Radio Show Audio Books

Authentic voices from the past illustrate this unique history of the Twentieth Century, written by Joanna Bourke and presented by Tim Pigott-Smith.

Eyewitness provides a rare and fascinating opportunity to hear the events of the century described by those who saw them happen. A wealth of BBC archive recordings, some never previously broadcast, is interwoven with an illuminating commentary by the historian Joanna Bourke. Published in ten volumes, Eyewitness examines the role and the life of the British people in each decade of the century.

The 1900s began with British troops at war in South Africa and here soldiers of all ranks recall their part in the action. Whilst the death of Queen Victoria cast a sombre mood over the nation, Edward VII restored a sense of optimism and gaiety. For some life was lived on a lavish scale but there was also great poverty and the decade ended on a note of violence with suffragette militancy and political upheaval.

Compelling first-hand accounts offer insights into all aspects of the period - manners and fashion, discipline and religion, alcohol, work and sport. Voices of ordinary people mix with those whose names still resonate today: Lord Baden-Powell, Ben Travers, Marconi, Sylvia Pankhurst, Violet Bonham-Carter and H. H. Asquith.

Thought-provoking and moving, these are the voices of the past, speaking to the present.