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When Greeks Flew Kites

Monthly series in which historical novelist Sarah Dunant delves into the past for stories and moments that help frame the present, bringing to life worlds that span the centuries.

Radio 4,19 episodes

Episodes

ListGrid

Beyond Reason
Sarah Dunant looks through history to understand apparently irrational behaviour.
01 Jul 2019,28 mins
Consider the Walrus: what can history tell us about the climate crisis?
Sarah Dunant looks to the past to help us think about the pressing climate change crisis.
03 Jun 2019,28 mins
Fake History
Sarah explores the history of fake history, and its use to justify actions and ideology.
06 May 2019,28 mins
Into the World
Sarah Dunant on the history of travel, how it has enchanted and alarmed us for centuries.
01 Apr 2019,28 mins
The Shame Game
Sarah Dunant delves into the history of shame, this most potent but raw of emotions.
04 Mar 2019,28 mins
Deadlock
Sarah Dunant on historical deadlocks and the ways they were resolved.
04 Feb 2019,28 mins
Sleep: A Third of Human History
Sarah Dunant examines sleep as a source of preoccupation and worry throughout history.
07 Jan 2019,28 mins
Poison: The Invisible Assassin
Sarah Dunant looks at moments in history when poison has sown fear, doubt and intrigue.
03 Dec 2018,28 mins
Promises, Promises
Sarah Dunant explores the fractious history of promises made between rulers and the ruled.
05 Nov 2018,28 mins
The Dating Game
Sarah Dunant delves into the past for stories of courtship to help us date better.
01 Oct 2018,28 mins
Beyond Your Command
Sarah Dunant uncovers stories from history when children have challenged adult authority.
25 Mar 2018,30 mins
The Deal
Sarah Dunant delves into the past for alternative stories to help frame today's anxieties.
25 Feb 2018,30 mins
Resist
Sarah Dunant considers a post-antibiotic world with lessons from the past.
04 Feb 2018,30 mins
This Old Year
Sarah Dunant delves into the past for alternative stories to help frame 2017.
31 Dec 2017,30 mins
Speaking Out
Sarah Dunant looks at the history of women speaking out about inappropriate male behaviour
26 Nov 2017,30 mins
Episode 4
Can history unlock the secret to a better old age?
29 Oct 2017,30 mins
IOU
Sarah Dunant's look at events from a historical perspective plunges into personal debt.
24 Sep 2017,30 mins
Take it to the Brink
Sarah Dunant's monthly look at events from a historical perspective takes her to the brink
27 Aug 2017,30 mins
Generational Breakdown
Sarah Dunant delves into the past for alternative stories to help frame today's anxieties.
30 Jul 2017,30 mins