Main content

Rachel Cooke looks at why political ambition invariably turns to disappointment, in fiction and in the real world, including her own thwarted forays into politics as a student.

From the fictional worlds of Yes, Minister and Trollope's Palliser novels to the real-life experiences of politicians including Rory Stewart and Chris Mullin, Rachel Cooke looks at the disappointments which seem to be built into political life and affectionately recalls her own thwarted political efforts during her student days.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Thu 9 Nov 2023 22:45

Broadcast

  • Thu 9 Nov 2023 22:45

Death in Trieste

Death in Trieste

A 1760s murder still informs ideas about aesthetics, a certain sort of sex, and death.

Watch: My Deaf World

Watch: My Deaf World

Five compelling experiences of what it is like to be deaf in 21st-century Britain.

The Book that Changed Me

Five figures from the arts and science introduce books that changed their lives and work.

Download The Essay

Download The Essay

Download all the episodes from the series and listen at your leisure.

Podcast