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In Our Time

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.

In Our Time: The Grand Tour

30/05/2002

The Grand Tour

BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, The Grand Tour

The origins and cultural impact of 18th century tourism.

Melvyn Bragg discusses the origins of the 18th century vogue for extensive European tourism for the younger aristocracy and the impact of these travels on British ideas about art and culture.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the origins and cultural impact of 18th century tourism. Samuel Johnson observed in 1776 that "A man who has not been in Italy, is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what it is expected a man should see." Johnson was referring, perhaps ironically, to the vogue for The Grand Tour, which reached its peak in the 18th century. The idea was for wealthy young travellers to finish their education with an extensive trip to Europe to experience its natural beauties, its cultural treasures and, if they were lucky, its sexual permissiveness. The standard route took in Paris and The Alps and some tourists, including Byron, made it as far as Greece. But the destination, par excellence, was Italy, with its Renaissance glories and classical splendours. What drove this desire for travel? Was it genuine cultural curiosity or simply the fashion? What impact did the Grand Tour have on British attitudes to art and culture? And were diplomatic relations between Britain and Europe helped or hindered by these travels? With Chloe Chard, Literary historian; Jeremy Black, Professor of History, University of Exeter, Edward Chaney, Professor of Fine and Decorative Arts, Southampton Institute.

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

Front Row

Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music.

Front Row: 30/05/2002

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, 30/05/2002

Jonathan Safran Foer author of novels including Everything is Illuminated.

Jonathan Safran Foer talks about his view of writers including Philip Roth and his attitude to fact and fiction.

Jonathan Safran Foer's first novel Everything is Illuminated employed a variety of literary techniques.  His second Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close drew on the events of September 11th.  He talks about his view of writers including Philip Roth and his attitude to fact and fiction. 

Starry Starry Night

Starry Starry Night: Rockin' Humber Delta Blues: Big Bill Broonzy

21/08/2001

Rockin' Humber Delta Blues: Big Bill Broonzy

BBC Radio 4 - Starry Starry Night, Rockin' Humber Delta Blues: Big Bill BroonzySearch BBC

Memories of the night Big Bill Broonzy sang the blues in Hull.

The night Big Bill Broonzy sang the blues in Hull, and afterwards ordered "double whisky and chips" at a greasy spoon.

Memories of the night Big Bill Broonzy sang the blues in Hull, and afterwards ordered "double whisky and chips" at a greasy spoon.

Ray Brown recalls occasions when big stars played small venues.

Five programmes in which Ray Brown recalls occasions when big stars played small venues.

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