New Books in History

In this engaging discussion, Mike Jay, an expert on the history of drugs and consciousness, dives into his book, which explores the fascinating legacy of self-experimentation by scientists and thinkers. He highlights influential figures like Freud and James, revealing how their drug experiences shaped modern psychology and creativity. Jay recounts how the perception of drugs shifted from tools for exploration to societal issues. He advocates for a nuanced vocabulary around substances, urging a move away from the moralized term 'drugs'.

In this engaging discussion, Samuel Fullerton, an Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas, delves into his book exploring the provocative rise of sexual language in 17th-century England. He recounts the shift from censorship to the explosion of graphic sexual discourse during the civil wars. Fullerton introduces the concept of 'porno politics,' illustrating how sexual metaphors shaped political debates and mobilized citizens. He also discusses the role of sexual stereotypes in defining partisan identities, highlighting the intersection of sex and power in this transformative era.

In this engaging discussion, Q. Edward Wang, an eminent history professor, dives into the fascinating journey of the sweet potato. He reveals how this once humble crop transformed identities and fueled population growth in Asia. From its introduction to Europe as an aphrodisiac to its role in Japan’s imperial ambitions, Wang highlights its global impact. He also distinguishes sweet potatoes from white potatoes and explores why they're dubbed a 'superfood' today. Plus, insights on agricultural change and historical food narratives make this a must-listen!

Helen J. Nicholson, a Professor of medieval history at Cardiff University and expert on the Crusades, dives into the often-overlooked role of women in the crusading movement. She discusses how women provided crucial support through funding, prayer, and even diplomacy. The conversation highlights notable figures like Joan of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their influential roles. Nicholson also reveals barriers that prevented many women from participating and reflects on how they defended their homes and commemorated the fallen, showcasing their significant yet underappreciated contributions.

Richard Fine, Professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University and author of The Price of Truth, delves into Edward Kennedy's audacious reporting on the Nazi surrender. Fine explains how Kennedy defied military censorship, igniting controversy and altering media-military relations forever. The discussion reveals the intense drama behind the scenes, Soviet influences, and the chaotic aftermath of Kennedy's scoop, including the threats he faced from military authorities and his subsequent fall from grace. Fine's insights challenge the heroic narrative of wartime journalism.

In this engaging discussion, Susanna Elm, a historian specializing in late antiquity, shares insights from her book on the intersection of beauty, power, and masculinity in the later Roman Empire. She introduces the concept of 'virness' as a crucial element of imperial representation. Elm explains how the gorgeousness of emperors influenced political dynamics and unity, particularly during crises. She also touches on the role of erotic politics, child emperors, and the unique tensions between imperial authority and perceived imperfections in leadership.

Robert D. Bland, an Assistant Professor of History and Africana Studies, discusses his book focused on the pivotal Reconstruction era in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. He highlights the resilience of Black leaders like Robert Smalls and William Whipper, who navigated a landscape filled with challenges. Bland explores the significance of Black newspapers in shaping counternarratives, the impact of the 1876 election, and the racial origins of gerrymandering. His insights prompt a reflection on how these historical echoes resonate in contemporary America.

In this discussion, Matthijs Lok, a Senior Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of Amsterdam, delves into the complex interplay between conservatism and the Enlightenment. He explores how counter-revolutionary thinkers framed European identity amidst fears of nationalism and global changes. Lok illuminates how both revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries vied for Enlightenment ideals. He also discusses the paradoxical use of Enlightenment rhetoric, touching on topics like empire, colonialism, and the concept of a European Republic, offering insights into today's political landscape.

Cooperative Evangelist: Kagawa Toyohiko and His World, 1888-1960 (University of Hawai’i Press, 2025) by Bo Tao uncovers the extraordinary world of a Japanese man who was once described as the “Saint Francis” or the “Gandhi” of Japan. A renowned religious figure on the world stage, Kagawa Toyohiko (1888–1960) received wide acclaim for his work as a street preacher in the slums of Kobe as well as his espousal of nonviolent methods of social reform. His reputation as a pacifist figure, however, rested uneasily with his wartime actions, which became increasingly supportive of the Japanese government and its expansionist policies. Reluctant to speak up against Japan’s increasing aggression in the late 1930s, he emerged as a full-blown apologist during the Pacific War, appearing on several Radio Tokyo broadcasts as a propagandist defending the interests of the state. Adopting a transnational approach that accounts for the rapid flow of information between Japan and the United States, Bo Tao examines the career of Kagawa as it unfolded within the context of the wars, imperialism, and economic depression of the early to mid-twentieth century. Using official documents and personal correspondence that have received scant attention in previous works, Tao reveals, for the first time at this level of detail, the extent of Kagawa’s cooperative relationship with the Japanese government, as well as the ways in which his idealized image was carefully constructed by his ardent missionary supporters. This book provides a window into the global dimensions of broader cultural shifts during the interwar period, such as the rise of Christian internationalism and the Depression-era popularity of cooperative economics. Offering a holistic and nuanced exploration of the tensions resulting from Kagawa’s hybrid identity as a Japanese Christian, Cooperative Evangelist adds a new layer to our understanding of religion, empire, and politics in the shaping of social and international relations. Bo Tao is Lecturer in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Chiba University in Chiba, Japan. His research interests include global history, U.S.-Japan relations, religion and politics, modern Japanese history, and the history of Christianity. Shatrunjay Mall is a PhD Candidate in the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He works on transnational Asian history, and his dissertation explores intellectual, political, and cultural intersections and affinities that emerged between Indian anti-colonialism and imperial Japan in the twentieth century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Stuart Carroll, an early modern historian and professor at the University of York, delves into enmity and violence in Europe from 1500 to 1800. He explores how ordinary people dealt with enemies and the escalation of violence in personal and political realms. Carroll contrasts public and private enmities, analyzes changing language around conflict, and discusses regional differences in conflict resolution. He argues that Europe's unique debate culture fostered both violence and pluralism, challenging notions of a steady decline in violence.