New Books Network

Karma F. Frierson, an Assistant Professor of Black Studies at the University of Rochester, explores the rich cultural tapestry of Veracruz in her work. She dives into how locals reconcile their Afro-Caribbean roots with their regional identity, uncovering the layered meanings of Blackness. The discussion highlights the role of music and dance as access points to Blackness, while addressing the complexities of cultural recognition. Frierson also shares insights from her immersive fieldwork and future research on Black American expatriates in Mexico.

Bess Wohl, a celebrated playwright known for her impactful works, and Honor Moore, a poet and editor of a significant anthology on women’s liberation, dive deep into the exploration of feminism. They discuss Wohl's play, "Liberation," which intertwines personal stories with the broader women's movement. Key insights include the role of humor in activism, the emotional weight of mother-daughter relationships, and the importance of diverse narratives. Their conversation highlights how ordinary people can drive change, making feminism a collective journey.

Hilary Davidson, a noted dress and textile historian, shares her extensive insights on Regency fashion in a new illustrated guide. She explains the intricate details of male and female wardrobes, including corsets, breeches, and bonnets. Davidson debunks common myths, like the disappearance of petticoats, and highlights the signaling of social status through fabric choices. Quirky anecdotes, such as brandy-pouring boots and false calves, reveal the amusing side of Regency dress. She also hints at her next project focusing on shoes.

In this engaging conversation, Rosie Tapsfield, Director of Operations at City of Sanctuary UK, shares her insights on fostering inclusive practices for refugees. She discusses the political climate around immigration and highlights the growing hostility faced by those seeking sanctuary. Rosie also delves into the impacts of misinformation and anti-refugee narratives fueled by Islamophobia. Throughout the chat, she emphasizes community support, grassroots actions, and the need for reframing migration as a positive social force.

In this discussion, Zubeda Jalalzai, a scholar focusing on British and American portrayals of Afghanistan, dives into her book on literary representations of the region. She articulates how 9/11 spurred her research and examines the concept of literary license in the context of colonial power. Jalalzai also contrasts 19th-century romanticization with contemporary Afghan literature. Through her analyses, she aims to enrich Western understanding of Afghanistan and advocate for more diverse Afghan voices in the discourse.

Suzette van Haaren, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in digital medieval manuscripts, discusses her book, which explores the digitization of cultural heritage. She delves into the unique materiality of digital manuscripts, explaining how they affect our understanding of historical artifacts. Through intriguing case studies, she reveals the challenges of digitization, such as fragmentation and the emergence of memes. She also highlights tensions in preservation and the future of digital codicology, including opportunities for innovative research in the digital humanities.

In this engaging discussion, Johannes Zachhuber, a professor at Oxford specializing in early Christian theology, and Anna Marmodoro, a philosophy professor at Saint Louis University, delve into Gregory of Nyssa's profound work, On the Hexaemeron. They explore Gregory's unique views on creation, contrasting with his brother Basil's ideas. The conversation highlights the philosophical implications of simultaneous creation and the influence of Stoic thought on Gregory. Together, they shed light on why this significant text has been underappreciated and share exciting insights about the future of early Christian philosophy.

Christian Smith, a leading sociologist and author, delves into why traditional American religion is in decline. He discusses the cultural sidelining of faith, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly opting for 'spiritual but not religious' identities. Smith highlights the impact of societal shifts, from the rise of the internet to changing views on gender and sexuality. He also examines the paradox of mainline Protestantism's decline despite its cultural success, linking evangelicalism's struggles to political shifts and neoliberalism's effects on community ties.

Ben Wiggershaus, a biblical studies scholar and Assistant Professor at Belhaven University, dives into the complex Balaam narrative in Numbers 22-24. He explores the scholarly challenges of understanding this text and argues against traditional diachronic readings. Wiggershaus employs ancient Near Eastern sources to unravel the tensions within the Balaam Cycle. He intriguingly posits Balaam as a diviner with prophetic insights and clarifies the distinct forms of his oracles, shedding light on their narrative significance.

Dr. Chiara Rita Napolitano, a JSPS Postdoctoral Researcher at Kyoto University, explores the impact of overtourism on Kyoto's traditional neighborhoods. She reveals how many machiya and nagaya homes are being repurposed for tourist lodging, altering local identity and daily life. The conversation dives into the commercialization of 'authenticity' in cultural experiences and the architectural changes made for tourist comfort. Chiara also addresses the negative effects of tourism on residents, including rising rents and community displacement, alongside grassroots resistance efforts.