Paul Kennedy

Joe Solis-Mullen joins us to discuss historians you should read, from Marxist to Conservative to Libertarian. They cover prominent figures like Eric Hobsbawm and Barbara W. Tuchman. They delve into the work of historian Eric Hobsbawm, explore the medieval ages with 'The Distant Mirror', and highlight the importance of reading books from different perspectives. They also discuss popular history books, the differences between British and American historians, and the role of the partition of Poland in the American Revolution.

Paul Kennedy, a historian and former colleague of Jonathan Spence at Yale, shares heartfelt stories about the late Sinologist. He recalls the humorous struggles of British soldiers in Germany and engaging discussions about Chinese history with Henry Kissinger. Kennedy reflects on Spence's unique research approach, intertwining rigorous scholarship with personal anecdotes. He also highlights how Spence bridged history and business by creatively leveraging archaeological projects for corporate interests, emphasizing the lasting impact of Spence's work.