New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Edward Shanks, "The People of the Ruins" (MIT Press, 2024)

Aug 6, 2024
In this lively discussion, Edward Shanks shares insights about his novel, which imagines a neo-medieval future in England. He explores how humanity adapts after civilization collapses, while Jeremy Tuft, a physics instructor frozen in time, grapples with the failures of his era’s ideals. They dive into themes of trauma, identity, and technological regression, reflecting on how these elements shape both Shanks' work and contemporary society. The conversation is rich with literary analysis and provocative thoughts on societal change.
Ask episode
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes