Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Kurt Andersen

Episode 2 of 5

American writer Kurt Andersen traces America's long history of magical thinking, from the 1600s to the Trump presidency.

As he unpicks the fantastical beliefs that run through America's past and present, the writer and broadcaster Kurt Andersen asks if the US is now entering a post-truth era.

The author of Fantasyland and co-founder of Spy magazine, Kurt has spent many decades separating fact and fiction and in this essay he explores the historical roots of America's weakness for alternative realities.

From the religious visions of the Pilgrim Fathers and Joseph Smith, to the showbiz dreams of PT Barnum and Walt Disney, the proliferation of conspiracy theories and the new age of virtual reality and internet chat rooms, Kurt tells the story of a nation in which fantasy and reality have long been intertwined.

Producer: Julia Johnson.

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 19 Sep 2018 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 18 Sep 2018 09:45
  • Wed 19 Sep 2018 00:30

Listen to more Audio Books

Listen to more Audio Books

Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Subscribe to the Short stories podcast

Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Finding Your Story

Finding Your Story

Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?

主播大秀 Arts: Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.