New Books in Popular Culture

Ever since her triumphant debut in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the Wife of Bath, arguably the first ordinary and recognisably real woman in English literature, has obsessed readers--from Shakespeare to James Joyce, Voltaire to Pasolini, Dryden to Zadie Smith. Few literary characters have led such colourful lives or matched her influence or capacity for reinvention in poetry, drama, fiction, and film. In The Wife of Bath: A Biography (Princeton UP, 2023), Marion Turner tells the fascinating story of where Chaucer's favourite character came from, how she related to real medieval women, and where her many travels have taken her since the fourteenth century, from Falstaff and Molly Bloom to #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.A sexually active and funny working woman, the Wife of Bath, also known as Alison, talks explicitly about sexual pleasure. She is also a victim of domestic abuse who tells a story of rape and redemption. Formed from misogynist sources, she plays with stereotypes. Turner sets Alison's fictional story alongside the lives of real medieval women--from a maid who travelled around Europe, abandoned her employer, and forged a new career in Rome to a duchess who married her fourth husband, a teenager, when she was sixty-five. Turner also tells the incredible story of Alison's post-medieval life, from seventeenth-century ballads and Polish communist pop art to her reclamation by postcolonial Black British women writers.Entertaining and enlightening, funny and provocative, The Wife of Bath is a one-of-a-kind history of a literary and feminist icon who continues to capture the imagination of readers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Treena Orchard, an anthropologist and author, explores the chaotic world of dating apps in her memoir, Sticky, Sexy, Sad. She shares her personal journey from a lifelong luddite to a reluctant swipe culture participant, emphasizing the emotional toll of ghosting and the addictive nature of these platforms. Treena critiques the 'girl boss' persona on apps like Bumble and discusses the ethics of writing about personal experiences while fostering understanding. Her insights reveal the complex interplay of intimacy, identity, and technology in modern romance.

In a captivating conversation, DJ Sharon White shares her groundbreaking journey as a pioneering Black queer woman in 1970s New York's nightlife. She recounts her triumph as the first female resident DJ at The Saint and her unique sound that redefined disco. White highlights the importance of collaboration over competition and her experiences at iconic venues like Paradise Garage and Studio 54. With a deep passion for music and a trailblazing spirit, she reflects on her influence on younger DJs and the power of music in her life.

Cultural historian Jim Cullen discusses his book, which explores how 1980 was a crucial turning point in America. He delves into the political landscape, contrasting Jimmy Carter's struggles with Ronald Reagan's rise. Cullen also highlights how popular culture—films, music, and TV—reflected shifting ideologies, from Lennon and Springsteen to the escapism of shows like Dallas. He examines the mall bookstore revolution and how neoliberalism entered the mainstream, connecting these themes to today's cultural context while teasing his future work on Billy Joel and Springsteen.

Adrienne Domasin, editor of "The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Last of Us," delves deep into the psychological dimensions of the beloved franchise. She discusses how themes of trauma and grief resonate with audiences in both the video games and HBO series. Domasin offers a Marxist interpretation of the post-apocalyptic setting as a potential utopia and analyzes Joel's morally complex decisions, especially his pivotal choice at the hospital. She even shares her journey of shifting empathy towards Abby, showcasing the emotional depth of character perspectives.

Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, a scholar of media and popular culture, delves into her book, Videotape, exploring the cultural and technological evolution of videotapes. She shares fascinating insights into how VHS transformed entertainment and privacy. The discussion touches on the impact of VCRs on media consumption, the legal battles over fair use, and unintended consequences like DRM. Oana also examines videotape's role in Eastern Europe, its influence on societal changes, and nostalgic connections to today's viewing habits.

Michael Brown, a music curator at the Alexander Turnbull Library, dives into the fascinating world of vaporwave and Eyeliner's album, BUY NOW. He explores Luke Rowell’s unique journey from Lower Hutt's tech-infused childhood to his DIY music distribution. The discussion illuminates the cultural influences shaping Rowell's work, including the rise of internet music scenes and the post-2008 disillusionment. Brown also highlights the catchy slap-bass motifs and the album's critique of consumerism, positioning it as a standout in the new age of digital artistry.

In this engaging discussion, Lester D. Friedman, an esteemed professor and author, dives into the cinematic legacy of Steven Spielberg. He refutes the notion of Spielberg as merely a purveyor of spectacle, portraying him instead as a profound artist whose films often explore themes of family and morality. Friedman reflects on how Spielberg's work has evolved, from critiques of technology in Jurassic Park to the poignant storytelling in Schindler's List. He also highlights the socio-economic themes in West Side Story and shares insights on Spielberg's artistic vision that continues to resonate.

Doug MacCash, a seasoned New Orleans arts journalist, shares insights from his book on Mardi Gras beads. He explores the fascinating history of these vibrant tokens, tracing their origins to the 1870s and discussing their evolution from glass to modern plastic. MacCash reveals quirky anecdotes, such as the strange journey of radioactive glass beads, and the geopolitical implications tied to their production. He also reflects on family traditions around Mardi Gras and the emotional resurgence of parades after the pandemic, highlighting the cultural significance of this cherished celebration.

Michelle McSweeney, a linguist and data scientist, dives into the fascinating story of the word 'OK.' She traces its origins from a playful 1839 newspaper abbreviation to a global staple of communication. The discussion highlights how technological advancements—from telegraphs to television—shaped the word's evolution. McSweeney also explores the intersection of language and identity in the digital age, revealing how 'OK' became more than just a word, including its controversial uses today. Her insights shed light on our ongoing relationship with language and technology.