The 2013 CBC Massey Lectures, "Blood: The Stuff of Life"

Ideas | CBC Radio | Posted: November 11, 2013 5:00 AM | Last Updated: November 11, 2013

Image | Blood by Lawrence Hill

Caption: Author Lawrence Hill examines the many ways blood keeps us alive and defines who we are in the CBC Massey Lectures book edition, Blood: The Stuff of Life. (T. Leedhahl/Anansi)

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Blood runs red through all of us and carries the same life-giving energy to every human being. We've learned a lot about the science of blood, but it is as complex and mysterious as ever. Culturally, blood has a mystique all its own, and what it stands for — tribe, family, race, gender — has divided us since the beginning of time.

Blood pulses through our religions, through literature and the visual arts, and every time it pools or spills, we learn a little more about what brings human beings together and what divides us.

Renowned author Lawrence Hill takes us on a fascinating journey through the story of blood. His CBC Massey Lectures, Blood: The Stuff of Life, is published by House of Anansi.

Listen to the 2013 CBC Massey Lectures:

Media Audio | Ideas : Lecture 1 : "Blood Counts" by Lawrence Hill (2013 CBC Massey Lectures)