Overview

A passionate vision of British television intellectuals as distinctive professionals using media to translate knowledge and serve the public good. Offering a pioneering exploration of one of Britain's most significant yet often overlooked television phenomena, this book traces the rise and development of the TV intellectual as a distinct presence over the past sixty-five years. Situated within the framework of public intellectual theory, it explores several of Britain's most notable and influential cultural figures, revealing how these unusual kinds of stars have combined creativity and intellect to engage wide international audiences. At the heart of these intellectuals' work lies a profound engagement with the concept of civilization—ranging from early concerns about its survival to critical reflections on colonialism and its legacies. The book shows how these influential figures, together with the television medium itself, have explored civilization in all its complexities, including thoughtful considerations of its future. Blending historical analysis with cultural critique, this book will appeal to students and scholars in media and cultural studies, offering a compelling study of the intellectual and creative forces shaping British television across decades.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Tulloch
Publisher:   Intellect
Imprint:   Intellect Books
Dimensions:   Width: 17.00cm , Height: 1.60cm , Length: 24.40cm
Weight:   0.607kg
ISBN:  

9781835952153

ISBN 10:   1835952151
Pages:   252
Publication Date:   27 February 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Awaiting stock  
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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Preface Introduction. Being a television intellectual: An ‘unusual type of star’ 1. Civilisation to Civilisations: Benchmark events 2. Jacob Bronowski’s The Ascent of Man: A feeling for language 3. Jonathan Miller’s Atheism: Irony and unshakeable disbelief 4. Marcus du Sautoy’s The Story of Maths: Solving problems as triumph and tragedy 5. Niall Ferguson’s The Ascent of Money: Landscapes of threat and opportunity 6. Simon Schama’s ‘The Two Winstons’ and ‘The Second Moment of Creation’: Then and now 7. Mary Beard’s Ultimate Rome: Legend as history, history as myth 8. Alice Roberts’ Digging for Britain and Pam Cox’s Servants: Reaching for the audience 9. David Olusoga’s ‘First Contact’ and ‘The Cult of Progress’: Imperial conquistadores or trading partners? 10. Janina Ramirez’s and Alastair Sooke’s ‘Beirut’: Barbarism, tourism and layered identity 11. Brian Cox: Seven Days on Mars: Expert identities 12. British television intellectuals: ‘A gateway to something else’ Coda. Tim Winton’s Ningaloo: ‘Resisting the false shape of closure’

Reviews

John Tulloch has produced a personal and passionate vision of British television intellectuals as professionals engaged in media as a force for change. He illuminates the historical power in the telling of stories and the translation of knowledge for public good. Moreover, Tulloch is a formidable champion of both the historians and the medium of television in rooting out civilisation and all its discontents. A truly unique book. -- Andrew Hoskins * Professor *

John Tulloch has produced a personal and passionate vision of British television intellectuals as professionals engaged in media as a force for change. He illuminates the historical power in the telling of stories and the translation of knowledge for public good. Moreover, Tulloch is a formidable champion of both the historians and the medium of television in rooting out civilisation and all its discontents. A truly unique book. -- Andrew Hoskins * Professor * “An engaging and scholarly look at the different ways British TV has sought to offer serious and challenging programmes over the last 60 years. Anyone who believes broadcasting has a role in education and public ideas - or has simply enjoyed high quality series - will relish this history.” Professor Richard Sambrook, School of Journalism, Media and Culture, Cardiff University

Author Information

Emeritus Professor John Tulloch has held senior academic positions at universities in Australia and Britain in a career of over fifty years. Spanning the academic disciplines of sociology, history, literary and performance studies, film studies, media and cultural studies he has published and co-published over twenty books internationally.

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