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Unearthing the Past by Sarah Dunant

Book of the Week. The acclaimed novelist explores the craft of blending fact and fiction to understand the past in a series of essays centred on Renaissance icon Isabella d'Este.

Radio 4,5 episodes

Episodes

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1. The Past Is a Foreign Country
Sarah Dunant explores the craft of blending fact and fiction to understand the past.
30 Jun 2025,14 mins
2. Renaissance Menageries
Fidelity, companionship and wonder - the novelist Sarah Dunant explores pets in history.
01 Jul 2025,14 mins
3. Unto Us a Child Is Born
Sarah Dunant uncovers the perils of marriage and motherhood for a Renaissance icon.
02 Jul 2025,14 mins
4. An Illness Probably Caused by Love
Sarah Dunant turns to the state of Isabella d'Este's marriage in Renaissance Italy.
03 Jul 2025,14 mins
5. Fashion Icon and Influencer
Sarah Dunant reveals Isabella d'Este to have been a fashion icon in Renaissance Italy.
04 Jul 2025,14 mins