Great Lives

Will Self chooses Oscar Wilde, author of The Importance of Being Earnest. Matthew Parris presents with expert contribution from Franny Moyle, biographer of Mrs Oscar Wilde.

Dylan Thomas proposed by another Welsh poet Owen Sheers in a specially recorded edition at Bristol's More Than Words Listening Festival. Includes Richard Burton reading Under Milk Wood. Matthew Parris presents.

Co-chairman of the Conservative party Sayeeda Warsi tells Matthew Parris why she's fascinated by the much mythologized thirteenth century Indian princess Razia Sultana, who ruled for less than four years in the 1230s but has long been celebrated as the first female Indian Muslim leader. They are joined by writer and expert on India, William Dalrymple.

The pacifist Vera Brittain - who bore witness to the toll of the First World War on her generation - is discussed by her daughter Baroness Shirley Williams and Dr Clare Gerada. Presented by Matthew Parris.

Matthew Parris is joined by the actress Emma Kennedy to explore the life of the American comedienne Gracie Allen.

Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees tells Matthew Parris why his hero, physicist Joseph Rotblat, lived a "great life". Rotblat was a brilliant physicist who was the only scientist to resign from the Manhattan Project once it became clear that Germany would not make an atomic bomb. Joining them in the studio is Rotblat's friend and colleague Kit Hill.

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter tells Matthew Parris why skiffle king Lonnie Donegan is his hero. Lonnie Donegan is probably best remembered for the novelty hits "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour? " However, early hits like "Rock Island Line" were instrumental in inspiring the likes of John Lennon, Brian May and Roger Daltrey to perform.

Brian Sewell on his long-standing love of "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who built the ultimate fantasy castle at Neuschwanstein. Presenter Matthew Parris and contributor Simon Winder find out more...

Thomas Hobbes: the writer and psychologist Steven Pinker joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life of the great English philosopher. Noel Malcolm from All Souls College, Oxford provides the expert analyis. Power and violence are themes of the discussion of Hobbes who, Steven Pinker argues, was "perhaps the first cognitive psychologist."

Ludwig Wittgenstein, the fascinating and misunderstood genius who changed the course of philosophy, is chosen by writer Raymond Tallis. With biographer Ray Monk, he brings alive this most enigmatic of men and his singular life. And to make sure that they don't get lost in Wittgensteinian thought, presenter Matthew Parris brings along a whistle to blow whenever he feels in danger..

Actor Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon; The Queen; Midnight in Paris) explores the life of Philip K Dick, and explains how this enigmatic science-fiction writer has influenced his recent production of Hamlet.

The bard himself, William Shakespeare, is nominated for great life status by poetry curator, Daisy Goodwin. Dominic Dromgoole of the Globe Theatre joins Matthew Parris.

Great Lives. Former England footballer Graeme le Saux champions the life of conservationist Gerald Durrell. Also joining presenter Matthew Parris is Geralds widow Lee Durrell.

The singer and broadcaster Cerys Matthews tells Matthew Parris why she thinks the life of the 12th century nun, Hildegard von Bingen qualifies as great.

Edwin Lutyens, architect of New Delhi and the Cenotaph, chosen for Great Lives by Simon Jenkins. Expert advice from Lutyens great grand daughter Jane Ridley and presented by Matthew Parris.