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Out of the Shadows

Helen Lewis: Great WivesSeries 1
Episode 4 of 4

Helen explores the myth of the solitary genius, featuring Alma Mahler and Charles Darwin’s thoughts on marriage. 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.

Helen concludes the series by exploring 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 BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2021.

6 months left to listen

14 minutes

Last on

Fri 6 Feb 202609:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 15 Sep 202123:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Apr 202214:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Dec 202313:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 6 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.