New Books Network

Brian Martin, an award-winning Canadian journalist, dives into Canada’s overlooked role in the Civil War. He shares the gripping story of how 20,000 Canadians fought on both sides and how the Underground Railroad served as a refuge for not just escaped slaves, but also for KKK members and Confederate leaders. Martin discusses the significant migration of Black people to Canada seeking freedom, the local reception of Confederate exiles, and the complex dynamics of neutrality in wartime. His insights reveal a captivating narrative of cross-border interactions.

Matthijs Lok, a senior lecturer in modern European history at the University of Amsterdam, dives into the complexities of conservatism in Europe. He explores the roots of counter-revolutionary thought during the French Revolution and how these ideas shaped modern European identity. Lok critically examines historical Europeanism, the duality of Enlightenment adoption by conservatives, and how past thinkers influenced contemporary debates. With intriguing insights, he offers a cautious optimism for the future of the European project amidst rising nationalism.

Scott W. Gregory discusses the transformations of the Chinese novel 'The Water Margin' in relation to print culture in early modern China. He explores how different editor-publishers adapted the novel, highlighting the novel's malleability and the impact of print on textual change. The discussion delves into the genre of Ming novels, paratextual characters, and the narrative reshaping of 'The Water Margin' in Ming print culture.

Ian M. Cook, an Anthropologist and Editor-in-Chief at Allegra Lab, discusses the fascinating world of academic podcasting. He explores how podcasting can liberate knowledge trapped in academia and the ethical challenges involved. Ian shares insights from interviews with 101 podcasting academics, revealing their motivations and practices. He emphasizes the importance of aligning engaging content with scholarly rigor and details best practices for collaborative podcasting. Discover how audio storytelling can reshape academic discourse in today's landscape.

Eve Warburton, Director of the ANU Indonesia Institute, dives into Indonesia's post-boom resource nationalism in her recent work. She explores how commodity booms influence nationalist policies and why these persist despite a market downturn. Warburton reveals the pivotal role of domestic businesses in driving nationalist agendas, contrasting outcomes in the mining and plantation sectors. Additionally, she examines the conflicts between firms and the state, and how environmental activists feel about nationalism's co-optation by private interests.

Stephen Skowronek, Pelatiah Perit Professor at Yale University and an expert in American political development, discusses his book on constitutional resilience. He argues that while American democracy has evolved through adaptability, this has created a paradox where greater inclusion can undermine constitutional stability. Skowronek explores historical governance shifts, the role of auxiliary institutions, and the intensified political conflicts stemming from these changes. He emphasizes the need for new unifying mechanisms to address ongoing societal challenges.

Dr. Julia H. Meszaros, an associate professor and expert in migration and gender dynamics, delves into the intriguing world of international dating markets. She discusses men's motivations for seeking partners abroad, driven by discontent with Western femininity. Julia also explores how locations like Ukraine, Colombia, and the Philippines serve as 'intimate frontiers' for men to extract 'femininity capital.' The conversation reveals unexpected social dynamics, including overlaps with sex tourism and the effects of geopolitical events on matchmaking practices.

Ofer Sharone, a sociologist at UMass Amherst and the author of *The Stigma Trap*, explores the hidden stigma surrounding long-term unemployment, revealing how even highly educated individuals fall victim. He discusses how recruiters' biases render qualified candidates invisible and the emotional toll that extended joblessness takes on identity and relationships. Drawing from personal stories, he emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change and greater emotional support to combat the shame that impacts job seekers' persistence.

Noam Sienna, a scholar specializing in Jewish culture during the medieval and early modern Islamic eras, discusses his book on Jewish literature in North Africa. He reveals how these texts connected communities from Morocco to Livorno. Sienna highlights the significance of physical books in cultural exchanges and the decline of Judeo-Arabic as newer languages took over. He also delves into the lives of overlooked artisans and shares a poignant story about the emotional attachment to books. Plus, he teases his next project on a 16th-century Sephardi printing press!

Clare Griffin, a history professor at Indiana University and author specializing in early modern Russian medical history, dives into the fascinating world of medicinal trade in Russia. She reveals how the apothecary chancery operated, highlighting the contrast between plant-based remedies and the controversial use of human-derived medicines in Europe. Griffin discusses the influence of Orthodox beliefs on medical practices and the surprising role of American botanicals in Russian health. She also shares insights from her ongoing research about soldiers’ wounds and the complexities of historical medical narratives.