Great Figures

What drives human thought? From Plato to Voltaire, Marcus Aurelius to Isaac Newton, Socrates to Descartes, Aristotle to Rousseau – these five-minute snapshots offer powerful insights into the people who shaped our understanding of life. Whether you're commuting, relaxing, or curious to learn something new: These short, vivid biographies offer quick insights, big ideas, and timeless inspiration.

Once upon a time, Amy's future seemed golden. Training to be a world-class ice dancer with her partner Austin, she dreamed of Olympic glory and the day when Austin would see her as something more than just the little girl he skated with. Then, in the blink of an eye, her whole life changed. Four years later, she's just another face in the crowd at her university journalism program and everyone calls her Mia. Only her closest friends and family know anything about her past or the dreams she used to have.

When it comes to ancient history, there are some names that will never be forgotten, and Alexander the Great is, without doubt, a perfect example of this timeless phenomenon. But beyond his rather illustrious title, few people could tell you very much more about Alexander, except, perhaps, that he was rather partial to conquering, had an amazing horse, and died very young.

Patrick Vernon's landmark 100 Great Black Britons campaign of 2003 was one of the most successful movements to focus on the role of people of African and Caribbean descent in British history. Frustrated by the widespread and continuing exclusion of the Black British community from the mainstream popular conception of 'Britishness', despite Black people having lived in Britain for more than 1,000 years, Vernon set up a public poll in which anyone could vote for the Black Briton they most admired.

Do you love history and everything about England and Britain? This audiobook is your ticket to the incredible stories of the people who shaped England. Learn about the nation's journey through the lives of its most important figures.