Simon Jenkins proposes Edwin Lutyens, architect of New Delhi and the Cenotaph. Read more
now playing
Edwin Lutyens
Simon Jenkins proposes Edwin Lutyens, architect of New Delhi and the Cenotaph.
Philip K Dick
Michael Sheen champions Philip K Dick who has had an influence on his production of Hamlet
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Ludwig Wittgenstein, fascinating and misunderstood thinker, is chosen by Raymond Tallis.
Thomas Hobbes
Steven Pinker joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
Ludwig II of Bavaria
Brian Sewell on his love of 'Mad' King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Lonnie Donegan
Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter champions the life and work of skiffle king Lonnie Donegan.
Gracie Allen
Actress Emma Kennedy chooses the life of the American comedienne Gracie Allen.
Joseph Rotblat
Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees champions the life of his hero, physicist Joseph Rotblat.
Razia Sultana
Conservative politician Baroness Warsi nominates a 13th-century Indian princess.
Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas chosen by Welsh poet Owen Sheers.
Oscar Wilde
Will Self nominates Oscar Wilde.
Gertrude Stein
Erin Pizzey chooses Gertrude Stein. With Diana Souhami. Presented by Matthew Parris.
George Lyward
Tom Robinson explains how educationalist George Lyward saved his life.
Edward Said
Alexei Sayle explains why scholar and literary critic Edward Said inspired him.
John Ford
Eric Pickles chooses Hollywood director John Ford.
Goya
Diana Athill joins Matthew Parris to explore the life of Spanish painter Goya.
Sebastian Walker
Lynn Barber talks to Matthew Parris about Sebastian Walker of Walker Books.
Henry Cooper
Des Lynam chooses Henry Cooper for Great Lives.
Josephine Bonaparte
Josephine Bonaparte, first empress of France, chosen by Janine di Giovanni.
Walter Scott
Conservative politician, author and adventurer Rory Stewart chooses Sir Walter Scott.
Leonard Maguire
Matthew Parris in conversation with actor Bill Paterson about Leonard Maguire.
Juvenal
Matthew Parris and his guest Natalie Haynes encounter the Latin poet Juvenal.
Stan Laurel
Comedian and performer Ken Dodd explains how Stan Laurel inspired him to go into comedy.
Karel Reisz
Film-maker Stephen Frears champions his mentor, Karel Reisz.
George Orwell
Alan Johnson tells Matthew Parris about the impact George Orwell had on his life.
Edith Wharton
Naomi Wolf nominates Edith Wharton for Great Lives.
Dick Francis
Martin Broughton nominates Dick Francis, champion jockey and champion author.
Jean Cocteau
Francesca Simon tells Matthew Parris why Jean Cocteau's is a Great Life.
Prince Alamayu
Lemn Sissay chooses Prince Alamayu who, like him, was Ethiopian but fostered in Britain.
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Matthew Parris and Stuart Maconie celebrate the life of Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin, mad monk or righteous spiritual man ?