New Books in History

C. Yamini Krishna, a historian and author, dives into the interplay between cinema and urban development in Hyderabad. She discusses how cinema shaped the socio-political landscape of the city from its princely roots to its global status. Krishna explores the impact of Urdu and Telugu on cultural identity and the film industry. She highlights the evolution of Hyderabad's urbanism, including the rise of multiplexes and real estate, while reflecting on nostalgia for single-screen theaters. Her insights connect history, culture, and urban change in a dynamic narrative.

Elissa Bemporad, a renowned expert on East European Jewish history and author of a groundbreaking new history, delves into the complexities of Jewish life in the Soviet Union from 1917-1930. She discusses the critical turning points of this era, explores how Soviet institutions transformed diverse Jewish identities, and uncovers the coexistence of repression alongside moments of emancipation. Bemporad also sheds light on the Judeo-Bolshevik myth’s origins and the tensions between Jewish leaders and Soviet power. Her insights promise a fascinating journey through a pivotal period.

Anthony Tucker-Jones, a former British intelligence officer and prolific military historian, discusses his new book, exploring the covert operations that shaped World War II. He highlights the pivotal role of espionage, detailing Bletchley Park’s successes and the infamous Operation Mincemeat. Tucker-Jones sheds light on intelligence failings, like those leading to Pearl Harbor, and reveals insights into Soviet and German intelligence operations. His narratives illuminate the motivations of spies and the lasting impacts on modern intelligence practices.

Amanda Laury Kleintop, an assistant professor of history at Elon University, dives into her book about the fight for compensated emancipation after the Civil War. She reveals how Southern demands for financial compensation were initially ignored, leading to significant historical ramifications. Kleintop discusses the legal battles surrounding Section 4 of the Fourteenth Amendment and how Lost Cause narratives have obscured the truth behind these compensation claims. Her deep archival research uncovers the complex relationship between race, reparations, and memory in America.

Paula Oppermann, a prominent Holocaust historian and researcher, delves into her book about the Pērkonkrusts, Latvia’s largest right-wing party in the early 20th century. She discusses the party's roots in European fascism and its distinct antisemitic ideology, which influenced Latvian nationalism. Oppermann reveals how universities fostered anti-Jewish sentiments and the violent mobilization that culminated in the 1932 football-stadium pogrom. She also explores the group's adaptations after being banned, their collaboration with Nazis, and how postwar narratives recast their past.

Kenneth G. Appold, a Reformation history expert at Princeton, dives into his book about the 1525 German Peasants' Revolt. He reveals how the uprising was marked by strong religious motivations rather than just socioeconomic strife. Appold highlights the peasants' demands in the Twelve Articles and discusses the role of clergy, such as Thomas Müntzer. He explores Luther's shifting responses, from initial support to calls for suppression, and emphasizes the peasants' commitment to peace and communal values. A refreshing angle on a pivotal moment in history!

Joshua Clark Davis, an Associate Professor of U.S. history, explores the overlooked resistance of civil rights activists to police violence in his new book. He reveals how groups like CORE and SNCC fought back against surveillance and repression, illustrating their struggles through personal stories. Davis expands the concept of police violence to include economic and legal tactics that aimed to undermine movements. He also sheds light on local police strategies, such as red squads, and the impact of infiltrators on the civil rights struggle.

Deana Heath, an academic specializing in Indian and colonial history, discusses her book on the centrality of torture to British colonial rule in India. She reveals how Indian police, often acting on behalf of British authorities, engaged in systematic violence to uphold state power. The conversation explores the unique structure of colonial governance, contrasting it with Mughal rule, and delves into the moral complexities of policing, the horrific biopolitical policies during famines, and the tangled legacy of these practices that persist in modern India.

Stephen Fritz, a history professor at East Tennessee State University and author of The First Soldier, challenges the traditional view of Hitler as a military leader. He delves into Hitler's strategic influences, the impact of World War I on his mindset, and the dynamics between him and his generals. Fritz highlights how Hitler's decisions, though often flawed, were informed by his reading and military ambitions. He also reflects on key battles like Stalingrad and explains Hitler's logistical shortcomings, marking a nuanced reassessment of his leadership during the war.

Mark Mazower, Ira D. Wallach Professor of History at Columbia University, explores the evolving concept of antisemitism in his new work. He delves into the shift from traditional right-wing prejudices to modern interpretations, highlighting how post-war dynamics changed perceptions. Mazower discusses the geopolitical implications of Jewish demographics, the historical ties between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and how contemporary debates often misinterpret the term. His insights illuminate the complexities surrounding antisemitism today, making it essential for understanding current global tensions.