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Dan Brown; Wagner at 200; Eddie Braben remembered; Mary Beard's Cultural Exchange

An interview with bestselling writer Dan Brown, reflecting on Wagner as he turns 200, remembering Morecambe and Wise writer Eddie Braben, and Mary Beard's Cultural Exchange.

With Mark Lawson.

The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown discusses his latest novel about code-breaking called Inferno, a Dante inspired crime thriller set in the streets, museums and ancient buildings of Florence.

Richard Wagner is loved and loathed in almost equal measure. The composer of the musically ground-breaking Ring Cycle, Tristan and Isolde and Meistersingers is also known for his extreme political views, including anti-Semitism. Tomorrow is the 200th anniversary of his birth. Former England cricketer and Wagner fan Ed Smith debates if it's possible to look beyond Wagner's politics and celebrate his music.

Comedy writer Eddie Braben, best known for his work with Morecambe and Wise, has died aged 82. The radio critic Gillian Reynolds, who was a lifelong friend of Braben, reflects on his career and legacy.

In Cultural Exchange, in which leading creative minds reflect on a favourite cultural experience, Mary Beard chooses Laoco枚n and His Sons, a sculpture from Ancient Greece which depicts a key scene from the Trojan War.

Producer Ellie Bury.

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30 minutes

Chapters

  • Dan Brown

    Author Dan Brown discusses his latest novel Inferno

    Duration: 09:46

  • Remembering Eddie Braben

    Radio critic Gillian Reynolds remembers the late comedy writer Eddie Braben

    Duration: 06:01

  • Wagner at 200

    Former England cricketer Ed Smith talks about why he's such a Wagner fan

    Duration: 06:00

  • Cultural Excange: Mary Beard

    Mary Beard describes why she's chosen a sculpture from Ancient Greece

    Duration: 07:10

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Mark Lawson
Interviewed Guest Dan Brown
Interviewed Guest Ed Smith
Interviewed Guest Gillian Reynolds
Interviewed Guest Mary Beard
Producer Ellie Bury
Editor John Goudie

Broadcast

  • Tue 21 May 2013 19:15

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