New Books in History

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Nov 14, 2025 • 46min

Mila Burns, "Dictatorship Across Borders: Brazil, Chile, and the South American Cold War" (UNC Press, 2025)

Mila Burns, an Associate Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies, dives deep into Brazil's critical role in the Chilean coup of 1973. She unveils how archival research revealed Brazil's covert support for Pinochet, including providing weapons and intel. Discussing the dynamics of Cold War politics, she highlights Brazil's independent actions beyond U.S. influence. Burns also shares poignant stories of Brazilian exiles in Chile, exploring their struggles and resilience. Her meticulous research reshapes our understanding of power and resistance in South America.
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Nov 14, 2025 • 37min

Carolyn T. Adams et. al, "Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century" (Penn Press, 2025)

Dr. Charlene Myers, Professor emerita of history and co-editor of a comprehensive three-volume history of Greater Philadelphia, dives into the region's rich narrative. She discusses Philadelphia's Revolutionary past and its role as a hub for the free Black community. The conversation explores diverse themes such as immigrant contributions, public health lessons, and the city’s evolving governance structure. Myers emphasizes the project’s aim to connect local residents with their shared history, all while highlighting the significance of this work for the upcoming 250th anniversary.
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Nov 13, 2025 • 46min

Eric Halsey, "State Builders from the Steppe: A History of The First Bulgarian Empire" (This is RETHINK, 2025)

Eric Halsey, a historian and author specializing in Bulgarian history, delves into the rich yet often overlooked narrative of the First Bulgarian Empire. He discusses how the Proto-Bulgarians built their identity and empire, from the invention of the Cyrillic Alphabet to their near conquests of the Roman Empire. Halsey explains the internal and external factors leading to the empire's collapse, including heresies and invasions. He also highlights the empire's legacy in modern Bulgaria and the challenges in interpreting its history through various political lenses.
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Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 22min

Ronald Angelo Johnson, "Entangled Alliances: Racialized Freedom and Atlantic Diplomacy During the American Revolution" (Cornell UP, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Ronald Angelo Johnson, a historian specializing in Atlantic diplomacy and author of Entangled Alliances, reexamines the American Revolution through the lens of transatlantic collaborations. He highlights the role of Black resistance, showcasing figures like McCandle and the pivotal contributions of Caribbean allies. Johnson also delves into the complexities of diplomacy, the influence of print culture, and how these dynamics shaped revolutionary leaders. Together, they explore the intertwined fates of freedom-seekers across the Atlantic.
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Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 7min

Eric H. Cline, "Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Eric H. Cline, Professor of classics and anthropology at George Washington University, dives into the fascinating world of the Amarna Letters. He recounts the dramatic discovery of these ancient tablets, revealing the intricate diplomacy and royal intrigues of the Late Bronze Age. Cline discusses the challenges faced by scholars in translating these significant texts, the vibrant communication among pharaohs, and the political dynamics in Canaan. He also explores the potential for further discoveries that could provide deeper insights into this historical period.
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11 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 50min

Tracy Borman, "The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty" (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2025)

Tracy Borman, a prominent historian and chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces, delves into her latest work exploring the tumultuous end of the Tudor dynasty. She reveals new insights into Elizabeth I's mysterious succession and debunks the long-accepted narrative that James was her chosen heir. Borman discusses the power struggles and rival claims of Elizabeth’s time, the hidden motivations behind her decisions, and fascinating evidence showing William Camden’s alterations to historical texts to legitimize James’s reign. A riveting look at monarchy, legacy, and deception!
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Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 13min

Eric Lee, "The August Uprising, 1924: The Georgian Anti-Soviet Revolt and the Birth of Democratic Socialism" (McFarland, 2025)

In this engaging conversation, Eric Lee, a historian and journalist known for his work on Georgian history, delves into the 1924 August Uprising in Georgia. He explores its roots in the brief democratic independence following the Russian Revolution and the brutal Soviet crackdown led by Beria. The discussion highlights the ideological clash between social democracy and Bolshevism, shedding light on the uprising's significance in shaping modern democratic socialism. Lee connects these historical events to today's political landscape, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Georgia's struggle.
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47 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 16min

Ellen Muehlberger, "Things Unseen: Essays on Evidence, Knowledge, and the Late Ancient World" (U California Press, 2025)

Ellen Muehlberger, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan, explores the intimate knowledge ancient peoples had of one another in her new work. She discusses how public culture and rituals reinforced Christian power in late antiquity, and examines the social dynamics behind classroom role-playing and male dominance. Muehlberger tackles fascinating concepts like the 'Superfather' in early church authority, and how crowd surveillance served as evidence of belief, while also emphasizing the challenges and joys of presenting historical narratives.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 10min

How Government Made the U.S. into a Manufacturing Powerhouse

Colleen Dunlavy, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and author of 'Small, Medium, Large,' explores how U.S. government policies shaped manufacturing standards. She discusses the crucial role of medium-sized firms in adoption processes and the influence of key figures like Hoover. The conversation touches on how wartime efforts standardized production and even affected fashion trends. Colleen also previews her upcoming work on corporate history, delving into how state structures shaped incorporation.
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Nov 9, 2025 • 59min

Michelle Christine Smith, "Utopian Genderscapes: Rhetorics of Women's Work in the Early Industrial Age" (Southern Illinois UP, 2021)

Michelle C. Smith, an author and scholar specializing in rhetoric and gender studies, dives into her book exploring intentional communities like Brook Farm, Harmony Society, and Oneida. She discusses how these communities redefined women's labor amid industrialization and how their legacies shape contemporary gender dynamics. Highlights include varying approaches to domestic work and childcare, gendered ecologies across societal roles, and the nuanced success of these historically significant movements. Smith also hints at her forthcoming work on WWII gendered labor, promising more insights into evolving feminist histories.

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