New Books in History

Tracy Borman, a prominent historian and chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces, delves into her latest work exploring the tumultuous end of the Tudor dynasty. She reveals new insights into Elizabeth I's mysterious succession and debunks the long-accepted narrative that James was her chosen heir. Borman discusses the power struggles and rival claims of Elizabeth’s time, the hidden motivations behind her decisions, and fascinating evidence showing William Camden’s alterations to historical texts to legitimize James’s reign. A riveting look at monarchy, legacy, and deception!

In this engaging conversation, Eric Lee, a historian and journalist known for his work on Georgian history, delves into the 1924 August Uprising in Georgia. He explores its roots in the brief democratic independence following the Russian Revolution and the brutal Soviet crackdown led by Beria. The discussion highlights the ideological clash between social democracy and Bolshevism, shedding light on the uprising's significance in shaping modern democratic socialism. Lee connects these historical events to today's political landscape, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Georgia's struggle.

Ellen Muehlberger, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan, explores the intimate knowledge ancient peoples had of one another in her new work. She discusses how public culture and rituals reinforced Christian power in late antiquity, and examines the social dynamics behind classroom role-playing and male dominance. Muehlberger tackles fascinating concepts like the 'Superfather' in early church authority, and how crowd surveillance served as evidence of belief, while also emphasizing the challenges and joys of presenting historical narratives.

Colleen Dunlavy, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and author of 'Small, Medium, Large,' explores how U.S. government policies shaped manufacturing standards. She discusses the crucial role of medium-sized firms in adoption processes and the influence of key figures like Hoover. The conversation touches on how wartime efforts standardized production and even affected fashion trends. Colleen also previews her upcoming work on corporate history, delving into how state structures shaped incorporation.

Michelle C. Smith, an author and scholar specializing in rhetoric and gender studies, dives into her book exploring intentional communities like Brook Farm, Harmony Society, and Oneida. She discusses how these communities redefined women's labor amid industrialization and how their legacies shape contemporary gender dynamics. Highlights include varying approaches to domestic work and childcare, gendered ecologies across societal roles, and the nuanced success of these historically significant movements. Smith also hints at her forthcoming work on WWII gendered labor, promising more insights into evolving feminist histories.

Clint Smith, a staff writer for The Atlantic and acclaimed author, delves into the legacy of slavery in America through the lens of his bestselling book. He explores historic sites like Monticello and Angola Prison, revealing how these places shape our understanding of enslavement. Smith discusses the complexities of public memory, the ethics of tourism at these sites, and the power of oral histories. He challenges listeners to confront the narratives we inherit and advocates for memorials that promote justice over nostalgia.

In her new book Madrid on the Move: Feeling Modern and Visually Aware in the Nineteenth Century (Manchester UP, 2021), Vanesa Rodríguez-Galindo explains how the modernization of this great city shaped and was shaped by print media and mass culture. A growing population, industrial immigration, mass connection with the wider world (making it both smaller and bigger), and the twilight of an empire shaped the Madrileños, their sense of identity, and their feelings of being modern and visually aware. A history of print media—and itself an example of print media—the book shows how people adapted to the dawning of a transnational, information age (perhaps a timely and familiar topic for today’s listener?) and presents a remarkable ‘glocal’ history of this event.Vanesa Rodriguez Galindo is a cultural and visual historian, working in urban studies, print cultures in Spain and Latin America, transnationalism, and women’s studies. She holds an MA in Metropolitan History from the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, and a PhD in History of Art from UNED, Madrid.Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Spain and the Spanish Empire, specializing in sixteenth-century diplomacy and travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Martha Biondi, a Professor of Black Studies and History at Northwestern University, discusses her book about Prexy Nesbitt, an influential figure in the fight for African liberation. Biondi reveals how Nesbitt's early exposure to international struggles shaped his activism. She highlights the Chicago movement's collaboration with African liberation efforts and contrasts the internationalist perspective with pan-Africanism. The conversation also delves into the U.S. anti-apartheid movement and the complexities of post-apartheid negotiations, showcasing how Nesbitt's story enriches our understanding of global solidarity.

Georgios Giannakopoulos, a lecturer in Modern History at City St. George's, explores his book on British internationalism and empire in Southeastern Europe. He discusses how British intellectuals navigated regional nationalisms, using figures like Arthur Evans to reshape narratives about the area. Georgios dives into the impact of the 1870s, the politics of archaeology, and the role of gender in historical narratives. He also reflects on the legacy of these interpreters and their influence on both wartime policies and postwar discussions.

David T. Beito, a distinguished historian and professor emeritus, discusses his provocative book on Franklin D. Roosevelt. He reveals FDR's complex rise to power, marked by scandals and societal prejudices of his time. Beito explores the Newport sex scandal's impact on Roosevelt's life and career, his pragmatic approach to governance, and the New Deal's questionable origins. He sheds light on FDR's controversial banking policies and the unintended fallout from his ambitious regulatory efforts. Get ready for a deep dive into a multifaceted political legacy!