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When fiction comes to the historian's rescue

Lisa Jardine explores how fiction can be more useful than fact in helping us understand the past.

Lisa Jardine explores how fiction can be more useful than fact in helping us understand the past.

She examines two works of fiction (a recent radio play "The Chemistry Between Them" and Michael Frayn's celebrated stage work, Copenhagen) to show how they often cast far more light on their respective subjects - and particularly the emotions and personal convictions involved - than that found in the history books.

Producer: Adele Armstrong.

Available now

10 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Sep 2014 08:48

A point of view: When historical fiction is more truthful than historical fact

A point of view: When historical fiction is more truthful than historical fact

Fiction has the power to fill in the imaginative gaps left by history, writes Lisa Jardine.

 

Read Lisa Jardine's article on the BBC News website

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Lisa Jardine
Producer Adele Armstrong

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Sep 2014 20:50
  • Sun 7 Sep 2014 08:48

Podcast