A monumental work of popular history, making the case that the Beeb is as much of a National Treasure as the NHS.
In 1922, three men - only one of whom had previously heard of 'broadcasting' - founded the BBC. In doing so, Arthur Burrows, Cecil Lewis, and John Reith set out to accomplish something utterly bold: using what had been a weapon of war - Marconi's wireless - to remake culture for the good of humanity.
In The BBC: A People's History, professor and historian David Hendy traces the BBC from its maverick beginnings through war, the creation of television, changing public taste, austerity and massive cultural change. The BBC has constantly evolved, developing from one radio station, to television, then multiple channels and now the competition with the internet and streaming services.
This is a history of a now global institution that defines Britain and created modern broadcasting; it is also a reflection of 100 years of British history.
About the Author
David Hendy is Professor of Media and Cultural History at the University of Sussex. His books include Life on Air: A History of Radio Four, winner of the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award and Orwell Prize nominee, and Noise: A Human History of Sound and Listening.
Industry Reviews
'David Hendy's magisterial The BBC: A People's History is a truly wonderful book. Captivating, compelling, moving, and richly detailed it is both a ground-breaking and important history of our national broadcaster and one of the best things I have read on the transformation of British society, culture, and politics since the 1920s'
Matt Houlbrook, Professor of Cultural History at University of Birmingham
