Melvyn Bragg’s latest memoir, Another World, transports readers back to a pivotal moment in his life: October 1958. A nearly 19-year-old Bragg finds himself on a railway platform in Wigton, Cumbria, saying goodbye to his childhood sweetheart, Sarah, as he embarks on a new chapter at Wadham College, Oxford. This isn’t simply a recounting of university life; it’s a deeply personal exploration of class, culture, and identity during a period of significant societal change in Britain. The book picks up where his previous memoir, Back in the Day, left off, offering a continuation of Bragg’s compelling life story and a window into a bygone era.
Bragg’s Oxford, as he describes it, feels less like a traditional academic institution and more like a “theatre than a city, a spectacle rather than a habitation.” He entered Oxford as one of the youngest students in his cohort, a consequence of the phasing out of national service. This unique position, coupled with his working-class background, shapes his perspective as he navigates the complexities of university life. The memoir delves into his intellectual awakening, from grappling with challenging academic work – including the rigorous “prelims” exams – to discovering the works of Ingmar Bergman and engaging in passionate debates about the merits of jazz versus rock’n’roll. It’s a portrait of a young man finding his intellectual footing and his place in a rapidly evolving world.
A Young Man in a Changing Britain
Another World isn’t confined to the ivory towers of academia. Bragg’s experiences are interwoven with the broader political and social currents of the late 1950s. He participated in the Aldermaston march, a protest against nuclear weapons, and became involved in the anti-apartheid movement. Whereas, he later reflects on these actions with a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that his initial motivations were rooted in a lingering sense of imperial responsibility, viewing South Africa as falling under Britain’s moral obligation. This self-awareness is a hallmark of Bragg’s writing, demonstrating a willingness to critically examine his own beliefs and motivations. Even a seemingly innocuous possession – a globe-shaped pencil sharpener depicting the British Empire as a “continuous governing blur of pink” – serves as a potent symbol of the era’s lingering colonial mindset.
The book also offers a fascinating glimpse into the social dynamics of Oxford during this period. Bragg surprisingly finds himself fitting in remarkably well, noting the similarities between the city’s labyrinthine streets and those of his hometown, Wigton. The dining hall at Wadham College, with its “shovel them in, feed them up and usher them out” approach, even evokes memories of family holidays at Butlin’s, a popular British holiday camp. He quickly adapts to the prevailing student style, trading his Elvis Presley quiff for a more conventional haircut and adopting the uniform of grey flannels or cords and a sports jacket. Bragg’s ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds – “dully decent Tories” and “artier types” alike – underscores his inherent sociability and adaptability.
Class and Identity at Oxford
Bragg’s time at Oxford wasn’t without its moments of introspection. A brief return to Wigton, triggered by homesickness, resulted in him being treated as a local celebrity, “a messenger from Olympus.” However, the most challenging experiences were more internal: an unsettling out-of-body sensation during a formal dinner and a period of depression following his breakup with Sarah. His tutor, the esteemed early-modern historian Lawrence Stone, provided guidance and support, while the college warden, Maurice Bowra, offered a rather blunt assessment of the admissions policy – “Clever boys. Pretty boys. No shits!” – a statement that would likely raise eyebrows in today’s academic environment.
The memoir also touches upon the subtle yet pervasive class system that existed within Oxford. Variations in dress – “cavalry twills” being a marker of privilege – and room allocations reflected social hierarchies. Bragg recounts an encounter with Dennis Potter, the future television dramatist, who wryly observed that there were only three working-class men at Oxford: himself and Bragg, prompting the question of who the third might be. While Bragg acknowledges the presence of class distinctions, he suggests that they were largely suspended for the sake of scholarly pursuits, finding the snobbery “neither bruising nor even mildly offensive.”
An Anthropological View of a Bygone Era
The strength of Another World lies in Bragg’s ability to observe and analyze his surroundings with the detached curiosity of an anthropologist. He meticulously details the semiotics of his rooms overlooking the college quad and the ritualistic nature of the weekly tutorial, where he would read his essays aloud to Stone and await his judgment, comparing it to “the versicle and responses in medieval prayer.” The reviewer notes that the book is at its most compelling when it embraces this anthropological perspective, rather than devolving into a straightforward autobiography. Digressions into the subsequent careers of his peers, while interesting, occasionally detract from the central narrative.
Despite these minor criticisms, the young Bragg emerges as a relatable and engaging protagonist, mirroring many of the qualities of his older self: thoughtfulness, openness, and a genuine appreciation for the talents of others. Melvyn Bragg received an honorary degree from Oxford University in 2025, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts and broadcasting. Wadham College hosted him during the ceremony, celebrating his distinguished career.
Bragg’s Enduring Legacy
Bragg’s career has spanned decades, encompassing roles as a broadcaster, author, and parliamentarian. He began his journey at the BBC in 1961 as a trainee, quickly rising through the ranks to become editor of BBC Two’s first arts program, New Release. He is perhaps best known as the editor and presenter of The South Bank Display, a long-running program dedicated to the arts, which he has helmed since 1978. The Encyclopedia of TV & Radio details his extensive career, highlighting his commitment to showcasing artistic talent and his ability to connect with audiences.
His influence extends beyond television. Bragg has authored numerous novels and non-fiction works, and in 1998, he was appointed a life peer, becoming Baron Bragg of Wigton. He continues to be a prominent voice in British cultural life, hosting programs like In Our Time and The Routes of English on BBC Radio 4. His ability to bridge the gap between high culture and popular appeal has made him a beloved figure for generations.
Another World offers a captivating glimpse into the formative years of a man who would become a cultural icon. It’s a story of intellectual awakening, social navigation, and the enduring power of memory. The book, published by Sceptre, is available for purchase and provides a compelling read for anyone interested in British history, the evolution of Oxford University, or the life and work of Melvyn Bragg.
Readers interested in exploring Bragg’s earlier life can delve into his previous memoir, Back in the Day, which provides further context to the experiences detailed in Another World. As Bragg continues to contribute to the cultural landscape, his memoirs offer invaluable insights into a life dedicated to the arts and the exploration of the human condition.
Melvyn Bragg is scheduled to appear at several literary festivals throughout the spring and summer of 2026 to discuss Another World and his career. Details of these events can be found on his official website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Another World in the comments below and to engage in a discussion about Bragg’s enduring legacy.
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