New Books Network

Ariel Colonomos, a CNRS research professor at Sciences Po and author of "Pricing Lives: The Political Art of Measurement," explores the complex interplay between politics and the valuation of lives. He highlights how decisions on resource allocation reflect profound ethical dilemmas, revealing tensions between ethics, justice, and governance. Colonomos connects historical contexts to modern political frameworks, investigates Shakespeare's take on human worth, and underscores the need for global cooperation in addressing crises like hostage situations. The discussion navigates how human lives are commodified in political and economic systems.

Christopher C. Gorham, a lawyer and acclaimed author, dives deep into Henri Matisse's extraordinary life during Nazi-occupied France. He illustrates how Matisse's difficult personal circumstances led him to create revolutionary works, using innovative paper cutouts as acts of defiance. Gorham also sheds light on Matisse's family's brave resistance efforts amidst chaos, including his daughter's harrowing experience with the Gestapo. The conversation captures the profound power of art as a form of resilience against oppression during turbulent times.

Maria R. Montalvo, an Assistant Professor of History at Emory University and author of 'Enslaved Archives', discusses how legal records from antebellum America shaped the narratives of enslaved individuals. She reveals the challenges historians face in reconstructing these lives due to biased and fragmentary documentation. Through analysis of over 18,000 court records and five key lawsuits in Louisiana, Montalvo uncovers how enslavers manipulated legal scripts to exploit and commodify enslaved people, intertwining law, history, and personal stories.

Sari Pietikainen is an interdisciplinary scholar from the University of Jyväskylä, specializing in discourse studies and environmental humanities. She discusses her book 'Cold Rush,' focusing on the Arctic's race for natural resource extraction amid climate change. Interesting topics include the commodification of indigenous practices, the cultural significance of Arctic berry picking, and the complex dynamics of tourism labor in Lapland. Pietikainen also emphasizes the need for inclusive governance as the region navigates the impacts of climate change.

Cornelia C. Walther, an author and senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Initiative for Neuroscience, shares her insights on technology's impact on society. She discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted digital inequalities and the importance of embedding values in AI systems. Walther's concept of 'Aspirational Algorithms' aims to enhance human capabilities. The conversation also covers the urgency of creating pro-social technologies and the need for diverse voices in tech development to address global disparities.

Join Dr. Steve Tibble, an expert on the Crusades and honorary associate of Royal Holloway College, as he unravels the intertwined tales of history's legendary Assassins and Templars. Delve into their shared strategies of survival, from the promise of death to their violent rivalry during the First Crusade. Tibble explores how these groups shaped medieval power dynamics and their lasting impact on modern culture, echoed in video games like Assassin's Creed. Discover why their complex relationship was more than mere enmity and how their legacies continue today.

Betsy Golden Kellem, an expert on the unusual and author of 'Jumping Through Hoops,' dives deep into the hidden world of 19th-century female circus performers. She discusses how these boundary-breaking women, like Lavinia Warren and Millie-Christine McKoy, challenged societal norms through daring acts. Kellem reveals the circus as a cultural space that transformed gender roles, examining the balance of empowerment and exploitation. Her insights shed light on the captivating lives of these performers and their lasting impact on femininity in American culture.

J. Siguru Wahutu, an assistant professor at Yale University, delves into the intricate world of journalism in postcolonial Africa. He highlights the complexities of African narratives often overshadowed by external portrayals. Wahutu critiques the challenges faced by local journalists under foreign influence and emphasizes the importance of supporting indigenous media. He discusses the historical legacies of colonialism and their lasting impact on journalism today, advocating for a more context-sensitive approach that amplifies African voices in global reporting.

Jessica Urwin, an environmental historian, discusses her groundbreaking book on Australia's nuclear colonialism and its impact on Aboriginal communities. She reveals how Australia became a site of imperial exploitation through uranium extraction and nuclear testing. Urwin highlights the resilience of Indigenous peoples, who have consistently resisted these injustices and reclaimed their rights. The podcast delves into the legacy of these actions, the complexities of activism, and the deeper environmental and cultural harms caused by nuclear processes in Australia.

In this engaging discussion, Thomas Schlesser, art historian and director of the Hartung-Bergman Foundation, shares insights about his enchanting debut novel, featuring a young girl named Mona who learns about art during a period of temporary blindness. He explores the profound bond between Mona and her grandfather, their secret museum visits, and the emotional depths of artistic education. Schlesser also reflects on family dynamics, including struggles and connections, while discussing the multi-sensory impact of art and its relationship to life’s challenges.