BBC Radio 4

IDEAS THAT HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLDThe best of an extraordinary 70 year archive, gathered in one volume for the first time. The prestigious BBC Reith Lectures have been enriching the world with new ideas since 1948. Every year, a world-leading thinker is invited to speak on a topic of their choosing, spanning art, science, nature, technology, history, religion, society, culture, politics and much more. Unearthing forgotten gems as well as sharing the latest in intellectual thought, Remarkable Minds is a time capsule into our changing world that provides wise words for turbulent times. With a foreword by Anita Anand, presenter of the Reith Lectures, and an introduction by Gwyneth Williams, controller of Radio 4, 2010-2019.

Every day is filled with opportunities for prayer as we ask for help in facing life’s inevitable difficulties, or seek ways of expressing our feelings of gratitude, love and joy. This special edition of some of the most moving, inspiring and comforting meditations and prayers broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Prayer for the Day is designed to be a true companion through our daily routine, as we make decisions, overcome challenges and open our hearts to others and to the world’s wonder. In these uncertain and insecure times, these prayers from a broad spectrum of religious traditions show how the faiths are united by a desire to talk with God. And they indicate how, with God’s help, our days can be times of healing, belonging, laughter and love, through the ordinary circumstances of our lives.

As we hurry through our often demanding lives, we long for stillness, for tranquillity, for social harmony. Yet in today's troubled world, peace can seem far away indeed. This inspiring collection of 40 meditations and prayers, drawn from the much-loved BBC Radio 4 series Prayer for the Day, makes clear that true peace begins with an inner quiet in which we may know our own thoughts - and hear the voice of God. Some of the prayers remind us of the calm that comes from being grateful, while others explore the many ways of living peaceably from day to day. From prayers for concord in the world to reflections that examine the meaning of peace in our hearts, this is a timely collection from a wide range of faith traditions, offering hope, reassurance and a vision for the future.

Toby Stephens stars in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization of Raymond Chandler s second Philip Marlowe mystery Fast-talking, trouble-seeking private eye Philip Marlowe is a different kind of detective: a moral man in an amoral world. California in the 40s and 50s is as beautiful as a ripe fruit and rotten to the core, and Marlowe must struggle to retain his integrity amid the corruption he encounters daily. In "Farewell, My Lovely," Marlowe has a chance encounter with a not-so-gentle giant outside Florian s nightclub. Just released from prison, Moose Malloy is looking for his old flame, red-haired Velma Valento, who he last saw eight years ago. Before Marlowe can blink, Malloy has smashed up the club, broken the manager s neck, and headed out of the door. Marlowe knows this mess is none of his business, but he has a hunch that he can find Velma. He just has to hope that curiosity doesn t get him killed as well Starring Toby Stephens, this fast-paced dramatization is full of wisecracks and colorful characters, and retains all the charm and humor of Chandler s stylish, suspenseful novel."