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BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Book of the Week

Audiobooks

Factual

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

BBC Radio 4 LW

Book of the Week: The Hungry Empire

Melody Grove

Lizzie Collingham

Sian Preece

Eilidh McCreadie

Book of the Week: The Hungry Empire: Episode 4: Opium and the East India Company

Salt Cod on the Mary Rose

Episode 4

Episode 4: Opium and the East India Company

The Hungry Empire

Opium and the East India Company

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, The Hungry Empire, Opium and the East India Company

In 19th-century India, British companies are profiting from arms-length drug trading.

Illicit opium trading is encouraged by British companies operating at the edge of the Empire. Read by Melody Grove. Abridged by Sian Preece.

This culinary journey through history examines how the growing Empire allowed Britain to harness the globe's edible resources; from cod fish and salt beef to sugar, spices and opium. Historian Lizzie Collingham brings a fresh perspective to the making of the realm, uncovering its decisive role in the shaping of the modern diet and revealing how almost every meal we eat still contains a taste of empire.

International relations are under threat as illicit opium trading is encouraged by British companies operating at the edge of the Empire.

Written by Lizzie Collingham
Read by Melody Grove
Abridged by Siân Preece
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

By Lizzie Collingham. A culinary journey through history. Read by Melody Grove.

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Book of the Week

The Hungry Empire

Episode 4: Opium and the East India Company

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