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William Shakespeare

Poetry curator Daisy Goodwin nominates the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.

• 30 mins

Hans Fallada

Fast Show comic Simon Day tells Matthew Parris why he is fascinated by writer Hans Fallada

• 30 mins

Hildegard Von Bingen

Cerys Matthews on why 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen qualifies as a great life.

• 30 mins

Gerald Durrell

Former footballer Graeme le Saux champions conservationist Gerald Durrell.

• 30 mins

Emily Dickinson

The reclusive American poet Emily Dickinson is the choice of fellow poet Gwyneth Lewis.

• 30 mins

Edwin Lutyens

Simon Jenkins proposes Edwin Lutyens, architect of New Delhi and the Cenotaph.

• 30 mins

Philip K Dick

Michael Sheen champions Philip K Dick who has had an influence on his production of Hamlet

• 30 mins

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Ludwig Wittgenstein, fascinating and misunderstood thinker, is chosen by Raymond Tallis.

• 30 mins

Thomas Hobbes

Steven Pinker joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

• 30 mins

Ludwig II of Bavaria

Brian Sewell on his love of 'Mad' King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

• 30 mins

Lonnie Donegan

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter champions the life and work of skiffle king Lonnie Donegan.

• 30 mins

Gracie Allen

Actress Emma Kennedy chooses the life of the American comedienne Gracie Allen.

• 30 mins

Joseph Rotblat

Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees champions the life of his hero, physicist Joseph Rotblat.

• 30 mins

Razia Sultana

Conservative politician Baroness Warsi nominates a 13th-century Indian princess.

• 30 mins

Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas chosen by Welsh poet Owen Sheers.

• 30 mins

Oscar Wilde

Will Self nominates Oscar Wilde.

• 30 mins

Gertrude Stein

Erin Pizzey chooses Gertrude Stein. With Diana Souhami. Presented by Matthew Parris.

• 30 mins

George Lyward

Tom Robinson explains how educationalist George Lyward saved his life.

• 30 mins

Edward Said

Alexei Sayle explains why scholar and literary critic Edward Said inspired him.

• 30 mins

John Ford

Eric Pickles chooses Hollywood director John Ford.

• 30 mins

Goya

Diana Athill joins Matthew Parris to explore the life of Spanish painter Goya.

• 30 mins

Sebastian Walker

Lynn Barber talks to Matthew Parris about Sebastian Walker of Walker Books.

• 30 mins

Henry Cooper

Des Lynam chooses Henry Cooper for Great Lives.

• 30 mins

Josephine Bonaparte

Josephine Bonaparte, first empress of France, chosen by Janine di Giovanni.

• 30 mins

Walter Scott

Conservative politician, author and adventurer Rory Stewart chooses Sir Walter Scott.

• 30 mins

Leonard Maguire

Matthew Parris in conversation with actor Bill Paterson about Leonard Maguire.

• 30 mins

Juvenal

Matthew Parris and his guest Natalie Haynes encounter the Latin poet Juvenal.

• 30 mins

Stan Laurel

Comedian and performer Ken Dodd explains how Stan Laurel inspired him to go into comedy.

• 30 mins

Karel Reisz

Film-maker Stephen Frears champions his mentor, Karel Reisz.

• 30 mins

George Orwell

Alan Johnson tells Matthew Parris about the impact George Orwell had on his life.

• 30 mins