New Books in History

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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8 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 41min

Elizabeth R. Hyman, "The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto: The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising" (Harper, 2025)

Elizabeth Hyman, a Holocaust historian and author, sheds light on the incredible stories of five young Polish Jewish women who played pivotal roles in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. She discusses the need to rewrite history to include female perspectives in resistance narratives. Hyman explores the complexities of Polish-Jewish relations and reveals human stories from the ghetto, touching on themes of sacrifice and ethical dilemmas faced by participants. The conversation emphasizes the relevance of these stories for contemporary audiences, inspiring reflection on resilience and activism.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 59min

Rebecca L. Davis, "Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America" (Norton, 2024)

Rebecca L. Davis, a Professor of history and women and gender studies at the University of Delaware, delves into her book on the history of sex and sexuality in America. She discusses how Americans have debated acceptable sexual practices since before the nation’s founding. Topics include colonial sexual norms, the impact of literature on sexual attitudes, and the fight against censorship led by figures like Anthony Comstock. Davis also explores the evolving views of gender fluidity and the historical backlash against sexual liberation, providing a rich context for contemporary debates.
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Nov 2, 2025 • 46min

Cynthia Paces, "Prague: The Heart of Europe" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Cynthia Paces, a Professor of history at the College of New Jersey, discusses her book on Prague, exploring the city’s evolution from the 10th century to today. She shares her personal ties to Prague, highlights the transformative impact of Charles IV, and reveals how the Counter-Reformation reshaped its skyline. Paces emphasizes the importance of women's contributions and personal narratives in historical accounts. For travelers, she recommends hidden gems like Visehrad and Karlštejn, along with insights into Prague's rich Jewish heritage.
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Nov 2, 2025 • 1h 16min

Kalathmika Natarajan, "Coolie Migrants, Indian Diplomacy: Caste, Class and Indenture Abroad, 1914-67" (Oxford UP, 2026)

Kalathmika Natarajan, a Lecturer in Modern South Asian History at the University of Exeter, explores the stories of 'coolie' migrants and their impact on Indian diplomacy from 1914 to 1967. She reveals how caste, class, and race shaped India’s diplomatic anxieties, particularly regarding the 'coolie stain.' Discussing topics like the Komagata Maru incident and the complexities of quarantine during migration, Natarajan highlights how historical narratives around caste continue to influence modern migration policies and transnational resistance.
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Nov 1, 2025 • 49min

C. Yamini Krishna, "Film City Urbanism in India: Hyderabad, from Princely City to Global City ,1890-2000" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

C. Yamini Krishna, a historian and author, dives into the interplay between cinema and urban development in Hyderabad. She discusses how cinema shaped the socio-political landscape of the city from its princely roots to its global status. Krishna explores the impact of Urdu and Telugu on cultural identity and the film industry. She highlights the evolution of Hyderabad's urbanism, including the rise of multiplexes and real estate, while reflecting on nostalgia for single-screen theaters. Her insights connect history, culture, and urban change in a dynamic narrative.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 42min

Anthony Tucker-Jones, "The Secret War: Spies, Lies and the Art of Deception in World War II" (Sirius, 2025)

Anthony Tucker-Jones, a former British intelligence officer and prolific military historian, discusses his new book, exploring the covert operations that shaped World War II. He highlights the pivotal role of espionage, detailing Bletchley Park’s successes and the infamous Operation Mincemeat. Tucker-Jones sheds light on intelligence failings, like those leading to Pearl Harbor, and reveals insights into Soviet and German intelligence operations. His narratives illuminate the motivations of spies and the lasting impacts on modern intelligence practices.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 57min

Elissa Bemporad, "Jews in the Soviet Union: A History: Revolution, Civil War, and New Ways of Life, 1917–1930, Vol. 1" (NYU Press, 2025)

Elissa Bemporad, a renowned expert on East European Jewish history and author of a groundbreaking new history, delves into the complexities of Jewish life in the Soviet Union from 1917-1930. She discusses the critical turning points of this era, explores how Soviet institutions transformed diverse Jewish identities, and uncovers the coexistence of repression alongside moments of emancipation. Bemporad also sheds light on the Judeo-Bolshevik myth’s origins and the tensions between Jewish leaders and Soviet power. Her insights promise a fascinating journey through a pivotal period.
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Oct 29, 2025 • 60min

Amanda Laury Kleintop, "Counting the Cost of Freedom: The Fight Over Compensated Emancipation After the Civil War" (UNC Press, 2025)

Amanda Laury Kleintop, an assistant professor of history at Elon University, dives into her book about the fight for compensated emancipation after the Civil War. She reveals how Southern demands for financial compensation were initially ignored, leading to significant historical ramifications. Kleintop discusses the legal battles surrounding Section 4 of the Fourteenth Amendment and how Lost Cause narratives have obscured the truth behind these compensation claims. Her deep archival research uncovers the complex relationship between race, reparations, and memory in America.
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Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 5min

Paula Oppermann, "Thunder Cross: Fascist Antisemitism in Twentieth-Century Latvia" (U Wisconsin Press, 2025)

Paula Oppermann, a prominent Holocaust historian and researcher, delves into her book about the Pērkonkrusts, Latvia’s largest right-wing party in the early 20th century. She discusses the party's roots in European fascism and its distinct antisemitic ideology, which influenced Latvian nationalism. Oppermann reveals how universities fostered anti-Jewish sentiments and the violent mobilization that culminated in the 1932 football-stadium pogrom. She also explores the group's adaptations after being banned, their collaboration with Nazis, and how postwar narratives recast their past.
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13 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 49min

Kenneth G. Appold, "Luther and the Peasants: Religion, Ritual, and the Revolt Of 1525" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Kenneth G. Appold, a Reformation history expert at Princeton, dives into his book about the 1525 German Peasants' Revolt. He reveals how the uprising was marked by strong religious motivations rather than just socioeconomic strife. Appold highlights the peasants' demands in the Twelve Articles and discusses the role of clergy, such as Thomas Müntzer. He explores Luther's shifting responses, from initial support to calls for suppression, and emphasizes the peasants' commitment to peace and communal values. A refreshing angle on a pivotal moment in history!

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