New Books in History
Marshall Poe
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.
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: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
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: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 1, 2025 • 58min
The Library of Lost Maps: An Archive of a World in Progress
Professor James Cheshire, a renowned cartographer and director of the Social Data Institute at UCL, uncovers a hidden library of maps that transforms our understanding of history. He reveals how maps have shaped politics, sparked wars, and influenced climate science. Cheshire shares captivating stories, from the emotional power of physical maps to the controversial use of cartography in conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of revisiting forgotten maps, which hold profound cultural narratives and insights into humanity's past and future.
6 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 59min
Patricia Anne Simpson, "Early Modern Women's Work: Kinship, Community, and Social Justice" (Routledge, 2025)
Patricia Anne Simpson, a Professor of German and author of a groundbreaking new study, dives into the untold contributions of early modern women in German-speaking Europe. She discusses how these women defied patriarchal norms, creating vibrant community spaces and asserting their literary and intellectual voices. Simpson challenges traditional views of gendered work, highlights the emotional labor intertwined with motherhood, and examines figures like Maria Sibylla Merian, who navigated colonial dynamics through their art and activism.
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
Darcie Fontaine, "Modern France and the World" (Routledge, 2023)
Darcie Fontaine, a historian of modern French imperialism, discusses her new textbook, which chronicles France's global influence from the 18th century to the present. She shares her journey from college courses to writing the book, emphasizing the importance of integrating imperial narratives with metropolitan histories. Fontaine highlights the challenges of including diverse perspectives and cultural objects, while also addressing the need for accessible primary sources. She envisions the textbook as a valuable gateway for students to explore ongoing debates in French history.
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
Marc Sommers, "We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror, and War in Sierra Leone" (U Georgia Press, 2023)
Marc Sommers, an expert on youth and violence, dives into the impact of pop culture in shaping the identities of young fighters during Sierra Leone's civil war. He reveals how icons like Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, and John Rambo resonated with alienated youth, influencing their actions and aspirations. Sommers discusses the challenges of his research, the corrupt 'fake state' of Sierra Leone, and how wartime recruitment used drugs and music. His insights provide a framework for understanding the intersection of culture, conflict, and postwar hope.
Nov 29, 2025 • 39min
Jonathan Eig, "King: A Life" (FSG, 2023)
Jonathan Eig, a bestselling biographer and former Wall Street Journal writer, delves into the complexities of Martin Luther King Jr. in his latest book. He discusses the importance of restoring King’s radical identity, often overshadowed by a simplified public image. Eig reveals King’s struggles with personal demons, the impact of his family background, and the challenges posed by the FBI. He also adds depth to Coretta Scott King’s role and highlights the nuanced relationship between King and Malcolm X. Eig emphasizes why King’s message remains urgent today.
Nov 28, 2025 • 50min
Allison Christine Meier, "Grave" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
Allison C. Meier, a writer and cemetery tour guide, dives into the evolving perspectives on burial sites and death in her book, Grave. She shares insights into how graves have become markers of social divisions, reflecting class and race disparities. Allison discusses emerging practices like cremation and human composting, and envisions accessible, community-focused burial options for the future. With her extensive experience leading cemetery tours, she highlights how these spaces can serve the living while honoring the dead.
Nov 27, 2025 • 49min
Jenny Linford, "Repast: The Story of Food" (Thames & Hudson, 2025)
Jenny Linford, a food writer and author of "Repast: The Story of Food," teams up with British Museum curators to unveil the rich global history of food through fascinating artefacts. They delve into how food acts as a powerful lens revealing human history and the importance of storytelling. Jenny shares insights on thematic structures, the significance of ancient tools, and the spiritual aspects of food. From the Columbian exchange to ancient fast food, she highlights food's cultural evolution and even hints at her next book about cheese!
Nov 27, 2025 • 45min
Natalie Porter, "Girl Gangs, Zines, and Powerslides: A History of Badass Women Skateboarders" (ECW Press, 2025)
Natalie Porter, a skateboarding librarian and the founder of the Women's Skate History Archive, dives into the untold stories of women and non-binary skateboarders. She highlights the importance of community-building and the historical roots of girl gangs, which fostered visibility and agency for female skaters. Porter discusses the DIY zines that served as powerful communication tools and the grassroots movements of the 1980s that countered the male-dominated narrative. This vibrant conversation celebrates the resilience and impact of women in skateboarding.
Nov 26, 2025 • 58min
Erika Pani, "Torn Asunder: Republican Crises and Civil Wars in the United States and Mexico, 1848-1867" (UNC Press, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Erika Pani, a research professor at El Colegio de México specializing in 19th-century Mexican political history, explores the parallel crises faced by the United States and Mexico from 1848 to 1867. She highlights the shared political polarization that led to civil wars in both nations. Pani also contrasts their approaches to reconstruction and state-building, revealing how both republics demonstrated resilience despite their challenges. The conversation provides a captivating look at the lessons of history in today's political climate.
Nov 26, 2025 • 54min
Maia Kotrosits, "After Transformation: Rewriting Time, Christian Late Antiquity, and the Present" (Duke UP, 2025)
Maia Kotrosits, a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School and expert in ancient Judaism and Christianity, dives into her book, *After Transformation*. She explores lyrical historiography, emphasizing how poetic forms reveal overlooked human experiences in history. Kotrosits critiques traditional narratives, highlighting the complexity of change and the nuances of lived experiences. She advocates for imaginative scholarship, calling for a rethinking of how we engage with the past, blending history with vulnerability and storytelling.
