New Books Network

Max Adams, a field archaeologist and author, teams up with Colm O'Brien, a retired archaeologist, to delve into the rich history of Early Medieval Northumbria. They discuss the significance of starting their narrative in AD 367, highlighting the decline of Roman control and the emergence of territorial lordship. The duo explores how Christianity reshaped Northumbrian kingship and its vibrant intellectual culture. They challenge the notion of a decline post-7th century, linking coinage and trade continuity to Northumbria's enduring influence, even in the face of Viking raids.

Hélène Landemore, a Yale political science professor known for her innovative approach to democracy, dives deep into the challenges posed by elite manipulation of language. She critiques electoral representative democracy, emphasizing its oligarchic tendencies and advocates for sortition and citizen assemblies. Landemore discusses powerful examples from Iceland’s constitutional experiment and contemporary movements like France's Yellow Vests, showcasing the potential for citizen-driven governance. She also addresses concerns about competence and the importance of teaching collaborative decision-making.

Vanessa S. Williamson, a senior fellow at Brookings and expert on governance and tax policy, discusses her book on the intricate relationship between taxation and democracy in American history. She reveals that critical social movements were often sparked by tax disputes, debunking the myth of Americans as inherently anti-tax. Williamson explores pivotal historical moments like the Boston Tea Party, Shays' Rebellion, and the fiscal goals of Radical Reconstruction, arguing that taxes have operated as both a tool for equality and a flashpoint for conflict throughout U.S. history.

Irina Borogan, an investigative journalist now in exile, and Andrei Soldatov, co-founder of Agentura.ru, dive into their new book that chronicles the painful split among friends in journalism against Putin's regime. They discuss the shock of former colleagues embracing authoritarian ideologies, the establishment of a watchdog for Russian security services, and the early signs of media suppression. Their experiences illuminate the stark contrast between early hopes for democracy and the grim reality of a controlled society, urging reflections on the complicity of intellectuals in both Russia and the West.

Carlo Rotella, a Professor of English at Boston College and author, dives into the transformative power of literature in the classroom. He shares insights from his experience with skeptical first-year students questioning the value of humanities. Rotella discusses strategies for engaging diverse learners, the impact of technology on student participation, and the significance of hands-on literary skills in everyday life. He masterfully illustrates how literature fosters critical thinking and community, proving its worth beyond mere job preparation.

Wendy I. Zierler, a professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies, shares her poignant journey through grief in her memoir, drawing deeply from Hebrew poetry. She discusses the challenges of mourning as a woman in an Orthodox community and the healing power of poetry amidst loss. Zierler highlights individual poets like Yehuda Amichai and introduces her hybrid approach of combining memoir with scholarly insight. Her passion for translating modern Hebrew women's literature shines through, as she reveals the deeper connections poetry provides to both personal and communal experiences.

Henry H. Sapoznik, an award-winning author and musicologist, explores the rich tapestry of Yiddish popular culture in New York City. He discusses how the COVID pandemic inspired his book, detailing the Jewish history behind famous foods like knishes and the significance of cafeterias. Sapoznik shares fascinating insights on the influence of Yiddish culture on mainstream media and the role of Black cantors. He also highlights the cultural spread beyond the Lower East Side and reflects on what Yiddish New York means today.

David Boyk, an Associate Professor at Northwestern University, dives into the rich history of Patna, once a thriving Mughal city now seen as part of the mofussil. He explores its vibrant intellectual culture, fueled by Urdu literary gatherings and institutions like the Khuda Bakhsh Library. Boyk discusses the impact of railroads on Patna’s economy and the campaign for a separate Bihar province, highlighting how its uniqueness thrived from provinciality. His insights reveal how local identity shaped broader cultural and political movements.

Dorie Greenspan, a five-time James Beard Award-winning baker and cookbook author, shares insights from her new book, Dorie's Anytime Cakes. She reflects on how living between New York, Connecticut, and Paris has influenced her baking style. Dorie discusses the charm of simple cakes, her treasured family memories, and the joy of baking as a communal experience. She explores unique recipes like the Thanksgiving Cake and savory options such as Harissa-Lemon Loaf, highlighting the beauty of bringing diverse culinary traditions into everyday life.

Heath Pearson, an Assistant Professor of Sociocultural Anthropology at Georgetown University, explores the intricate relationship between community life and incarceration in Cumberland County, New Jersey. He shares his journey into this research, emphasizing the importance of everyday joy amid confinement. Engaging stories reveal how people resist and build lives alongside prisons. Pearson also addresses the historical context of confinement and imagines alternative futures through creativity and mutual aid, hoping to inspire beauty and solidarity.