Out of the Shadows

Available for 198 days

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.