So, while we're on the topic of BBC documentaries, here's another major find (apologies if its already known):
The Story of Maths, presented by Marcus du Sautoy. (Start with Part 1/4 Episode 1 and follow the links).
Ok .. so the topic of mathematics is pretty dry, but I find this documentary is so well made, its almost enough to inspire one to turn to the 'dark side' and think about becoming well … OMG .. a mathematician …
!!
(As an aside: Marcus du Sautoy (OBE) is the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. In October 2008, he was appointed to the Simonyi Professorship for the Public Understanding of Science, succeeding the inaugural holder Richard Dawkins).
The series is quite lengthy, but it traces the history of maths from ancient Egypt all the way through to modern day. I've waded through most of it and I find each episode totally fascinating, and for me, it serves as a reminder of the usually long-forgotten breadth, depth and immense importance mathematics has in our daily lives. I learned many things of which I was blissfully unaware, by watching this one.
For my 2 cents worth, I'll give it another 9.5/10 rating … its just superb !
Cheers