Eric Hobsbawm discusses his life and history in BBC interview
Leading historian Professor Eric Hobsbawm, President of Birkbeck, talks to Simon Schama for BBC Radio 4
Leading historian Professor Eric Hobsbawm, President of Birkbeck, talks about his momentous life and shares his historical insights in a BBC Radio 4 interview with Simon Schama.
He describes the development of his political consciousness, his support for Communism, and his historical writings during the wide-ranging 58-minute conversation. Hobsbawm, aged 94, discusses his perspectives on the turbulent world events that have taken place during his life. In addition, the programme includes BBC archive clips from his previous interviews over the last few decades.
Hobsbawm has exerted a profound influence on the understanding of European and particularly British history through his books and other writings. He has also significantly shaped the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology since his arrival at Birkbeck in 1947, and continues to be actively involved in our intellectual community.
During the interview, Hobsbawm is asked about becoming an orphan (aged 14), his upbringing in Vienna and Berlin, and his move to England in 1933. His views about Marxism, globalisation and his passion for jazz are also discussed.
“Hobsbawm: A life in history” was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday 14 April, and is available via BBC iPlayer until 21 April.
Photograph © Jane Bown, 2002