New Books in History

Tomer Persico, a research fellow and expert on contemporary spirituality and Jewish identity, unpacks how the idea of being created in God's image has profoundly influenced Western civilization. He explores themes of selfhood, freedom, and equality, revealing their roots in biblical concepts. Delving into figures like Paul and Luther, Persico discusses the evolution of personal faith and conscience. He critiques the emergence of possessive individualism while addressing the complexities of secularism and moral autonomy, providing a fresh perspective on modern identity.

In 1969, a pivotal strike by Black female workers at Charleston hospitals unfolded, ignited by the wrongful termination of five women. The discussion delves into the deep roots of this movement, linking it to prior protests and showcasing the powerful leadership of figures like Mary Moultrie. The podcast highlights the struggles faced under curfew and guard presence, as well as the emotional toll of returning to a hostile workplace. It underscores the unique activism of Black women and the need for their stories to be heard over institutional narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Sean Mathews, a Greek-American journalist and correspondent for Middle East Eye, explores the often-overlooked connections between Greece and the Near East. He argues that Greece's historical and cultural roots are deeply intertwined with countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Palestine. Mathews delves into the complex geopolitical landscape, analyzing factors that draw Greece eastward and examining the Ottoman legacy. He also highlights the vibrant Greek diaspora in Egypt and the impact of Turkish relations on modern Greece.

Thomas Albert Howard, a renowned Professor of Humanities at Valparaiso University and author of *Broken Altars*, explores the often-overlooked violence linked to secularist regimes in the 20th century. He discusses three types of secularism and their historical impacts, from Marx's anti-religious policies to modern Turkey’s and Iran’s violent secular reforms. Howard emphasizes the real dangers of combative and eliminationist secularism, suggesting that the narrative of peaceful secularism is misleading and requires a broader understanding of global history.

Elwin Hofman, an assistant professor of cultural history and editor of The Business of Pleasure, dives deep into the multifaceted history of paid sex in Belgium. He discusses the recent decriminalization of sex work in Belgium and its historical context, from the notorious bathhouses of the 15th century to the complex dynamics of male and female sex work. Hofman also explores the challenges faced by sex workers throughout history, the evolution of scholarly perspectives on prostitution, and the significant impact of activism on rights and research in the field.

Rachel Midura, a historian of information and communication, dives into the pivotal role of the Tassis family in revolutionizing postal systems in early modern Europe. She explores how postal services became essential for state governance and foreign diplomacy. Midura reveals insights into how postal networks functioned like early social platforms reshaping politics. The Tassis family's influence extended from Italy across Europe, showcasing the complex interplay between public and private mail and the significance of surveillance in communications.

This is the history of England told in a new way: glimpsed through twenty-five remarkable poems written down between the eighth century and today, which connect us directly with the nation’s past, and the experiences, emotions and imaginations of those who lived it. These poems open windows onto wildly different worlds – from the public to the intimate, from the witty to the savage, from the playful to the wistful. They take us onto battlefields, inside royal courts, down coal mines and below stairs in great houses. Their creators, witnesses to events from the Great Fire of London to the Miners’ Strike, range from the famous to the forgotten, yet each invites us into an immersive encounter with their own time. A History of England in 25 Poems (Penguin, 2025) by Professor Catherine Clarke is a portal to the past; a constant companion, filled with vivid voices and surprising stories alongside familiar landmarks, and language that speaks in new ways on each reading. Professor Clarke’s knowledge and passion take us inside the words and the moments they capture, with thoughtful insights, humour and new perspectives on how the nation has dreamed itself into existence – and who gets to tell England’s story. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Giles Tremlett, a prize-winning biographer and historian of 20th-century Spain, delves into the life of Francisco Franco in his latest book. He explores Franco’s complex relationship with his father and his early military ambitions in Morocco, which shaped his authoritarian ideology. Tremlett discusses Franco's cautious tactics during the Civil War, his strategic alliances with Hitler and Mussolini, and the Catholic Church's role in legitimizing his regime. The conversation challenges conventional views, portraying Franco as a pragmatic dictator whose legacy profoundly influences modern Spain.

Lottie Whalen, a researcher and curator with a PhD from Queen Mary University, dives into the lives of groundbreaking women who shaped early 20th-century New York's avant-garde scene. They discuss how these women, like Beatrice Wood and the Baroness Elsa, used art and fashion as political statements for bodily freedom. Whalen reveals tensions in bohemian circles, generational clashes over modern lifestyles, and the crucial yet overlooked roles women played in defining modernity. Her insights shed light on a vibrant, radical history that changed the cultural landscape.

In this engaging discussion, architectural historians Jessica Kelly and Neal Shasore delve into the transformative effects of the First World War on British architecture during the interwar period. They challenge traditional narratives by highlighting a diverse array of influences, from community infrastructure to imperial connections. The two share insights on broadening the scope of architectural history to include various actors beyond architects and reflect on how current scholarship might reshape their project. Their work opens the door for a deeper understanding of architecture's role in society.