives on BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra 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.

For starters, we meet Einstein's wife Mileva, the Curie power couple and a man who falsely claimed to be the genius behind some terrible paintings.

Written by Helen Lewis.

Additional voices from Joshua Higgott

Producer: Richard Morris

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2021.

5 months left to listen

14 minutes

Last on

Tue 3 Feb 202609:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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MusesSeries 1

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 25 Aug 202123:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 11 Mar 202214:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 3 Feb 202609:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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.