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Great Lives Episodes

  1.

    Frida Kahlo nominated by author Jessie Burton

    Artist Frida Kahlo is nominated by Jessie Burton. With Circe Henestrosa.

  2. Mussolini

    Benito Mussolini, founder of fascism and ruler of Italy 1922-1943

  3. Dolly Alderton on Doris Day

    Doris Day is the choice of Dolly Alderton, author, podcaster and columnist.

  4. Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy

    Sara Wheeler nominates her literary hero, Sybille Bedford.

  5. Billy Bremner of Leeds United

    Anand Menon chooses Leeds United captain, Billy Bremner.

  6. Sally Phillips on Hollywood star Myrna Loy

    Sally Phillips nominates her comedy star, Myrna Loy

  7. Victoria Wood

    Victoria Wood, creator of Dinnerladies, Acorn Antiques and As Seen on TV

  8. Maya Angelou

    Professor Olivette Otele chooses author Maya Angelou.

  9. Ursula Le Guin nominated by Kate Stables

    Earthsea author Ursula le Guin

  10. Frank Cottrell Boyce on Tove Jansson

    Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins.

  11. Rick Stein on Jim Morrison

    Chef, writer and presenter Rick Stein nominates Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors.

  12. Andi Oliver on Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison

    Andi Oliver chooses the Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison

  13. Kurt Vonnegut

    Kurt Vonnegut on Kurt Vonnegut, with a little help from Josie Long

  14. Charlie Parker nominated by Ken Clarke

    Charlie Parker - Bird - proposed by Ken Clarke

  15. Bill Bailey on his hero Alfred Russel Wallace

    Bill Bailey and his love for Victorian naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace

  16. Novelist Enid Blyton

    How can Enid Blyton not be a great life?

  17. Jeremy Paxman nominates Lord Shaftesbury

    Jeremy Paxman nominates the Victorian social reformer Lord Shaftesbury.

  18. Lee Miller, war photographer and model

    Lindsey Hilsum on the extraordinary life of Lee Miller.

  19. Just William / Richmal Crompton proposed by Peter Oborne with Martin Jarvis

    William Brown, star of the Just William books, proposed by Peter Oborne.

  20. Constance Agatha Cummings-John

    Author Chibundu Onuzo on the first elected female in Africa, Constance Cummings-John.

  21. Comedian Sindhu Vee on Prince

    The comedian Sindhu Vee nominates Prince, the musical superstar.

  22. Fiona Shaw nominates the actress Eleonora Duse

    Eleonora Duse, pioneering 19th-century actress, is the choice of Fiona Shaw.

  23. Philippa Perry on the Italian educator Maria Montessori

    Psychotherapist Philippa Perry on the Italian educator Maria Montessori.

  24. First Labour Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald

    Ramsay Macdonald, Labour's first Prime Minister, chosen by Shaun Ley.

  25. Caroline Quentin nominates Sir John Vanbrugh

    Caroline Quentin nominates the 17th century dramatist and architect Sir John Vanbrugh

  26. Laura Marling on Lou Andreas-Salome

    Laura Marling on the first female psychoanalyst Lou Andreas-Salom茅.

  27. Ed Balls nominates Herbert Howells

    Ed Balls discusses the influence of 20th-century composer Herbert Howells on his life.

  28. Robinson Crusoe

    Real-life castaway Lucy Irvine nominates Robinson Crusoe. With Martin Popplewell.

  29. Kamila Shamsie chooses Asma Jahangir

    Kamila Shamsie champions the life of the human rights lawyer Asma Jahangir.

  30. Shirley Collins on Alan Lomax

    Shirley Collins and Billy Bragg on the legendary American song-hunter Alan Lomax.

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