Short History Of...

This episode traces the history of the Empire State Building, from the Astor family’s 19th-century mansions to its 1931 completion as the world’s tallest skyscraper.

Host John Hopkins recounts the events of September 11, 2001, through the perspective of a runner who witnessed the first plane strike the World Trade Center.

Dame Julie Andrews presents a preview of the new *Jane Austen Stories* season, introducing her immersive, unabridged reading of *Emma*.

Hosted by John Hopkins, this episode traces the life of Nina Simone, from her childhood in segregated North Carolina to her status as a civil rights icon.

Host John Hopkins explores the life of Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, from his father’s influence to his groundbreaking projects.

This episode explores the life of Salvador Dali, from his controversial 1936 diving suit lecture to his early years in Catalonia and Madrid.

This episode chronicles the life of Nellie Bly, a pioneering investigative journalist who exposed asylum abuses by faking insanity and circumnavigated the globe in 72 days.

This episode explores the life and legend of Ned Kelly, from his Irish convict heritage to his rise as a notorious bushranger.

Hosted by John Hopkins, this episode explores the historical crisis of calculating longitude at sea, illustrated by the 1707 Scilly naval disaster.

Host John Hopkins explores the 1916 Easter Rising, detailing how a small group of Irish nationalists, including Patrick Pearse and Countess Markievich, staged an armed rebellion against British rule.

This episode details the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, tracing its origins from Cold War politics and budget constraints to the fatal launch on January 28, 1986.

This episode details the 1983 Brinks-Mat robbery, where thieves stole £26 million in gold from a Heathrow warehouse.

This episode explores the origins of the United States, from colonial tensions with Britain to the Revolutionary War and the drafting of the Constitution.