The Essay Episodes Available now
John Patrick McHugh on Calypso—Reading Ulysses
Short story writer John Patrick McHugh chooses the fourth episode of Ulysses: Calypso.
Anne Enright on Telemachus—Reading Ulysses
Anne Enright gives us a close reading of the opening pages of James Joyce's Ulysses.
Arthur Begins—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
The Essay explores the peoples and myths of Iron Age Albion. Miles Russell reveals Arthur.
Pytheas and the Iron Sea—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
The peoples and myths of Iron Age Britain. Mandy Haggith on the voyages of Pytheas.
In Search of the Druids—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
Take a woad trip across Iron Age Britain. Ron Hutton demystifies the story of the Druids.
The Maeatae—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
Playwright David Greig encounters the marsh-dwelling Maeatae in Scotland's Ochil Hills.
Boudicca - Warrior Queen—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
The Essay unearths the peoples of Iron Age Britain. Writer Ilka Tampke dreams of Boudicca.
The Demetae—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
Poet Menna Elfyn senses the enduring presence of the Demetae in Carmarthen.
Queen Cartimandua and the Brigantes—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
Historian Nicki Howarth-Pollard pieces together Queen Cartimandua's reign and fate.
The Parisi—Unearthing Britannia's Tribes
Melanie Giles describes the chariot burials that distinguish the Parisi of East Yorkshire.