Something Understood

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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.

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Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

BBC Radio 4 LW

Something Understood: Keeping up Appearances

Keeping Up Appearances

Keeping up Appearances

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Keeping up Appearances

Mark Tully examines the human preoccupation with fashion.

Mark Tully investigates our preoccupation with appearances and asks why fashion is such an important part of the human condition, in a rich mix of literature, music and interview.

Mark Tully examines the human preoccupation with fashion and the importance we so often attach to appearances. He asks why looking one's best can be so important on spiritual, domestic and social planes.

In a programme that touches on fashion as displayed on Neolithic statues, in the court of Louis XIV and on contemporary catwalks, Mark talks to fashion historian Dr. Chris Breward, Professor of Cultural History at Edinburgh University, and introduces readings from William Hazlitt, Pat Parker and Mary Quant.

He also plays music by court composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, Peter Philips and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies.

The readers are Adjoa Andoh and Michael Feast.

Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4

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

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Something Understood

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