New Books Network

David Chanoff, a visiting research professor and biographer, sheds light on Anthony Benezet, a largely overlooked Quaker teacher whose moral teachings significantly influenced the abolitionist movement. Chanoff discusses Benezet's unique background and how his revolutionary ideas reached prominent figures like Benjamin Franklin and Granville Sharp. He highlights Benezet's groundbreaking night school for Black children and his innovative arguments against slavery, illustrating the enduring impact of this remarkable yet forgotten figure on both American and British history.

Faisal Devji, an Oxford-based historian and theorist of modern Islam, explores themes from his book, Waning Crescent: The Rise and Fall of Global Islam. He discusses how Islam became viewed as a global historical actor in the 19th century amid imperial decline. Devji highlights the implications of defining Islam beyond religious or political frameworks. He also examines the role of women in representing Islam, and the modern vulnerabilities of historical figures like Muhammad. These discussions illuminate the complex relationship between Islam and contemporary political movements.

Gracen Brilmyer, an Assistant Professor at McGill University focusing on feminist disability studies and archival practices, and Lydia Tang, an Outreach Coordinator with a rich background in archives, explore critical intersections of disability and the archival profession. They discuss the launch of their book, emphasizing how preservation is a political act against ableism. The duo also highlights the significance of accessibility in archives, personal narratives from disabled archivists, and the future of documenting disabled knowledge amid contemporary challenges.

Emma Heaney, a scholar of comparative literature and Marxist feminism, discusses her book, This Watery Place. She explores the complex realities of gestation, critiquing societal neglect around reproductive care and the politics of infancy. Heaney shares her experiences with IVF and postpartum anxiety, linking these to broader political feelings. She challenges notions of viability in reproductive law and promotes mutual provision over extraction in care relationships. The conversation also touches on the impact of war on parenting and children.

Julie Dobrow, a biography professor, joins to discuss her compelling work on Elaine Goodale and Charles Eastman, an interracial couple bound by love and activism. The podcast delves into their tumultuous journey from different backgrounds, social fame, and the strain of public scrutiny. Dobrow reveals the impact of personal tragedies, including the 1918 influenza loss, on their marriage. With insights from their letters and archival research, she paints an emotional picture of their lives and the context of their times.

Arpitha Kodiveri, an environmental law and justice scholar at Vassar College, dives into her book on the complex dynamics of forest governance in India. She discusses the historical tensions between the state and forest-dwelling communities, highlighting the innovative strategies these communities use to secure their rights amid environmental challenges. Kodiveri introduces her concept of 'negotiated sovereignty,' advocating for a more collaborative approach to conservation that heals historical divides. Her insights reveal how legal frameworks can both empower and constrain Indigenous stewardship.

Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, an associate professor with a focus on media and political systems, dives into her book, Videotape. She examines how VHS transformed privacy and entertainment, influencing both Eastern and Western cultures. Oana discusses factors like the Betamax lawsuit and its impact on fair use. She explores the paradox of videotape as a tool for socialization in the Eastern Bloc and its role in undermining communist regimes. Insightful connections to today’s streaming habits and right-to-repair debates round out an engaging conversation.

Michael Brown, a music curator at the Alexander Turnbull Library, dives into Eyeliner's 'BUY NOW,' a cornerstone of the vaporwave genre. He explores the nostalgic 80s and 90s influences behind the album and how Luke Rowell, under the alias Eyeliner, critiqued consumerism through digital soundscapes. The discussion highlights how DIY music production has evolved and the cultural shifts in New Zealand's music scene. Brown also dissects the sonic elements of the album, showcasing its appeal in both the internet age and beyond.

Shatema Threadcraft, an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and author, dives into the haunting realities of Black femicide and its implications on democracy. She discusses how Black women’s premature deaths often go unnoticed in political mobilization, emphasizing the need for a focus on intimate partner violence. Threadcraft explores activism strategies like missing persons initiatives and data advocacy, highlights the historical and political significance of figures like Emmett Till, and argues for a Morrisonian approach to transforming narratives around violence and justice.

In this engaging discussion, John Bodnar, a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of History, delves into the complex landscape of American patriotism after 9/11. He contrasts belligerent and empathetic forms of patriotism, shedding light on how national shock spurred aggressive pride. Bodnar explores the tensions surrounding memorials and the impact of domestic violence on Muslim communities. He also critiques the militarization of patriotism in contemporary politics while highlighting the pushback from empathetic voices and faith groups advocating for empathy and asylum rights.