Science fiction and scientific research
Wednesday 31 October 2007 21:45-22:30 (Radio 3)
Rana Mitter explores the relationship between scientific progress and science fiction. Sci-fi novels are often described as visions of the future which are rooted in the present. They tell us far more about the anxieties of today than the realities of tomorrow. But a new study claims science fiction actually acts as an accelerator and guideline to those working in real scientific research.
Black Britain: A Photographic History
A Photographic History
Playlist
Stephen Poliakoff
Rana is joined by writer, Paul Bailey to review two new television dramas by Stephen Poliakoff - Joe's Place starring Michael Gambon and Capturing Mary with Rupert Penry-Jones and David Walliams.
Joe's Palace is on BBC1 Sun 1st Nov at 9pm and Capturing Mary will be on BBC2 Mon 12th Nov also at 9pm.
Black Britain
Rana talks to Paul Gilroy - the Anthony Giddens Professor of Social Theory at the London School of Economics. Paul has just published a new history of black Britain, using photographs from the Getty Archive that show how surprisingly wide the range of black experiences have been in the last hundred years.
Black Britain: A Photographic History by Paul Gilroy is published by Saqi Books
Science Fiction
Rana Mitter discusses the ways in which science fiction's visions have shaped science and society. Mark Brake, the author of a new book exploring the subject and writer Gwyneth Jones examine the examples of creative invention becoming concrete fact.
Different Engines: How Science Drives Fiction and Fiction Drives Science is published by Macmillan
King Hussein of Jordan
Jordan became an independent kingdom in 1946 and it was led by King Hussein of Jordan for 46 years until his death in 1999. Now one of Israel's leading revisionist historians, Avi Shlaim has made a foray into biography to uncover the pivotal role Hussein played in the shaping of the region. Night Waves discusses the book's new revelations about Hussein's secret dialogue with Israel and his legacy today.
Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace by Avi Shlaim is published by Allen Lane
