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Helen turns her attention to the role of the Muse, including Elizabeth Siddal, Dora Maar and Alice B Toklas. 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.

Now Helen turns her attention to the role of the Muse as she meets many and various historical figures from Elizabeth Siddal to Dora Maar via Alice B Toklas.

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.

6 months left to listen

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 4 Feb 202609:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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See all episodes from Helen Lewis: Great Wives

Broadcasts

  • Wed 1 Sep 202123:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 18 Mar 202214:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 4 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.