136 — Future Brunels? Learning from the Generation that Transformed the World. A Conversation with Dr. Helen Doe

The title of this episode is ”Future Brunels? Learning from the Generation That Transformed the World.” For my German listeners: this episode is a perfect complement to Episode 128. The first half of the 19th century was a time of remarkable transformation, with England as a major driving force behind changes that improved all aspects of our lives. In this episode, I explore the achievements of one key figure of this era, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, well-known in England but hardly recognized outside of it—a true shame. I’m confident you’ll agree with me by the end of this episode. However, the purpose of this episode isn’t just to travel back to the 19th century but to draw inspiration. What can we learn from this extraordinary generation of engineers and entrepreneurs for our time and the next generation?   Dr. Helen Doe is a historian, author, and lecturer. Her books range from maritime to RAF history. It is people, often the ordinary and sometimes unsung heroes and heroines, who attract her attention. She has published books on the economic and social aspects of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s great ships. The First Atlantic Liner featured the stories of the passengers and crew on Brunel’s first ship, which linked Bristol, Liverpool, and New York. This was followed by a book on the SS Great Britain. She has appeared on many Radio 4 programmes and on TV. She is a Fellow of the University of Exeter, where she previously taught a range of courses and supervised postgraduates. She is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS) and Chair of the British Commission for Maritime History. Helen was for many years a trustee of the SS Great Britain and, in 2018, was appointed as a member of the Council of Experts for National Historic Ships, a government advisory body.