The Nobel Prize has long been synonymous with the greatest achievements and ideals of this century.
This series of four programmes chronicles the achievements of the most famous of prize winners, but begins with the man who founded the awards.
1: The Dynamite Bequest
Alfred Nobel was the classic dedicated scientist. Ostracised by his family and friends, he gained enormous wealth from his great invention - dynamite. He bequeathed his fortune to the development of peace and intellectual fulfilment. Archive film illustrates the early, uncertain beginnings of the Nobel Prize - years when major literary figures such as Tolstoy and Ibsen were turned down in favour of minor writers who were sure to accept. Producer Juliet Miller
Executive producer David Wickham
An Independent Image production for BBCtv