Thanks for Typing
Helen Lewis introduces some iconic figures from history and looks at the influence of their less well-known life partners.
For two decades, Great Lives on Radio 4 has explored what it takes to change the world. But Helen Lewis wants to ask a different question: what does it take to live with someone who changes the world?
Behind the history of genius lies a second, hidden history: the stories of people who give geniuses the time they need to flourish. This series explores the many "supporting roles" needed to sustain an apparently "singular" genius.
In this episode, Helen turns her attention to those less well-known other halves who have taken on not just the role of Great Wife but also that of typist. We meet Sonya Tolstaya, Vera Nabokov and hear what happened when the English professor Bruce Holsinger researched the phrase "my wife typed".
Written by Helen Lewis with additional voices from Joshua Higgott
Producer: Richard Morris
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Design: Chris Maclean
A ±«Óãtv Studios Production
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- Wed 8 Sep 2021 23:00±«Óãtv Radio 4
- Fri 25 Mar 2022 14:45±«Óãtv Radio 4
Five great wives from history you need to know about
Helen Lewis explores the oft forgotten women behind some of history's most iconic men.