The Brave New World

On 22nd November 1963, the world reeled at the news of US President John F Kennedy's assassination.

Meanwhile two of the 20th century's greatest literary figures passed away almost unnoticed.

The Christian apologist CS Lewis and the intellectual and philosopher Aldous Huxley both died on the same day.

Through archive and contemporary accounts, biographers Alister McGrath and Nicholas Murray, explore events that shaped the two authors.

Considering fiction like The 'Chronicles of Narnia' and 'Brave New World', they explore some of the ideas that made Lewis and Huxley such influential and prophetic figures of the last century.

The programme is set against the backdrop of some of the key events in history - the First and Second World Wars, the rise of fascism and modern consumer culture.

Featuring the voices of CS Lewis and Aldous Huxley

Contributors include:

Alister McGrath - biographer, CS Lewis
Nicholas Murray - biographer, Aldous Huxley
Dr Lucy Noakes - social historian

Producer- Mark O'Brien

First broadcast on the 50th anniversary on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.