New Books in History

American conservatism as we know it today is a West Texas export, argues College of Wooster professor Jeff Roche in The Conservative Frontier: Texas and the Origins of the New Right (U Texas Press, 2025). Tracing the roots of the state's conservative movement back to the giant cattle ranches and tycoons of the nineteenth century, Roche argues that you cannot separate the local and historical conditions in the West (and in West Texas specifically) from the "cowboy conservatism" of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. Full of fascinating characters and the kind of tall tales you only find in the Lone Star State, The Conservative Frontier makes a compelling case for Texas politics eventually becoming national politics by the mid to late 20th century. No matter where you are in the United States today, the political weight of Texas creates a gravity that has proven impossible for American politics to emerge from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

When eight-year-old Amy Erdman Farrell moved with her family to Akron, Ohio, in 1972, she found herself adrift in a sea of taunting boys and mean girls. Shy by nature, she dreaded her long, unhappy days at school. But a few years later, Farrell found an escape from bullying, the promise of sisterhood, a rising sense of confidence, adventure, and—best of all—lifelong friendship when she joined a Girl Scout troop. Decades later, award-winning author Dr. Farrell returns to those formative experiences to explore the complicated and surprising history of the Girl Scouts of the USA.Drawing from extensive archival research, visits to iconic Girl Scout sites around the world, and vivid personal reflections, in Intrepid Girls: The Complicated History of the Girl Scouts of the USA (University of North Carolina Press, 2025) Dr. Farrell uncovers the Girl Scouts intricate history, revealing how the organization has shaped the lives of more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. With Dr. Farrell as our own intrepid guide, we travel to American Indian boarding schools, Japanese American incarceration centers, segregated African American communities, middle-class white neighborhoods, and outposts throughout the globe. Intrepid Girls unpacks how the Girl Scouts navigated tensions over feminism, race, class, and political differences, carving out extraordinary opportunities for girls and women—even as it participated in the very discrimination it promised to transcend.For anyone who has ever worn a uniform or wondered about the hidden history behind this iconic American institution, Intrepid Girls will surprise, inspire, and challenge what we think we know about the Girl Scouts. 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

Alexandra Ghiț, a historian focusing on women's labor history in Central and Eastern Europe, dives into her research on interwar Bucharest. She reveals how women became essential social workers during economic hardships, juggling paid and unpaid labor. The discussion highlights the role of women in shaping municipal welfare policies, the impact of transnational influences on social work, and the precarious nature of domestic labor. Ghiț also explores the intersection of ethnicity, respectability, and the dynamics of aid provision, offering a fresh perspective on gender and welfare.

Maddalena Alvi, a historian with an impressive academic background from Cambridge, Oxford, and Glasgow, dives into the dramatic transformation of the European art market during the First World War. She discusses how the war disrupted established collecting practices and led to a more modern, capitalist art market. Alvi shares insights from her multilingual research, revealing the contrasting dynamics of the British, French, and German markets, the impact of nationalism, and how art became a lucrative, tangible investment amidst chaos.

Historian David Nasaw, author of The Wounded Generation, sheds light on the challenging realities facing World War II veterans upon their return home. He discusses the overlooked struggles with PTSD, misdiagnosis, and the societal pressures affecting both veterans and women who had taken on new roles during the war. Nasaw also explores the complexities of demobilization, the GI Bill's benefits and racial exclusions, and the long-lasting impact of trauma, revealing how the war's effects linger long after the fighting ends.

John Tolan, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Nantes and author of a groundbreaking work on Islamic history, explores the rich tapestry of Islam from its origins to today. He discusses the complexities of Muslim identities shaped by Sufism, legalism, and political currents. Tolan highlights the historical interplay between Muslims and Christians, the mischaracterization of Islam, and offers insights into Islam's future amid modern challenges. His analysis sheds light on the diverse and evolving nature of this faith across cultures.

Katrina Navickas, a Professor of History with a focus on British protest, delves into her book, Contested Commons. She unpacks the evolution of public spaces like Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, highlighting how protesters have historically claimed these areas against social elites. Navickas connects past movements—from early democracy to contemporary protests—illustrating the ongoing struggle for public access. She also discusses how modern restrictions challenge the right to protest, reflecting on the vital importance of protecting these communal spaces.

Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist and author of The Land Trap, explores the profound impact of land on modern society. He reveals how colonial land practices laid the foundation for today’s financial systems and contrasts land tax models across various nations. Bird sheds light on the 'land trap,' where land ownership exacerbates inequality and financial crises. He also discusses Singapore's innovative land management strategies and the historical decline of Georgism, making a compelling case for understanding land's critical role in shaping economies.

Dr. Jerry Moore, an archaeologist and professor emeritus, dives into the captivating history of cats in his latest work, 'Cat Tales: A History.' He explores how early cat-human interactions shaped both species, noting the shift from wild predators to cherished companions due to agriculture. Moore highlights ancient veneration of cats across cultures, including Egyptian practices and pet cemeteries. He also discusses modern challenges of urban wildlife, using the story of P-22, a Hollywood cougar, to illustrate our ongoing fascination with these charismatic animals.

Colm Murphy, a historian at Queen Mary University of London, dives into the dramatic shifts within the Labour Party from 1973 to 1997, charting its evolution amid crushing defeats and ideological crises. He critiques the concept of 'modernisation,' revealing its multifaceted interpretations that shaped the left's response to neoliberalism and globalization. Murphy also highlights the impact of feminist voices on policy, the complexities of race within the party, and how New Labour navigated its multicultural stance, ultimately questioning social democracy's identity and future.