New Books in History
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 16, 2025 • 55min
David Nasaw, "The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II" (Penguin, 2025)
Historian David Nasaw, author of The Wounded Generation, sheds light on the challenging realities facing World War II veterans upon their return home. He discusses the overlooked struggles with PTSD, misdiagnosis, and the societal pressures affecting both veterans and women who had taken on new roles during the war. Nasaw also explores the complexities of demobilization, the GI Bill's benefits and racial exclusions, and the long-lasting impact of trauma, revealing how the war's effects linger long after the fighting ends.
Dec 16, 2025 • 51min
John Tolan, "Islam: A New History from Muhammad to the Present" (Princeton UP, 2025)
John Tolan, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Nantes and author of a groundbreaking work on Islamic history, explores the rich tapestry of Islam from its origins to today. He discusses the complexities of Muslim identities shaped by Sufism, legalism, and political currents. Tolan highlights the historical interplay between Muslims and Christians, the mischaracterization of Islam, and offers insights into Islam's future amid modern challenges. His analysis sheds light on the diverse and evolving nature of this faith across cultures.
Dec 15, 2025 • 30min
Katrina Navickas, "Contested Commons: A History of Protest and Public Space in England" (Reaktion, 2025)
Katrina Navickas, a Professor of History with a focus on British protest, delves into her book, Contested Commons. She unpacks the evolution of public spaces like Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, highlighting how protesters have historically claimed these areas against social elites. Navickas connects past movements—from early democracy to contemporary protests—illustrating the ongoing struggle for public access. She also discusses how modern restrictions challenge the right to protest, reflecting on the vital importance of protecting these communal spaces.
Dec 14, 2025 • 51min
Mike Bird, "The Land Trap: A New History of the World's Oldest Asset" (Penguin, 2025)
Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist and author of The Land Trap, explores the profound impact of land on modern society. He reveals how colonial land practices laid the foundation for today’s financial systems and contrasts land tax models across various nations. Bird sheds light on the 'land trap,' where land ownership exacerbates inequality and financial crises. He also discusses Singapore's innovative land management strategies and the historical decline of Georgism, making a compelling case for understanding land's critical role in shaping economies.
Dec 14, 2025 • 38min
Jerry Moore, "Cat Tales: A History" (Thames & Hudson, 2025)
Dr. Jerry Moore, an archaeologist and professor emeritus, dives into the captivating history of cats in his latest work, 'Cat Tales: A History.' He explores how early cat-human interactions shaped both species, noting the shift from wild predators to cherished companions due to agriculture. Moore highlights ancient veneration of cats across cultures, including Egyptian practices and pet cemeteries. He also discusses modern challenges of urban wildlife, using the story of P-22, a Hollywood cougar, to illustrate our ongoing fascination with these charismatic animals.
Dec 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
Colm Murphy, "Futures of Socialism: ‘Modernisation', the Labour Party, and the British Left, 1973–1997" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Colm Murphy, a historian at Queen Mary University of London, dives into the dramatic shifts within the Labour Party from 1973 to 1997, charting its evolution amid crushing defeats and ideological crises. He critiques the concept of 'modernisation,' revealing its multifaceted interpretations that shaped the left's response to neoliberalism and globalization. Murphy also highlights the impact of feminist voices on policy, the complexities of race within the party, and how New Labour navigated its multicultural stance, ultimately questioning social democracy's identity and future.
Dec 12, 2025 • 59min
Anne Lawrence-Mathers, "The Magic Books: A History of Enchantment in 20 Medieval Manuscripts" (Yale UP, 2025)
Anne Lawrence-Mathers, a Professor of medieval history at the University of Reading, dives into the enchanting world of medieval magic through her latest work. She discusses the distinction between popular and learned magic, revealing elite practices hidden in illuminated manuscripts. Lawrence-Mathers examines the social significance of these texts, detailing their luxurious production and the fascinating ritualistic elements embedded within. The conversation also touches on historical misconceptions of magic, the power dynamics of the era, and the intriguing figure of Alfonso X's multicultural approach to magic.
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
Caitlin Wiesner, "Between the Street and the State: Black Women’s Anti-Rape Activism Amid the War on Crime" (U Pennsylvania, 2025)
Caitlin Wiesner, an Assistant Professor of History, discusses her groundbreaking work on Black women's anti-rape activism during the war on crime. She reveals how Black organizers viewed police as a source of violence, rather than protection, and employed strategies of subversion and resistance. Wiesner highlights community-based care and the innovative approaches of activists like Lynn Moncrief and Nakenji Ture, showcasing their profound impact on both local and national movements. Her insights reflect a critical reassessment of feminist strategies against sexual violence.
Dec 10, 2025 • 57min
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste, a historian specializing in the French-speaking Atlantic world, delves into the fascinating dynamics of métis identities in colonial French Africa. She explores the impact of interracial relationships on race and citizenship, highlighting the resilience of African mothers in advocating for their children. Jean-Baptiste discusses the complexities of métis claims to citizenship amidst colonial racial hierarchies and the transformations triggered by World War II. Her insights reveal the lasting legacies and contemporary significance of métis histories.
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h
Dan Edelstein, "The Revolution to Come: A History of an Idea from Thucydides to Lenin" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Dan Edelstein, the William H. Bonsall Professor of French at Stanford, discusses his new work, exploring how philosophical views on revolution evolved from ancient chaos to modern progressivism. He examines Greek and Roman fears of revolution, the conservative nature of British transformations, and the Enlightenment's shift towards viewing history as progress. Edelstein highlights the complexities and risks of revolutions today, dissecting their implications on democracy and governance, while reflecting on lessons from 20th-century upheavals.
