In this engaging discussion, Simon Schama, a renowned historian and author, dives into his new book *Foreign Bodies*, exploring the fraught relationship between pandemics and human resilience. He reflects on the lessons learned from past health crises and the role of nationalism, using historical context to highlight current vaccine distribution challenges. Schama shares poignant stories of activists and pioneers who shaped the fight against outbreaks, illustrating humanity's complex dance with contagion and science throughout the ages.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Last Drink Before Lockdown
Simon Schama and Kavita Puri last met for a drink before the 2020 lockdown.
A doctor friend cautioned against hugging, an early pandemic precaution.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shift in Focus
Schama was initially writing about nationalism but shifted to pandemics after COVID-19.
This shift was influenced by nationalistic responses to the pandemic, like the UK withdrawing from the European early warning system.
insights INSIGHT
Early Global Health Efforts
The International Sanitary Conferences, founded in 1851, were the first international non-military/peace organization.
They focused on global public health, predating the World Health Organization.
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This book presents a detailed and engaging account of the French Revolution, covering the period from the late 1770s to the death of Robespierre in 1794. Schama avoids ideological interpretations, instead focusing on a chronicle of events, anecdotes, and biographical backgrounds of key figures. The book highlights the complexities and contradictions of the Revolution, including its impact on French society, the role of various social classes, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is praised for its thoughtful, informed, and revisionist approach to this pivotal historical event[1][3][4].
The Art of Power
My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi
In 'The Art of Power,' Nancy Pelosi shares her journey from being a housewife and mother of five to becoming the first woman Speaker of the House. The book chronicles her rise in Congress, her work with presidents from Bush to Biden, and her pivotal role in passing laws that saved lives and livelihoods, such as the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 and the transformation of healthcare. Pelosi also recounts her experiences during the Trump presidency, including her resistance to his policies and her actions during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The memoir includes personal anecdotes and reflections on her legislative achievements and her determination to guide her party through critical moments in American history.
Partition Voices
Kavita Puri
Partition Voices: Untold British Stories by Kavita Puri is a non-fiction book that captures the experiences of South Asians who lived through the partition of India in 1947 and later settled in Britain. The book includes interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a nuanced perspective on the trauma and legacy of partition. It explores how these events continue to shape the identities and family dynamics of those affected, providing a powerful insight into a pivotal moment in history.
Landscape in Memory
Simon Schama
Foreign Bodies
Sir Simon Schama
In *Foreign Bodies*, Simon Schama delves into the history of pandemics and vaccines, weaving a narrative that spans continents and centuries. The book highlights key figures like Waldemar Haffkine, who developed vaccines against cholera and bubonic plague, and explores the intersection of science, politics, and human experience during times of crisis.
Return of the Tribes
Simon Schama
This book aims to delve into the centuries-long conflict between universal ideals and local tribal emotions, bringing the story up to date in the context of modern nationalism. It is part of Schama's broader work on understanding national allegiance.
Lettres philosophiques
Voltaire
Les *Lettres philosophiques*, publiées en 1734, sont une série d'essais où Voltaire compare la société anglaise à la française, critiquant notamment les aspects religieux et politiques de la France. L'ouvrage a suscité un grand scandale en France en raison de ses critiques acérées contre le système de gouvernement et les enseignements religieux.
Letters Concerning the English Nation
Voltaire
Letters Concerning the English Nation, originally published in English in 1733, is a collection of essays by Voltaire that explore various aspects of English society, including its political system, religious tolerance, and scientific advancements. The work contrasts English institutions favorably with those of France, critiquing French despotism and the Church. It was influential in shaping American and European views on governance and liberty.
For this first episode of a two-part discussion, bestselling author, historian and broadcaster Simon Schama discusses Foreign Bodies, his new epic history of vulnerable humanity caught between the terror of contagion and the ingenuity of science. Produced in partnership with the British Library, the talk looks at how the narrative of cities and countries engulfed by panic and death, desperate for vaccines but fearful of what inoculation may bring, is one we have seen before in the past as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic. Joining Schama in conversation is our host, Kavita Puri, the award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author of Partition Voices: Untold British Stories.
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