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Ayn Rand, author and philosopher

Why the author and philosopher Ayn Rand is finding favour amongst the political right, how science is redesigning the rules of sex, and the secrets of a great picnic.

Why is Ayn Rand the author and philosopher, hugely popular in the late 1950's and 60's finding favour amongst the political right? Should parents be allowed to rely on their religious beliefs to stonewall medical opinion on what's best for their child? The biologist and science writer Aarathi Prasad on how Science is redesigning the rules of sex'. Plus British Glamour since 1950 a spectacular display of more than 60 ball gowns at the V&A. And Annabel Loyd shares the secrets of a great picnic.

Producer Di McGregor.
Presenter Jenni Murray.

Available now

58 minutes

Chapters

  • Research into terminal childhood illness

    Should parents be allowed to use their religious beliefs to ignore medical opinion? Andy Petros, a Paediatric Consultant from Great Ormond Street Hospital, joins Jenni to discuss.

    Duration: 08:04

  • Ayn Rand – her legacy for American politics

    Jenni speaks to Prof Jay Kleinberg, Emeritus Prof of history at Brunel University and Dr James Boys, visiting Senior Research Fellow at Kings in London about author and Philsopher, Ayn Rand.

    Duration: 10:18

  • Nina Bawden

    Carries' War author, Nina Bawden passed away yesterday, we play an extract from the interview with Jenni in 1994.

    Duration: 02:00

  • Ballgowns

    Co-Curator Sonnet Stanfill shows Judi Herman a stunning 1970s gown in a singular shape - just one of those designed by Japanese-born, London-based Yuki to be worn by the actress Gayle Hunnicutt.

    Duration: 05:31

  • Picnics

    Annabel Lloyd joined Jenni Murray to talk about Picnic Crumbs - her new book that documents just about everything to do with Picnics.

    Duration: 07:00

  • Aarathi Prasad

    Aarathi Prasad explores how reproduction is achieved in other species and the search in the 1950s for a virgin birth in the UK. She joins Jenni to discuss.

    Duration: 08:29

Broadcast

  • Thu 23 Aug 2012 10:00

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