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
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.
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 26min
Joshua Clark Davis, "Police Against the Movement: The Sabotage of the Civil Rights Struggle and the Activists Who Fought Back" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Joshua Clark Davis, an Associate Professor of U.S. history, explores the overlooked resistance of civil rights activists to police violence in his new book. He reveals how groups like CORE and SNCC fought back against surveillance and repression, illustrating their struggles through personal stories. Davis expands the concept of police violence to include economic and legal tactics that aimed to undermine movements. He also sheds light on local police strategies, such as red squads, and the impact of infiltrators on the civil rights struggle.
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!
Oct 27, 2025 • 27min
Deana Heath, "Colonial Terror: Torture and State Violence in Colonial India" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Deana Heath, an academic specializing in Indian and colonial history, discusses her book on the centrality of torture to British colonial rule in India. She reveals how Indian police, often acting on behalf of British authorities, engaged in systematic violence to uphold state power. The conversation explores the unique structure of colonial governance, contrasting it with Mughal rule, and delves into the moral complexities of policing, the horrific biopolitical policies during famines, and the tangled legacy of these practices that persist in modern India.
Oct 26, 2025 • 46min
Mark Mazower, "On Antisemitism: A Word in History" (Penguin Press, 2025)
Mark Mazower, Ira D. Wallach Professor of History at Columbia University, explores the evolving concept of antisemitism in his new work. He delves into the shift from traditional right-wing prejudices to modern interpretations, highlighting how post-war dynamics changed perceptions. Mazower discusses the geopolitical implications of Jewish demographics, the historical ties between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and how contemporary debates often misinterpret the term. His insights illuminate the complexities surrounding antisemitism today, making it essential for understanding current global tensions.
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 17min
Stephen Fritz, "The First Soldier: Hitler as a Military Leader" (Yale UP, 2018)
Stephen Fritz, a history professor at East Tennessee State University and author of The First Soldier, challenges the traditional view of Hitler as a military leader. He delves into Hitler's strategic influences, the impact of World War I on his mindset, and the dynamics between him and his generals. Fritz highlights how Hitler's decisions, though often flawed, were informed by his reading and military ambitions. He also reflects on key battles like Stalingrad and explains Hitler's logistical shortcomings, marking a nuanced reassessment of his leadership during the war.
Oct 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Anthony Valerio, "Semmelweis: The Women's Doctor" (Zantedeschi Books, 2019)
In this discussion, Anthony Valerio, a seasoned writer and editor, delves into the life of Ignaz Semmelweis, the often-overlooked pioneer of antiseptic procedures. He shares Semmelweis's struggle against medical orthodoxy and the groundbreaking discovery of handwashing to combat childbed fever. Valerio reveals Semmelweis's tumultuous journey from a Buda spice merchant's son to a medical visionary, while also exploring the mental toll of his resistance from peers. The conversation highlights Semmelweis's enduring legacy in saving lives and influencing medical practices.
Oct 25, 2025 • 26min
Ashley D. Farmer, "Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore" (Pantheon, 2025)
Dr. Ashley D. Farmer, a celebrated historian and author, dives into the remarkable life of Audley Moore, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in Black radicalism. They discuss Moore's significant contributions to Black nationalism and the reparations movement. Farmer shares her research journey, revealing the scarcity of archival materials and the challenges in reconstructing Moore's impactful legacy. She emphasizes the essential role of Black women in political movements and how Moore's vision connects grassroots organizing with the fight for nationhood.
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
Paul Galvez, "Courbet's Landscapes: The Origins of Modern Painting" (Yale UP, 2022)
Paul Galvez, an art historian specializing in modern painting, dives into Gustave Courbet's overlooked landscape works that laid the groundwork for modernism. He discusses the significance of these paintings in relation to historical consciousness and materiality. Galvez elaborates on Courbet's unique painting techniques and the challenges of reproducing his works in print. The conversation also touches on artist intention, avoiding commercial interpretations, and Courbet's lasting influence on future generations of artists. His upcoming project on Gauguin's ceramic sculptures promises to be equally intriguing!
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Selena Daly, "Emigrant Soldiers: Mobilising Italians Abroad in the First World War" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Selena Daly, an Associate Professor of Italian Studies and historian, dives into the fascinating world of Italian emigrant soldiers during WWI. Over 300,000 returned to fight for Italy, and she explores their motivations, from patriotism to family ties. Using letters and diaries, she reconstructs their diverse experiences, including the challenges of reintegration and identity strains at the front. Daly also examines the chaotic aftermath of war, the difficulties of demobilization, and how policies from Mussolini affected these veterans. A captivating journey into a unique historical phenomenon!
