New Books Network

Bruce Berglund, a historian and author specializing in Soviet and Russian sports history, discusses how sports have been leveraged as a political tool in Russia for over two decades. He explores Putin's strategies to foster nationalism through sports, the manipulation of Olympic scoring by Soviet officials, and the extensive corruption surrounding the Sochi 2014 Games. The conversation also covers the intricate relationship between sports and politics, revealing how doping scandals and sanctions reflect a broader narrative of power and legitimacy in Russia.

Barry G. Webb, a distinguished biblical scholar and senior research fellow emeritus in Old Testament, discusses his profound commentary on Job. He explores how Job addresses undeserved suffering, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's sovereignty and justice. Webb shares the challenges he faced while writing, including personal health struggles, and offers insights on preaching from Job, particularly focusing on the theme of wisdom. He also connects Job's narrative with the New Testament, highlighting endurance and vindication in Christ as key takeaways.

Alison Bashford, a historian of medicine and science, delves into intriguing intersections of palmistry and science. She discusses how figures like Isaac Newton explored chiromancy and how Charles Darwin perceived the hand’s importance. Bashford reveals surprising links between palms and genetics, notably with Francis Galton’s work on fingerprints, and highlights the enduring cultural significance of palm reading across various traditions. Her research uncovers a fascinating narrative intertwining magic, medicine, and the quest to understand identity through our hands.

Kenneth Aizawa, a Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University–Newark, dives into the intriguing world of scientific reasoning in his latest work. He explores how scientists infer unobservable entities to explain observable phenomena, using the examples of Watson and Crick’s DNA findings and Hodgkin and Huxley’s ion research. Aizawa argues for 'singular compositional abduction' as a unique inferential practice. He emphasizes that this form of abduction not only proposes hypotheses but also confirms them through detailed examination of scientific practices.

Jeffrey Ahlman, a history professor and chair of African Studies at Smith College, delves into the intricate narrative of Ghanaian history in his latest book. He explores the evolving concept of Ghanaian identity over the past two centuries, highlighting the instability of national narratives. Cocoa emerges as a key player in shaping social and economic identities. Ahlman emphasizes the voices of ordinary Ghanaians over colonial figures, challenging traditional historical frameworks and hinting at future research on W.E.B. Du Bois's impact on African studies.

Rob Harvilla, a writer and music critic from The Ringer, dives into the wild world of 90s music. He shares how he chose songs for his book, weaving together nostalgia and personal anecdotes. Harvilla reminisces about memorable interviews, including a surreal chat with Courtney Love, and reflects on the era's chaotic beauty. He discusses his love for ska, the enduring influence of 90s bands, and his strong connection to the music that shaped his youth. Expect laughs, insights, and a touch of musical magic!

Amitav Acharya, a distinguished professor at American University and author of "The Once and Future World Order," dives into the historical perspectives on global order. He challenges Eurocentrism, arguing that world order predates the West and has roots in diverse civilizations like Persia and Mesoamerica. Acharya discusses the implications of the West's decline, presenting the opportunity for a more equitable future driven by non-Western voices. He also examines the Indian Ocean's ancient trade systems as models for modern, pluralistic governance.

Film critic Stuart Klawans dives into the vibrant world of Preston Sturges, the genius behind classic comedies like The Lady Eve and Sullivan's Travels. He unpacks Sturges' unique blend of visual storytelling and sharp dialogue, revealing a deep cynicism masked by humor. Klawans discusses the insightful portrayal of humanity in Sturges' films, his groundbreaking work with Black characters, and the dynamic use of a stock company of actors. With an eye for themes of stasis and the pursuit of success, this conversation offers new perspectives on Sturges' timeless works.

David Broder, a historian specializing in the Italian far right, discusses his book on the resurgence of fascism in contemporary Italy. He explores how Giorgia Meloni's Fratelli d'Italia party has evolved from Mussolini's legacy, blending harsh nationalism with EU support. Broder reveals the party's strategic rebranding while retaining core fascist elements, alongside the disturbing potential of neo-fascist groups in Italy's political landscape. He emphasizes the waning anti-fascist resistance and the troubling future of European far-right alliances.

Graeme Brooker, a Professor of Interior Design at the Royal College of Art and author of The Story of the Interior, explores how rooms shape human experience. He discusses the evolution of interiors, from nomadic dwellings to modern public spaces. Key themes include the five elements of a room, the social transformation of kitchens and bedrooms, and the significance of creative reuse in design. Brooker emphasizes the story behind each space, showcasing examples from iconic architecture to innovative repurposing projects.