Helen Lewis: Great Wives

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BBC Radio 4 LW

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Factual: Life Stories

Helen Lewis meets the life partners of history's most famous geniuses.

For two decades, Great Lives on Radio 4 has explored what it takes to change the world. But Helen Lewis wants to find out what it takes to live with someone who changes the world.

For two decades, Great Lives on Radio 4 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?

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Helen Lewis: Great Wives: Series 1: Thanks for Typing

Thanks for Typing

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - Helen Lewis: Great Wives, Series 1, Thanks for Typing

Helen Lewis introduces some iconic figures from history and looks at the influence of their less well-known life partners.

For two decades, Great Lives on Radio 4 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.

In this episode, Helen turns her attention to those less well-known other halves who have taken on not just the role of Great Wife but also that of typist.  We meet Sonya Tolstaya, Vera Nabokov and hear what happened when the English professor Bruce Holsinger researched the phrase "my wife typed". 

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

Helen Lewis: Great Wives: Series 1

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Helen Lewis: Great Wives

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Thanks for Typing

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