News
After 450 episodes, Matthew Parris thinks it's time to find out what makes a great life.
Statistician David Spiegelhalter champions the short, brilliant life of Frank Ramsey.
Who would marry a serial killer? Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII
Michael Wood on the great Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
The acclaimed playwright tells Matthew Parris why he's inspired by Keynes' life and work.
Curator and educator Okwui Enwezor championed by the architect Sir David Adjaye.
Comedian Tom Allen chooses the entertainer Kenneth Williams.
s O'Grady nominates Ernie Bevin
The singer and podcaster, Jessie Ware, chooses the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer.
The best-selling historian Peter Frankopan nominates Russia's "father of space travel"
Artist Frida Kahlo is nominated by Jessie Burton. With Circe Henestrosa.
Benito Mussolini, founder of fascism and ruler of Italy 1922-1943
Doris Day is the choice of Dolly Alderton, author, podcaster and columnist.
Sara Wheeler nominates her literary hero, Sybille Bedford.
Anand Menon chooses Leeds United captain, Billy Bremner.
Sally Phillips nominates her comedy star, Myrna Loy
Victoria Wood, creator of Dinnerladies, Acorn Antiques and As Seen on TV
Professor Olivette Otele chooses author Maya Angelou.
Earthsea author Ursula le Guin
Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins.
Chef, writer and presenter Rick Stein nominates Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors.
Andi Oliver chooses the Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison
Kurt Vonnegut on Kurt Vonnegut, with a little help from Josie Long
Charlie Parker - Bird - proposed by Ken Clarke
Bill Bailey and his love for Victorian naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace
How can Enid Blyton not be a great life?
Jeremy Paxman nominates the Victorian social reformer Lord Shaftesbury.
Lindsey Hilsum on the extraordinary life of Lee Miller.
William Brown, star of the Just William books, proposed by Peter Oborne.
Author Chibundu Onuzo on the first elected female in Africa, Constance Cummings-John.