New Books Network

Robert Jan van Pelt, an esteemed architectural and Holocaust historian, dives into the remarkable history of the barrack—a unique structure that has served military and civilian needs since the late 16th century. He reveals how barracks evolved from military origins to become essential in disaster relief and global operations. Van Pelt discusses pivotal moments like the Crimean War's push for prefabrication and how mechanized transport transformed barrack design and use. His insights into the interplay of architecture and political space are captivating and thought-provoking.

Dr. Eram Alam, a historian of science and medicine at Harvard, dives into how immigrant physicians have reshaped U.S. healthcare over the last six decades. She reveals that a quarter of physicians are foreign medical graduates from regions like South Asia, a group often overlooked. Alam discusses the 1965 Hart-Celler Act, the bureaucratic challenges faced by these doctors, and the social perceptions that label them as 'outsiders.' She advocates for policy changes to acknowledge their essential role and emphasizes the need to combat xenophobia in today’s healthcare narrative.

Nora Kenworthy, a Professor at the University of Washington, delves into the complexities of medical crowdfunding in her research. She discusses how neoliberalism and racism influence who gets funded on platforms like GoFundMe, revealing disturbing inequalities. Kenworthy highlights the pressures individuals face to craft 'deserving' narratives, which often distort real needs. She also examines the emotional strains of crowdfunding campaigns and their societal implications, advocating for mutual aid as a way to reshape our understanding of healthcare support.

John Blair, a medieval historian and author, delves into the eerie world of vampire epidemics in his new book. He discusses how beliefs about dangerous corpses span cultures from Mesopotamia to modern Haiti. Blair explores the social crises that trigger fears of animated corpses and links these phenomena to witch hunts. He investigates the psychological and cultural contexts that give rise to such beliefs and even traces the evolution of vampire lore in Europe. His insights reveal the timeless fear of the dead that still influences society today.

Gavin Flood, a Professor of Hindu Studies at Oxford and author, shares insights from his latest work, exploring the concept of mind in Hindu Tantra. He discusses the tension between dualism and mind-body models, highlighting distinctions between atman and jiva. Flood delves into the historical journey of mind from Vedic texts to Tantric thought and connects it to comparative philosophy. His reflections on non-dual Shaivism reveal a cosmos infused with divine consciousness, emphasizing the importance of world-affirmation in Hinduism.

In this engaging discussion, historian Stephen C. Mercado, a former CIA analyst, delves into the secrets of the Noborito Research Institute, Japan's hub for military innovation during WWII. He reveals the intriguing research on death rays and balloon bombs intended for the Trans-Pacific Campaign. Mercado also discusses the institute's covert operations, including counterfeiting currency to destabilize China and developing biological weapons. Learn how veterans reflect on their complex legacies and the postwar fate of Noborito's personnel.

Elif Kalaycioglu, an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama, dives deep into UNESCO's World Heritage Regime, exploring how it shapes our understanding of cultural history. She discusses how the destruction of Palmyra ignited her passion for this topic. Kalaycioglu breaks down three frameworks of 'humanity' in global politics, highlighting the roles of experts and nation-states in dictating cultural narratives. She raises critical questions about the politics surrounding heritage sites and the future's potential for inclusion and representation.

Glenn Patterson, a celebrated Northern Irish novelist and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, joins sociologist David Cunningham to dissect the complexities of identity in post-conflict Belfast. They discuss the evolution of the term 'community' and its divisive implications, alongside the dangerous nostalgia surrounding sectarian violence. Patterson likens the notion of 'unseeing' in divided cities to the haunting narrative in China Miéville’s novel, emphasizing how urban landscapes contribute to social segregation. They also reflect on policing, visual markers of conformity, and the resurgence of violence fueled by political tensions.

Cosima Clara Gillhammer, a scholar of medieval literature and liturgy, sheds light on her new book, revealing the profound impact of Christian liturgy on Western culture. She discusses how liturgy influences art, music, and architecture, challenging the perception of it being stuffy. Cosima explores immersive rituals that engage all senses and the emotional depth found in texts like the Song of Songs and Stabat Mater. She also highlights modern artists incorporating liturgical themes, ensuring the ongoing relevance of these ancient practices.

Jakub Gortat, an Assistant Professor specializing in Austrian and German cinema, delves into the complexities of memory politics in post-war Austria. He highlights how films from 1945-1955 often avoided confronting the Nazi past, reflecting a national myth of victimhood. Gortat contrasts Austrian and German cinema, noting how narrative techniques downplayed war realities. He evaluates the impact of filmmakers' former Nazi ties on storytelling and recommends key films to better understand this era's cinematic landscape.