500 years ago, Martin Luther challenged the authority of the Pope with a radical new vision of what Christianity could be. The revolution he set in motion has toppled governments, upended social norms, and transformed millions of people’s understanding of their relationship with God. In his dazzling global history charting five centuries of innovation and change, Ryrie makes the case that the world we live in was indelibly shaped by Protestants.

One of the world authorities on medieval children and schools examines the poetry and stories of the middle ages, the myths and the legends. Chaired by Simon Mundy.

In the early evening of 16 October 1834 a huge ball of fire exploded through the roof of the Houses of Parliament, creating a blaze so enormous that it could be seen by the King and Queen at Windsor. Rumours as to the fire’s cause were rife. Was it arson, terrorism, the work of foreign operatives, a kitchen accident, careless builders, or even divine judgement on politicians? Chaired by Jesse Norman.

The film adaptation of Fflur Dafydd’s bestselling novel Y Llyfrgell, (The Library), starring Catrin Stewart (Doctor Who, Stella), is an offbeat thriller set in the National Library of Wales. The film, directed by Euros Lyn (Broadchurch, Happy Valley, Daredevil), explores the secrets and lies at the heart of storytelling. The author and actress discuss the film and show clips with journalist and writer Jon Gower.

Spowers is the Chief Engineer and Founder of Riversimple, whose goal is simple – to pursue, systematically, the elimination of the environmental impact of personal transport. Spowers, Clancy and their team have created Rasa, a super-efficient, hydrogen-powered car. They are joined by Will Vaughan, CEO of Hereford Pedicabs and Cargo, who provide financially and environmentally sustainable services by bike – including parcel delivery, trade waste recycling, inner city advertising and pedicab hire.

The Untold Story: The Environment in Fiction 

The legendary musician shares the insights and experience of his sixty-year career with Clemency Burton-Hill. ‘This book distils what, at my advanced age, I feel able to say about music, musicians, and matters of my pianistic profession.’

The NHS collects people’s confidential data to provide their care but how else is it used? Should people be able to opt out of uses of their health data for purposes such as medical research, improving public services or commercial uses? Dame Fiona Caldicott is the National Data Guardian for Health and Care in England; Sir Nick Partridge is the former CEO of the Terence Higgins Trust and Dr Tony Calland is a former GP in Wales. Chaired by Professor Jonathan Montgomery, Professor of Health Care Law at University College London.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the hells and joys of fatherhood, but Brian’s fabulous stories will be a consolation, a guide and a friendly treasure.

As support for the extremes of the political spectrum increases across Europe, and Britain threatens to pull out of the EU, what does the future hold for our continent? Abbas is a research associate at the University of Cambridge, Bickerton is a lecturer in politics and Karcher is a research associate in the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages. Simms is the author of Britain's Europe: A Thousand Years of Conflict and Cooperation.

Novels by authors well-known from TV have been remarkably well received by readers. Apart from the authors’ fame as journalists and news readers on different channels, their forays into fiction have brought a new flavour to the literary scene. Fiction written by people who compile and convey news stories day after day contains dreams and stories that are worth taking a look at. What does journalism bring to literature? Marta Fernández and Sandra Barneda talk to Inés Martín Rodrigo and Jesús García Calero.

Produced live by the IE School of Communication Medialab team and broadcast via live streaming on the culture section of www.abc.es

With an increasing population, climate change and concerns about food (in)security, new and innovative farming methods are required. Steve Dring started the UK’s first underground farm based in disused air raid shelters, growing herbs and salad plants.

Is chaos descending on Mount Everest? Why are Sherpas and Westerners fighting on the slopes? How come the Nepalese authorities have had to put an army post at base camp? And what about the ever-younger age of climbers? Do 13-year-olds really belong in this lethal place? Everest Summiteer Matt Dickinson discusses these dramatic changes and presents a fact-filled journey to the top of the world’s highest mountain. He also discusses his new teen novel The Everest Files, which follows an Everest expedition from the point of view of a 16-year-old Sherpa climber.
8+ years

Melvin Burgess talks to Anthony McGowan about the unusual genesis of The Hit, Melvin’s new book – a tense and violent thriller based on a very interesting premise.

12+ years