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Dr Thomas presents this omnibus edition of his history about the changing meaning and experience of friendship over the centuries.

Dr Thomas presents this omnibus edition of his history about the changing meaning and experience of friendship over the centuries

He explores working class Friendly Societies - pre-Welfare State, grassroots insurance schemes - in the 18th and 19th centuries; children's friendships and the invention of the idea of the best friend; the idea of dogs being "man's best friend"; the Victorian borderland between platonic and homosexual love; and the tragic impact of the First World War on male friendships.

Producer: Beaty Rubens.

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58 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Fri 4 Apr 2014 21:00
  • Fri 17 Jun 2016 21:00

What makes friendships last?

How familial, instrumental and emotional bonds keep people connected over many years.

Podcast