New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jul 6, 2025 • 34min

John Eldevik, "Reading Prester John: Cultural Fantasy and Its Manuscript Contexts" (Arc Humanities Press, 2024)

John Eldevik, a Professor of History at Hamilton College, delves into the captivating legend of Prester John, a mythical Christian king from the Middle Ages. He discusses how a forged letter ignited European imaginations and prompted discussions on religious conflict and global Christian identity. Eldevik examines manuscript culture, revealing how texts shaped perceptions of the East during the Crusades. Alongside Morteza Hajizadeh, he also highlights intricate storytelling traditions that influenced medieval narratives. It's a fascinating exploration of how fantasies can reflect and influence real-world issues.
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Jul 5, 2025 • 53min

Kevin Guyan, "Rainbow Trap: Queer Lives, Classifications and the Dangers of Inclusion" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

In this engaging conversation, Kevin Guyan, a researcher from the University of Edinburgh, unpacks themes from his upcoming book, revealing how LGBTQ equality in the UK is constrained by societal classifications. He dives into the 'rainbow trap,' highlighting the tension between demand for inclusion and the necessity of fitting into categorizing systems. Topics include the impact of algorithms on dating apps, the portrayal of queer lives in film and TV, and the complexities of trans representation in sports, all advocating for more nuanced understandings of identity.
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Jul 4, 2025 • 51min

Daanika Kamal, "Domestic Violence in Pakistan: The Legal Construction of 'Bad' and 'Mad' Women" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Daanika Kamal, a Lecturer in Law at Royal Holloway University, focuses on gender law and access to justice. In this discussion, she addresses the unique challenges Pakistani women face when pursuing legal action against domestic violence, highlighting the harmful 'mad' and 'bad' labels that undermine their credibility. Kamal delves into systemic obstacles within the legal framework, the impact of patriarchal narratives on justice, and the complexities of women's identities as victims or survivors. She also shares her commitment to gender justice and personal milestones.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 51min

Angela Katrina Lewis-Maddox ed., "Disrupting Political Science: Black Women Reimagining the Discipline" (SUNY Press, 2025)

Angela K. Lewis-Maddox, a political scientist and assistant dean at UAB, discusses her edited volume showcasing the experiences of Black women in political science. She sheds light on the systemic barriers these scholars face and the need for greater inclusion. The conversation highlights how personal narratives can redefine the field, emphasizing Black feminist scholarship's transformative power. Lewis-Maddox advocates for recognizing diverse perspectives to enrich political discourse and challenges the discipline's traditional frameworks.
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5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 27min

153: What Hannah Arendt Has to Teach Us about Anticipatory Despair (JP)

Delve into Hannah Arendt's insights on political lies and their dangers, especially in today's climate. Explore how deception impacts democracy, drawing parallels between Nixon's era and contemporary challenges. Uncover the concept of 'anticipatory despair' and its implications for resilience against authoritarianism. Discover the necessity of confronting deception, embracing truth, and using humor as tools for resistance. Reflect on how the philosophical lens of the past can guide us in navigating the complexities of modern political realities.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 15min

Michael Cook, "A History of the Muslim World: From Its Origins to the Dawn of Modernity" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Michael Cook, Class of 1943 University Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, unveils the intricate tapestry of Islamic history in his new book. He shares riveting insights on Muhammad’s unification of Arabia and the transformative emergence of the Caliphate. Cook dives into the evolving perceptions between Muslims and Europeans, shedding light on how historical events have shaped modern geopolitics. The discussion also includes the rich cultural transitions following the Abbasid Caliphate, emphasizing the ongoing complexities of identity and belief across the Muslim world.
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6 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 55min

Timothy Stacey, "Saving Liberalism from Itself: The Spirit of Political Participation" (Bristol UP, 2022)

Timothy Stacey, a researcher at Utrecht University, discusses his book on revitalizing liberalism amid rising populism. He critiques the liberal project’s failures and calls for active political engagement. Stacey argues that embracing myth, ritual, and community can bridge the gap between liberal ideals and real-world experiences. He showcases organizations like the Metro Vancouver Alliance, emphasizing how storytelling and solidarity can counter societal polarization. The conversation also explores the reinterpretation of tradition to foster unity in a divisive era.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 15min

Cheryl Thompson, "Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict and Freedom, 1812-1895" (Wilfrid Laurier UP, 2025)

Cheryl Thompson, Canada Research Chair in Black Expressive Culture, delves into the intricate history of blackface in Canadian performance from 1812 to 1895. She uncovers how minstrel shows intertwined with Black identity and diverse Canadian cultures, highlighting pivotal moments like the influence of Ira Aldridge and Stephen Foster. The discussion unveils the complex legacy of blackface, the migration of cultural practices, and the evolution of Black performers reclaiming their narratives amidst societal challenges, sparking vital conversations about race and representation.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 44min

Sarah Bull, "Selling Sexual Knowledge: Medical Publishing and Obscenity in Victorian Britain" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bull, an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, unpacks the intricate dance between medicine and commerce in Victorian Britain. She highlights how sexual knowledge was shaped by publishers and reformers, defying myths of Victorian ignorance about sex. Bull examines the pivotal struggles over contraception and free speech, revealing a vibrant discourse on sexuality amidst societal change. Listeners will gain insights into the historical complexities of medical publishing and its impact on modern perceptions.
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Jun 29, 2025 • 41min

Sarah Kenny, "Growing Up and Going Out: Youth Culture, Commerce, and Leisure Space in Post-War Britain" (Manchester UP, 2025)

Sarah Kenny, a Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Birmingham and author, dives into the unique landscape of youth culture in post-war Britain. She illuminates how Sheffield, often overlooked, became a vibrant site for youth identities. The discussion highlights the interplay between commerce and leisure, revealing how shifting spaces shaped young people's experiences. Kenny also explores moral panics around youth leisure, and the changing dynamics of gender in pubs, shedding light on social environments that influenced identities.

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