New Books Network

Ulinka Rublack, a historian of early modern Europe and professor at Cambridge, dives into the material culture of the Renaissance through the lens of Albrecht Dürer. She explores how elaborate clothing signified social status and constructed masculinity, particularly through cloaks in 16th-century art. Rublack highlights Dürer's self-portraits as bids for social recognition and discusses how bespoke garments reflected personal identity and global trade dynamics. Her insights reveal the intricate relationship between style and social relations during this transformative era.

Dr. Chiara Rita Napolitano, a JSPS postdoctoral researcher at Kyoto University, explores the fascinating world of machiya, traditional urban homes, and seikatsu bunka, the culture of everyday life. She discusses the impact of COVID on cleaning habits in traditional versus modern settings and reveals how communal cleaning practices like kadohaki have historically strengthened community ties. Chiara also examines the shifts from traditions tied to kegare, or pollution, to modern cleanliness norms, illustrating how these transformations reflect social changes in contemporary Japan.

Chaim Gingold, a scholar and author, dives deep into the cultural history of computer simulation through the lens of SimCity. He discusses how Will Wright's groundbreaking game melded cellular automata with user-friendly design. Gingold also examines Maxis's journey, highlighting the challenges faced after their IPO and how business dynamics affect creativity. He shares fascinating archival discoveries, including Eames photos of children creating model cities, offering a nostalgic counterpoint to digital simulation. This insightful conversation unveils the intricate web of influences behind one of gaming's pillars.

Matthew A. Tattar, an Associate Professor at the U.S. Naval War College, explores the dynamic interplay of military innovation and adaptation. He challenges the notion that innovation guarantees success in warfare, arguing that advantages quickly dissipate. Tattar highlights the critical role of organizational flexibility, using case studies from World War I and II to illustrate how effective responses, like convoy tactics, can thwart adversaries. He also underscores the importance of adapting strategies and resources, suggesting that flexibility often trumps being the first mover in military conflict.

Graham Harman, a prominent philosopher known for his work in object-oriented ontology, discusses his new book, Waves and Stones. He explores the intriguing relationship between continuity and discontinuity in various fields like physics, evolution, and architecture. Harman questions whether our reality consists of significant turning points or gradual shifts, analyzing concepts from general relativity to quantum theory. He also touches on Aristotle’s distinctions and critiques reductionist views, offering a fresh perspective on the fabric of reality.

John Tolan, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Nantes and expert in Islamic history, dives into his new book, exploring Islam's rich tapestry from its origins to the present. He challenges conventional narratives, emphasizing Islam's diversity amidst legal, mystical, and civic tensions. Tolan discusses the impactful roles of figures like Rabia al-Adawiyya and Ibn Battuta, the complexities of interfaith relations, and critiques modern Arab nationalism. He also hints at his next project, examining the interconnections between anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

Aubrey Gabel, an Assistant Professor of French at Columbia University, dives into the intriguing world of literary ludics in this conversation. She explores how French authors used playful methods to navigate political turmoil post-World War II. Gabel highlights Oulipo's unique strategies, including Raymond Queneau's and Georges Perec's experimental writing that encodes history. She also discusses Monique Wittig's feminist perspectives and the impact of playful forms on diverse political expressions. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of language and politics!

Julia L. Hairston, a literary scholar specializing in early modern Italian literature, and John C. McLucas, a translator with a background in Latin, dive into Tullia d'Aragona's epic poem, The Wretch. They explore the intriguing journey of Guerrino, a nobleman turned slave on a quest for identity. Discussion highlights Tullia's significant role in female epic writing, the challenges of translating her work, and the compelling themes of gender and alterity. The guests also shed light on Tullia's narrative style and her impact on future women writers.

Mark Deuze, a Professor of media studies at the University of Amsterdam, dives into the paradox of passion in creative careers, revealing how it can lead to burnout and mental distress. He discusses the lack of research on wellbeing in media work, the structural issues contributing to worker health problems, and the need for collaboration with occupational medicine. Deuze emphasizes the importance of transforming workplace culture through concrete strategies like transparent leadership and check-ins, ultimately offering hope for healthier creative environments.

Katrina Navickas, a Professor of History at the University of Hertfordshire, dives deep into the history of protest and public spaces in England. She reveals how iconic locations like Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park transformed from common ground to contested spaces under restrictive policing. Navickas explores the connections between historical protests, from the Suffragettes to modern-day movements, and discusses ongoing struggles for public access and the right to protest in an increasingly regulated environment.