New Books Network

Shlomo Pereira, a Rabbi and professor at William & Mary, discusses his work on Hebrew printing in late-15th-century Portugal, emphasizing the significance of manuscripts as the nation's surviving Jewish monuments. He spotlights the contributions of Rabbi Abraham Zakuto, an influential astronomer whose navigational tools aided explorers like Columbus. Pereira also explores the unique autobiographical style of Iberian Jewish commentators and examines how their history can bridge gaps with wider society, enriching the narrative of Iberian cultural heritage.

Tracy Pintchman, Director of Global Studies at Loyola University Chicago and guest editor of the recent special issue on Hindu narratives, shares insights into modern retellings of Hindu stories. She discusses how contemporary literature, like Amish Tripathi’s work, reflects cultural shifts and feminist perspectives. Tracy highlights unique practices such as Tamil women's protest rituals and the role of beauty parlors in religious commentary. They explore the significance of popular literature in understanding Hinduism's adaptive history and its innovative expressions in the diaspora.

Colin Williamson, a film historian and assistant professor specializing in animation history, explores the intersection of science and American animation in his work. He discusses how scientific ideas influenced iconic films like Disney's Fantasia and how early animators navigated industrial modernity. Williamson shares compelling links between public debates, evolutionary thought, and animation's evolution. His insights reveal unexpected historical connections that bridge art and science, reshaping our understanding of animation's role in cultural discourse.

Douglas Morris, a criminal defense lawyer and independent legal historian, dives into the story of Ernst Fraenkel, a lawyer who resisted the Nazis through legal means during a perilous time. Morris reveals how Fraenkel used law to defend persecuted individuals despite the oppressive regime. He discusses the concept of the 'dual state,' where the law coexisted with arbitrary violence. Fascinatingly, Fraenkel's illegal writings urged for socialist resistance, showcasing his strategic adaptability under a repressive system. Morris also touches on the survival luck and tactics that enabled Fraenkel's persistence.

Filip Kovacevic, a research scholar specializing in KGB history, dives into the intriguing world of Soviet spies turned authors. He uncovers how spy fiction not only reveals KGB culture and values but was also a strategic tool to influence Soviet society. Kovacevic discusses notable figures like Roman Kim, whose traumatic experiences fueled his writing, and Zoya Vaskarsenskaya-Ripkina, who masked espionage behind Lenin-themed tales. The conversation highlights the KGB's use of literature as soft power and explores the untapped landscape of Soviet spy fiction.

Suraj Milind Yengde, an Assistant Professor and author known for his work on caste and race, dives into the global implications of caste discrimination. He connects anti-caste movements in India with African-American political thought, shedding light on how migration reshapes identity. Yengde explores parallels between caste and race, discusses the impact of Dalit literature, and reviews recent caste activism in the U.S. His insights into the evolution of caste perspectives are particularly compelling, revealing the diverse struggles against systemic hierarchies.

Lin Hongxuan, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, dives into the unexpected synergy between Islam and Marxism in Indonesia from 1915 to 1965. He explores how these ideologies coexisted and evolved, highlighting the contributions of women like S.K. Trimurti and shedding light on lesser-known activists. Lin critiques simplistic labels like 'Islamist' and 'Communist,' revealing nuanced identities. He draws parallels with global movements and discusses his future research on progressive Islamic thought in the Indian Ocean.

Suvi Rautio, a social anthropologist and author, discusses her latest work on the remaking of Meili Village in China. She reveals how heritage projects, aligned with Xi Jinping's vision, reshape local traditions amid political pressures. Rautio examines the complex dynamics between local practices and technocratic oversight, highlighting gender roles in craft production and the transformation of Dong singing into a commodified performance. This unique lens unpacks the intricate interplay between nationalism, ethnicity, and rural revitalization in contemporary China.

The hosts dive into the intriguing twists of Pluribus, focusing on the shocking revelation behind Carol's discovery of human-derived ingredients. They explore cinematic influences, from found-footage horror to James Bond-style sequences, and the implications of genre shifts. A critical analysis of surveillance capitalism emerges through the symbolism of the HDP plant, while Diabate's Las Vegas escapades showcase a satire of modern loneliness. The contrasting narratives of first-world privilege and developing-world struggles highlight shared humanity.

James Franklin, Emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, delves into the connections between mathematics, ethics, and probability in his new book. He argues for the existence of absolute necessities in these fields, asserting that mathematical truths are directly tied to reality. Franklin critiques modern education's neglect of proof and emphasizes the importance of Aristotelian realism. He also explores how inherent human worth grounds ethical principles and discusses the implications of mathematical constraints on divine omnipotence.