New Books in Intellectual History

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jan 25, 2026 • 1h 27min

Bradley R. Simpson, "The First Right: Self-Determination and the Transformation of International Order, 1941-2000" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Bradley R. Simpson, Associate Professor of History and Asian Studies at UConn, explains how self-determination evolved across the twentieth century. He traces competing visions from decolonization to indigenous and economic claims. Short, globe-spanning stories examine UN debates, small states, Pacific and African cases, and modern movements reshaping sovereignty.
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Jan 24, 2026 • 46min

Christian Raffensperger, "Authorship, Worldview, and Identity in Medieval Europe" (Routledge, 2022)

Christian Raffensperger, Kenneth E. Ray Chair in Humanities and medievalist focused on Eastern Europe. He discusses how medieval authors perceived a wider world beyond their locality. Conversations cover reintegrating Eastern Europe into medieval narratives, methods for reading authorship and intent, and diverse examples from Gregory of Tours to Marco Polo and the Primary Chronicle.
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Jan 22, 2026 • 57min

Michelle Henning, "A Dirty History of Photography: Chemistry, Fog, and Empire" (U Chicago Press, 2026)

Michelle Henning, a Professor of photography and media, dives into her book examining the deep ties between chemical photography, empire, and environmental impact. She reveals how photography's techniques were shaped by industrial capitalism and coal dependency. The discussion touches on how London's fog symbolized empire while complicating the photographic process. Henning also tackles the intersection of race and climate in colonial photography, alongside the environmental harms of major photography manufacturers. It's a thought-provoking exploration of visuals and their hidden histories.
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11 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 6min

Michael P.M. Fox et al., eds., " Framing the First World War: How Divergent Views Shaped a Global Conflict" (UP of Kansas, 2025)

Dr. Michael P.M. Finch, an expert in military thought, Dr. Aimée Fox, a historian focusing on First World War organizations, and Dr. David G. Morgan-Owen, specializing in strategy, delve into how divergent views shaped the First World War. They explore the concept of 'framing' in understanding warfare and discuss tensions between cultural and military histories. Key topics include the role of informal communication, the challenges of military expertise, and the impact of naval blockades on political perceptions. Their insights reveal the complexity and interconnectedness of wartime decision-making.
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Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 35min

John Samuel Harpham, "Intellectual Origins of American Slavery: English Ideas in the Early Modern Atlantic World" (Harvard UP, 2025)

John Samuel Harpham, an Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma, dives into the intellectual origins of American slavery, tracing ideas from ancient Rome through early modern thinkers. He discusses how English authors leveraged Roman law and natural rights theories to justify slavery, blending moral logic with economic interests. Harpham examines the evolution of perceptions about Africa, including the influence of travel narratives and the notorious Prester John legend. His insights expose the complex interplay between race and the emerging institution of slavery.
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Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 26min

Duncan Kelly, "Worlds of Wartime: The First World War and the Reconstruction of Modern Politics" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Duncan Kelly, a Politics Professor at the University of Cambridge and author of *Worlds of Wartime*, delves into how the First World War redefined modern political and economic thought. He explores Ilya Alévy's 'World Crisis' framework and critiques of Marx's labor theory. The discussion includes Ireland's republicanism, the debates surrounding Wilsonian federalism, and early neoliberalism's emergence. Kelly also reflects on how intellectual movements shaped wartime propaganda and the political landscape, drawing parallels across continents.
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Jan 18, 2026 • 51min

Keidrick Roy, "American Dark Age: Racial Feudalism and the Rise of Black Liberalism" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Keidrick Roy, Assistant Professor at Dartmouth College and author of *American Dark Age*, dives into the fascinating intersection of racial feudalism and Black liberalism. He unpacks how 19th-century America mirrored medieval Europe, revealing the pro-slavery rhetoric rooted in feudal metaphors. Roy highlights how Black abolitionists challenged these narratives, advocating for individual liberty and equality. He connects these historical themes to contemporary concerns, emphasizing that the antebellum Black liberal tradition offers crucial insights for today's political landscape.
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Jan 18, 2026 • 1h 2min

Mark Christian Thompson, "Phenomenal Blackness: Black Power, Philosophy, and Theory" (U Chicago Press, 2022)

In this discussion, Mark Christian Thompson, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of Phenomenal Blackness, delves into the transformative journey of mid-century African American thinkers. He highlights the shift from sociology to German philosophy, emphasizing how figures like James Baldwin and Amiri Baraka redefined Black expression through literature and aesthetics. Thompson also explores Malcolm X's use of language to challenge white supremacy and Angela Davis's intersection of aesthetics with political activism, positioning her as a leading voice in Black critical theory.
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Jan 17, 2026 • 58min

Catherine Clarke, "A History of England in 25 Poems" (Penguin, 2025)

Professor Catherine Clarke, a historian at the Institute of Historical Research, explores England's past through poetry in her upcoming book, A History of England in 25 Poems. She discusses how each poem serves as a portal to its historical context, revealing emotions from intimate to grand. Clarke analyzes the selection process, emphasizing narrative over literary fame. Delving into themes like societal roles and political commentary, she highlights pieces from Mary Leapor and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, illustrating poetry’s profound influence on national identity.
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Jan 17, 2026 • 42min

Mary E. Stuckey, "Remembering Jefferson: Who He Was, Who We Are" (UP of Kansas, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Mary E. Stuckey, an expert in American national identity and Professor at Penn State, explores her new book. She reveals how Thomas Jefferson's complex legacy shapes our understanding of American identity. Stuckey argues that Jefferson is a richer symbol than Washington due to his contradictions. She examines how presidents invoke his image, how monuments reflect different interpretations, and critiques popular culture's portrayal of him. Ultimately, she highlights how diverse representations of Jefferson reveal the multifaceted nature of what it means to be American.

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