Samuel Beckett
Every March 17th the world becomes Irish for a day as we celebrate the Welshman who brought Christianity to Ireland’s shores and cleansed the land of snakes. To mark this Saint Patrick’s Day ‘Talking History’ will be revisiting our show on the dramatist, poet, and author Samuel Beckett. Renowned for his surreal vision and bleak humour Beckett is regarded as one of the greatest writers and artists of the 20th century and a key figure in the transition from modernism to post-modernism.
Last year we were joined by a panel of authors, academics, actors, and friends as we delved into the life and work of Samuel Beckett. Join us this Sunday at 7pm as we take a look back at our discussion on one of Ireland’s greatest writers and authors.
Niccolò Machiavelli & The Prince
In the second hour we journey back to Renaissance Italy and the birth of political science and political ethics in the beautiful region of Florence. The historian, politician, and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli had been a key figure in the Republic of Florence, holding high office after the Medici fell from power. In 1512, however, this despotic family returned to power and Machiavelli fell from grace.
The following year the first draft of The Prince emerged. A blueprint on how best to conquer and rule this book made Machiavelli one of the most important figures in history as it influenced numerous tyrants and dictators around the world. 500 years after this work first appeared ‘Talking History’ looked at The Prince, its author Niccolò Machiavelli, and their lasting legacy. This Sunday at 8pm Patrick takes us back through this discussion and the lessons learned.
The Family of Darius before Alexander the Great, by Paolo Veronese 1565-70
