Episodes

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011. Flax from the Ancient World20181015

All cloth begins with a twist.

Journalist Kassia St Clair, unravels the fascinating stories of how fabrics have shaped the world we live in, beginning with the secret power of the linens that wrapped the bodies of Egyptian pharaohs.

The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History written by Kassia St Clair

Abridged in five parts by Laurence Wareing.

Read by Francesca Dymond.

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.

The story of how fabrics have shaped the world we live in - from cloth to garment.

By Kassia St Clair. The story of how fabrics have changed and shaped the world we live in.

022. Twelve Thousand Caterpillars20181016

Silk has always been desired by rulers of nations.

Journalist Kassia St Clair uncovers the fascinating stories of how fabrics have shaped the world we live in, including the legend of the Chinese Empress who discovered the secrets of the silkworm.

Secrets of silk production are shared.

Abridged by Laurence Wareing.

Read by Francesca Dymond.

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.

The secrets of the silkworm - how fabrics have shaped our world. Reader Francesca Dymond.

By Kassia St Clair. The story of how fabrics have changed and shaped the world we live in.

033. Cotton is King20181017

What's been the worldwide impact of cotton production?

And how did denim become so popular?

Kassia St Clair unravels more of the stories behind our well-known fabrics.

Abridged by Laurence Wareing.

Read by Francesca Dymond.

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.

Story of cotton including the ever popular Levi blue jeans. Reader Francesca Dymond.

By Kassia St Clair. The story of how fabrics have changed and shaped the world we live in.

044. The Risks of Rayon20181018

All cloth begins with a twist.

The murky wartime history of rayon, nylon production in Delaware and the concern about the environmentally unfriendliness of synthetics.

Kassia St Clair unravels more of the stories behind our well-known fabrics.

Abridged by Laurence Wareing.

Read by Francesca Dymond.

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018

The dangers involved in producing synthetic fabrics like rayon.

By Kassia St Clair. The story of how fabrics have changed and shaped the world we live in.

055. Space and Swimming Suits20181019

Discover the surprising expertise behind Neil Armstrong's space suit and the technological developments that have allowed records to be smashed in swimming events.

Kassia St Clair concludes her survey of the fabrics that have shaped our world.

Abridged by Laurence Wareing.

Read by Francesca Dymond.

Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018

The fabrics used to dress astronauts and champion swimmers.

By Kassia St Clair. The story of how fabrics have changed and shaped the world we live in.