New Books in Literary Studies
New Books Network
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: @newbooksnetwork
Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
Andrea Kitta, "The Kiss of Death: Contagion, Contamination, and Folklore" (Utah State UP, 2019)
Andrea Kitta, an Associate Professor of Folklore at East Carolina University, dives into the rich intersection of folklore and public health. She discusses how narratives shape perceptions of disease, critiquing the failure of medical professionals to consider vernacular beliefs. The conversation explores stigmatized origins of 'patient zero,' the cultural implications of vampire and zombie metaphors, and the personal power of storytelling in healthcare. Kitta's insights reveal how folklore can illuminate complex social issues surrounding health and contagion.
Nov 4, 2025 • 41min
James Scorer, "Latin American Comics in the Twenty-First Century: Transgressing the Frame" (U Texas Press, 2024)
James Scorer, a Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Manchester and author of Latin American Comics in the Twenty-First Century, dives into the vibrant world of Latin American comics. He explores the evolution of this unique art form across various countries, highlighting its role in social and political discourse. Scorer discusses the tension between local and transnational influences, the significance of zine culture, and how comics can serve as powerful tools for memory and activism. His insights into comics and race add another layer to this fascinating conversation.
Nov 1, 2025 • 56min
Jessica Campbell, "The Brontës and the Fairy Tale" (Ohio UP, 2024)
Jessica Campbell, a literature scholar specializing in Victorian and fairy-tale studies, delves into the rich interplay between the Brontës and fairy tales. She discusses how the Brontës redefined fairy-tale elements to explore themes of gender and identity. Campbell highlights the influences on their works, including Arabian Nights and circulating libraries, and reveals the significance of supernatural imagery in their poetry. She also connects Anne Brontë's novels to classic fairy-tale structures, enhancing their moral critiques. Expect a fresh take on familiar stories!
Oct 31, 2025 • 52min
Aria Fani, "Reading Across Borders: Afghans, Iranians, and Literary Nationalism" (U Texas Press, 2024)
Aria Fani, an associate professor and director of Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Washington, dives into how Afghans and Iranians developed their national identities through literature. He discusses the evolution of 'literature' in Persian and the crucial role of literary associations and periodicals in this transformation. Fani also tackles the complexities of linguistic nationalism, the impact of exclusionary canon-building, and the ethical dimensions of literature in contemporary contexts, particularly regarding Afghan displacement.
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 12min
Cosima Clara Gillhammer, "Light on Darkness: The Untold Story of the Liturgy" (Reaktion Books, 2025)
Cosima Clara Gillhammer is a medieval literature and liturgy scholar from the University of Oxford, and her book provides a fascinating look at the profound impact of Christian liturgy on Western culture. She discusses how liturgy shapes art, music, and literature while maintaining emotional dynamism despite its historical roots. Gillhammer reveals how rituals engage all senses, the importance of Psalm 51, and even the connections between liturgy and modern creators like Arvo Pärt. The conversation highlights liturgy's role in shaping belief and its ongoing relevance today.
Oct 30, 2025 • 51min
John Blair, "Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World" (Princeton UP, 2025)
In this intriguing discussion, John Blair, a medieval historian and author of "Killing the Dead," delves into the eerie world of vampire epidemics, exploring how beliefs in dangerous corpses have spanned from ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day Haiti. He explains the psychological triggers behind these terrifying phenomena, linking them to societal crises and gender dynamics. The conversation also uncovers how historical vampire imagery evolved and how contemporary tales continue to thrive, revealing our enduring fascination with the undead.
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 5min
159 Glenn Patterson: You Can Choose Who You Are (JP, DC)
Glenn Patterson, a Northern Irish novelist and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, teams up with sociologist David Cunningham to explore the complexities of identity and conflict in Belfast. They dive into how the word 'community' is often misappropriated, revealing its impact on societal interactions. Patterson shares insights on the dangers of ‘softening’ peace walls and the consequences of visual policing through murals. They also discuss the haunting notion of 'unseeing' others in divided cities, drawing parallels with global urban segregation.
Oct 29, 2025 • 40min
Theresa Muñoz, "Archivum" (Pavillion Poetry at Liverpool UP, 2025)
Theresa Muñoz, a poet and scholar with a focus on archives and memory, dives into her upcoming collection, Archivum. She discusses the significance of Muriel Spark's papers and how they influenced her poetry. Themes of memory, migration, and interracial histories resonate throughout her work. Muñoz explores the emotional depth found in archives, revealing how everyday objects, like a jam recipe, can inspire profound reflections on belonging and loss. Expect a thoughtful journey through Edinburgh’s landmarks intertwined with personal storytelling.
Oct 25, 2025 • 42min
Tim Beasley-Murray, "Critical Games: On Play and Seriousness in Academia, Literature and Life" (Manchester UP, 2025)
Tim Beasley-Murray, Associate Professor at University College London, dives into the interplay of playfulness and seriousness in academia and literature. He argues that these elements are not contradictory but intertwined, affecting our understanding of politics and contemporary life. Delving into the works of Emmanuel Carrère, Tim examines literature's ethical responsibilities, particularly in autofiction. He discusses the ludic nature of academia and how impacts can ripple through reality, showcasing a unique blend of creative and critical thought.
10 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 22min
Michael B. Cosmopoulos, "The World of Homer: Archaeology, Social Memory, and the Emergence of Greek Epic Poetry" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Michael B. Cosmopoulos, an archaeology professor at the University of St. Louis, brings his insights from his book to the discussion. He explores the enigmatic origins of Homeric epics like the Iliad and Odyssey, arguing for the significance of social memory in their development. Cosmopoulos examines the interplay between archaeology and oral traditions, revealing insights into gender roles, warfare, and the continuity of cultural practices from Mycenaean society. His unique perspective invites listeners to reconsider the rich tapestry of Greek epic poetry.
