This week, Lucy and Alex discover how James Shapiro created his landmark work on a formative year in Shakespeare’s life; and Miranda France on her spellbinding study of memoir and creative writing.

‘1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare’, by James Shapiro

‘The Writing School’, by Miranda France

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

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This week David talks to Helen Thompson about Dallas and the end of oil. How did the world’s most popular soap opera come to explain the energy crisis and the future of a world hooked on fossil fuels? Is the fate of the Ewing family – fire and ruin – going to be the fate of America? And did J.R. Ewing really pave the way for President Donald Trump? Plus David and Helen discuss ‘oil fictions’, from Isaac Asimov to Italo Calvino.

Watch the moment when ‘Miss Ellie Saves the Day’.

Helen Thompson on ’the cosmic stakes of the age of oil’.

Isaac Asimov’s imaginary report on a world without oil.

Italo Calvino’s short story, ’The Petrol Pump’.

Past Present Future is brought to you in partnership with the London Review of Books.

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