Holiday Reads: Mary Beard, Rory Stewart, Tomiwa Owolade and Tania Branigan

Dec 18, 2023

Guest

Rory Stewart

Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at Cambridge, dives deep into Roman leadership while contrasting it with today’s political landscapes alongside Rory Stewart, a former politician and podcaster. They highlight the weight of power through historical and modern examples. Tomiwa Owolade challenges American-centric views on race in the UK, emphasizing the unique experiences of Black communities. Tania Branigan shares insights on China's Cultural Revolution, exploring its lasting societal impacts and the importance of collective memory.

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INSIGHT

Cultural Revolution's Legacy

The Cultural Revolution, while officially unacknowledged, continues to influence contemporary Chinese society.
The U-turn on the zero-COVID policy, for example, mirrors the state's overreach during the Cultural Revolution.

ANECDOTE

Decade of Trauma

The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a devastating period in China, resulting in millions of deaths and widespread persecution.
It started as Mao's power grab but spiraled into intimate betrayals and ideological fanaticism.

ANECDOTE

Personal Reflections

Many individuals impacted by the Cultural Revolution are hesitant to discuss it, but some feel compelled to share their experiences.
Painter Shui Xin's portraits capture this, beginning with a childhood caricature of his teacher, who was later persecuted.

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Politics on the Edge

Rory Stewart

In 'Politics on the Edge', Rory Stewart recounts his experiences from being a political outsider to standing for prime minister, highlighting the challenges and absurdities of political life. The book critiques the decline in political standards, cronyism, and incompetence within the British government, offering a profound insight into the era of populism and global conflict.

The Years of Lyndon Johnson

A Biography

Robert A. Caro

The Years of Lyndon Johnson is a multi-volume biography that meticulously details the life of Lyndon B. Johnson. The series includes four published volumes: The Path to Power, Means of Ascent, Master of the Senate, and The Passage of Power. These volumes cover Johnson's early life in the Texas Hill Country, his rise through Congress, his tenure as Senate Majority Leader, and his assumption of the presidency after John F. Kennedy's assassination. The biography is known for its exhaustive research, including interviews with numerous contemporaries of Johnson and a deep dive into the historical context of his life and times[2][4][5].

Red Memory

Tania Branigan

Red Memory delves into the personal stories of individuals who experienced the Cultural Revolution, revealing how this tumultuous period continues to shape China today. The book explores themes of trauma, memory, and societal impact, offering a nuanced understanding of China's complex past and its influence on the present. Through interviews with both victims and perpetrators, Branigan sheds light on the unresolved national trauma that underlies modern Chinese society.

Emperor of Rome

Mary Beard

This Is America

Race, Gender, and Politics in America’s Musical Landscape

Katie Rios

This book examines how contemporary American artists, such as Childish Gambino, Laurie Anderson, Beyoncé, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, incorporate gestures of resistance into their works, challenging societal norms and advocating for social justice. It delves into the intersection of race, gender, and politics in American music.