New Books Network

Beau Cleland, a historian and assistant professor, delves into his book, exploring how informal networks of pirates, smugglers, and scoundrels significantly influenced the Confederacy during the Civil War. He reveals how these private actors facilitated blockade-running that was crucial for the South's survival. Cleland discusses the miscalculations of 'King Cotton' diplomacy, the challenges of Confederate supply chains, and even connects these networks to John Wilkes Booth's assassination of Lincoln. His insights recast the war as a hemispheric affair shaped by these hidden alliances.

Dylan Taylor-Lehman, a journalist known for exploring niche communities, discusses his book about Chicago's amateur pool players. He delves into the personal significance of pool, highlighting players' identities and the pursuit of glory at the APA World Pool Championships. Listeners hear about the city's rich pool history and the distinctions between eight-ball and nine-ball. He also reveals insights on strategic position play, the APA's teaching role, and the dynamics of sandbagging. Dylan makes a compelling case for why everyone should give pool a try!

Michal A. Piegzik, a PhD in Japanese private law and author specializing in the Pacific War, discusses his book on the Battle of the Coral Sea. He delves into the significance of the battle from Japan’s perspective, emphasizing their strategic overreach despite early victories. Using Japanese primary sources, he reveals the human element in commanders’ decisions and details the underappreciated importance of the clash. Piegzik also examines the repercussions of the battle for future engagements, particularly the pivotal Midway confrontation.

J.D. Sargan, a book historian and Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia, dives into the intersection of trans studies and medieval book history. He explores the political nature of archival spaces and how historical narratives often exclude queer and trans experiences. Sargan discusses his 'experiment in bibliography,' offering innovative methodologies to uncover diverse premodern gender identities. He also introduces Eleanor Reichner, a medieval trans figure, and examines how tactical readings can recover agency in hostile records, proposing new models for understanding manuscript transmission.

Carlo Rotella, a Professor of English at Boston College and acclaimed author, explores the dynamics of teaching in his latest work. He shares insights from his experience with a skeptical classroom during the tumultuous spring of 2020. Topics include engaging disinterested students, turning negative book reactions into critical analysis, and fostering discussion as a practical workshop for ideas. Rotella reveals the importance of knowing students' backgrounds and adapting teaching methods for the AI age, offering practical advice for early-career educators.

Susan C. Stokes, a distinguished political scientist from the University of Chicago, discusses the alarming trend of democratic backsliding. She reveals how elected leaders often undermine their own democracies, driven by structural opportunities and political incentives. Stokes critiques global patterns and a shared playbook among backsliders, emphasizing the crucial role of public resistance and institutional support. She also probes the difficult choices pro-democracy actors face—whether to uphold ethical norms or employ tough tactics to defend democracy.

José Blanco F. is an Associate Professor in fashion history, while Raúl J. Vázquez-López researches Puerto Rican popular culture. They delve into how Puerto Rico's colonial past shapes its fashion identity, discussing the revival of Taíno imagery and the symbolism of the Jíbaro. The duo explores the impact of diaspora on dress practices, festival costumes, and the significance of Miss Universe pageants in portraying national identity. They also touch on contemporary influences like Bad Bunny and future projects related to Caribbean fashion.

Shilla Lee, a postdoctoral researcher focusing on contemporary craft and rural revitalization in Japan, dives into the pottery industry of Tamba Sasayama. She discusses how local potters are central to rejuvenating rural areas, transforming them into spaces of hope amid challenges. The concept of a 'creative village' is explored, highlighting its importance in fostering community and culture. Lee emphasizes the value of everyday practices and local engagement over top-down initiatives, unveiling the nuanced social dynamics within pottery and village life.

Gregory S. Wilson, a distinguished professor of history at the University of Akron, dives into the gripping tale of the Kepone disaster in Virginia. He shares how personal ties to the James River fueled his research on this toxic tragedy. Wilson highlights the intertwining of corporate negligence, environmental impact, and regulatory failures. He also explores the human cost of the disaster through worker stories and legal battles while discussing the broader implications for environmental management and the persistent legacy of Kepone.

Claire Parnell, a digital publishing lecturer at the University of Melbourne, dives into the complexities of self-publishing in her book, exploring platforms like Amazon and Wattpad. She reveals how these platforms, despite seeming democratizing, reinforce systemic biases against authors of color and queer voices through their algorithms and cultural structures. Parnell also discusses the impact of AI, censorship on LGBTQIA+ content, and the resistance strategies authors employ to reclaim their space in the digital publishing landscape.