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.
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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
Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
Karen Auman, "The Good Forest: The Salzburgers, Success, and the Plan for Georgia" (U Georgia Press, 2024)
Karen Auman, an assistant professor at BYU and genealogist, discusses her book, The Good Forest. She delves into the Salzburgers' unique journey as Georgia's early settlers who succeeded in forming a cohesive community against the odds. Auman reveals how their exile instilled a strong sense of identity and adherence to the trustees’ vision. The conversation explores the challenges posed by Georgia's environment and the Salzburgers' innovative economic efforts in cattle, lumber, and silk production, while also addressing the tragic decline of their settlement.
Nov 20, 2025 • 46min
Emily Callaci, "Wages for Housework: The Feminist Fight Against Unpaid Labor" (Seal Press, 2025)
Emily Callaci, a historian and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, dives into the groundbreaking feminist movement advocating for compensation for unpaid domestic labor. She explores the origins of the 'Wages for Housework' campaign, highlighting its global impact from the 1970s onward. Callaci introduces pivotal figures like Selma James and Silvia Federici, discussing how their diverse backgrounds enriched the movement. She provocatively questions the implications of prioritizing care over production and envisions a transformed society where women could reclaim their time.
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 25min
David Boyk, "Provincial Metropolis: Intellectuals and the Hinterland in Colonial India" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
David Boyk, an Associate Professor specializing in South Asian history and literature, explores the fascinating story of Patna in colonial India. He discusses the concept of 'provincial metropolis' and how Patna's cultural vibrancy thrived despite its perceived decline. Boyk reveals how Urdu literary traditions and institutions like the Khuda Bakhsh Library fostered intellectual life, while English-educated elites sought to elevate Patna's political status. His insights link Patna's unique narrative to broader themes of urban and regional identity.
Nov 19, 2025 • 57min
John Goodall, "The Castle: A History" (Yale UP, 2022)
Dr. John Goodall, an architectural historian and author, dives into the captivating history of British castles, revealing their evolution from medieval fortresses to cultural symbols. He discusses how these structures were not just military strongholds but also vibrant centers of life and imagination. Goodall explores the impact of the Norman Conquest, the views of ordinary people towards castles, and the Gothic revival's romantic reinventions. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in preservation and critiques the challenges of reconstructing historic interiors.
Nov 18, 2025 • 29min
Thomas Piketty, "A Brief History of Equality" (Harvard UP, 2022)
Thomas Piketty, an acclaimed economist and professor at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, discusses his new book focused on the history of equality. He shares his intellectual journey from math to historical research and explains why long-form books matter in academia. Piketty explores the impact of slavery and colonialism on global wealth disparities and argues for the significance of reparations, using Haiti as a case study. He emphasizes the need for universal policies coupled with targeted redress to ensure a fairer future.
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
Philip Nash, "Clare Boothe Luce: American Renaissance Woman" (Routledge, 2022)
Historian Philip Nash dives into the life of Clare Boothe Luce, an extraordinary figure of 20th-century America. He explores her ideological shifts, revealing the complexities of her conservative feminism. Nash also discusses Luce's theatrical talent that enhanced her political influence and her unique relationships with iconic women like Eleanor Roosevelt. Delving into her controversial ambassadorship and surprising findings, he highlights how Luce navigated a male-dominated landscape while leaving a lasting legacy.
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ethan W. Ris, "Other People's Colleges: The Origins of American Higher Education Reform" (U Chicago Press, 2022)
Ethan W. Ris, an assistant professor of higher education leadership, delves into the evolution of American higher education reform in his discussion. He explores the elite ‘academic engineers’ of the early 20th century and their ambitious yet often unsuccessful overhaul efforts. Ris highlights how reformers' push for efficiency and centralization has been met with resistance from institutions valuing autonomy. The podcast also reveals the implications for marginalized groups and critiques the enduring influence of philanthropy on educational policy.
Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 1min
Joe Allen, "The Package King: A Rank and File History of UPS" (Haymarket Books, 2020)
Joe Allen, author of *The Package King* and former UPS worker, explores the company’s evolution from a bike messenger service to a logistics giant. He discusses workplace culture, the militaristic productivity pressures, and the impact of union negotiations on worker rights. Allen highlights significant events like the 1962 wildcat strike and the effects of management policies on worker dignity. He offers insights into the ongoing challenges for labor movements and shares his future projects focused on the Teamsters and union dynamics.
11 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 52min
Susanna Rabow-Edling, "The First Russian Revolution: The Decembrist Revolt Of 1825" (Reaktion Books, 2025)
Susanna Rabow-Edling, a historian and author of The First Russian Revolution: The Decembrist Revolt of 1825, explores the pivotal but failed Decembrist uprising. She delves into the Decembrists' aspirations for individual rights and serf emancipation, and their Western-influenced radicalism. Discussing the repercussions of their actions, she highlights Nicholas I's oppressive response, the complex legacy they left behind, and their portrayal in modern media. Their story offers a fascinating glimpse into Russia's revolutionary spirit and ongoing debates about nationalism.
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
Jessica Catherine Reuther, "The Bonds of Kinship in Dahomey: Portraits of West African Girlhood, 1720–1940" (Indiana UP, 2025)
Dr. Jessica Reuther, an Associate Professor of African and world history at Ball State University, shines a light on girlhood in Dahomey from 1720 to 1940 in her upcoming book. She explores the practice of girl fostering, creating ties of kinship that blend care and economic exploitation. Reuther discusses archival challenges in recovering girls’ voices and their agency, revealing how social norms and colonial pressures reshaped their lives. With insights into historical practices and contemporary implications, her work uncovers the complexity of female experiences in West Africa.
