Profiles in Contrast
Sophie Manners delivers her thoughts on the life and times, traits and exploits of a prominent historical figure and then contrasts that individual with a mystery modern-age figure who is similar in the arc of their life, their personal credo, and how they have been treated by history. She begins with a brief biographical sketch, followed by a tease in which she describes the modern era contrasting figure before revealing their identity. She then explains her reasoning for her choice and contrasts the pair before concluding with summary comments and a personal statement about which one she finds the more compelling figure and why.
Music by Gregor Quendel from Pixabay
Profiles in Contrast
Latest Episodes
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Stuart, a woman widely known as Mary Queen of Scots, led a remarkable life marked by tragedy, abdication, imprisonment and execution. Sophie traces the arc of her tumultuous life and links her to a universally loved and admired...
Thomas Manners - 1st Duke of Rutland
Sophie's profile of Thomas Manners is especially poignant and personal, as she counts the Tudor-era nobleman and courtier of Henry VIII among her ancestors. Her comparison with a long-serving statesman and diplomat from the other side of ...
Leonard Euler
Sophie once again steps outside of her comfort zone to examine the life and myriad contributions of famed Swiss mathematician Leonard Euler. Euler not only introduced much of our modern mathematical notation but also defined the value of ...
Banastre Tarleton
Regarded as among the most skilled leaders of the British military during the American Revolution, Banastre Tarleton waged a vicious campaign against patriots in the south. Sophie has chosen a similarly controversial 20th century military leade...
