New Books in History

Cristina Plamadeala, a scholar specializing in surveillance and transitional justice, delves into her groundbreaking book, exploring the haunting world of Romania's Securitate archives. She reveals how 'dossierveillance'—the pervasive fear stemming from surveillance files—shaped everyday life under Nicolae Ceauşescu. Cristina connects historical abuses to modern surveillance, emphasizing the complex interplay of victim and perpetrator roles. She reflects on personal motivations behind her research, illustrating the lasting impact of past regimes on contemporary society.

Danny Orbach, a Senior Lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and author, dives deep into the world of those who plotted against Hitler. He reveals the complex motivations behind German resistance, including their moral ambiguities and the gripping history of their conspiratorial networks. Discover how lone wolves like Georg Elser operated, why pivotal events in 1938 shaped military opposition, and the daring details of the July 20 plot. Orbach reflects on the legacy of these resisters, emphasizing the challenges they faced and the bravery required to stand against tyranny.

Angelos Chaniotis, a Professor of Ancient History and Classics at Princeton, delves into the complexities of the Hellenistic world from Alexander's legacy to Hadrian. He argues for extending the Hellenistic period beyond Cleopatra, highlighting cultural continuities and how new archaeological finds reshape our understanding. The discussion covers topics like the social mobility of artists, the spread of mystery cults, and Roman entanglement with Greek societies, painting a vivid picture of a world rich in cultural exchange and political intrigue.

Becky M. Nicolaides, a historian and author specializing in Los Angeles suburban history, discusses how the Hart-Celler Act of 1965 transformed suburbia. She explores the contrasting responses of four LA suburbs to increasing diversity, from the affluent San Marino to working-class South Gate. Becky reveals how Latino newcomers revitalized neighborhoods and the complexities of suburban integration. With insights into local racial politics and community resilience, she challenges the idea that diversity automatically leads to equity.

Peter D. Blackmer, an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University, dives into the grassroots movements in Harlem that shaped the Black Power era. He discusses the hidden influences behind his research, like archival discoveries and transformative figures such as Malcolm X. Blackmer highlights the significant link between local struggles and global anti-colonialism. He emphasizes the importance of long-term organizing, revealing how systemic repression fueled uprisings. His insights offer a fresh perspective on the dynamics of race, resistance, and community identity.

Martyn Whittock, a historian and author, delves into the Vikings’ lesser-known eastern journeys in his compelling work. They explored the origins of the Rus and their cultural assimilation with Slavs, revealing the impact on Russian identity. Whittock highlights the Vikings' roles in state formation and trade routes, including interactions with Byzantium. He explores how these historical narratives have been repurposed by modern leaders, including Putin, to legitimize power. The discussion makes clear how myths shape contemporary politics and identities in Russia and Ukraine.

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple’s storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor’s Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

William Doyle, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Bristol, discusses his insights on Napoleon Bonaparte's complex journey to end the French Revolution. He explores how Napoleon tackled the instability caused by war, religion, and monarchy, highlighting his military triumphs and peace with the Church. Doyle delves into the failed restoration of the colonial empire, the significance of the Concordat, and Napoleon's ambitions to become emperor. His analysis reveals both Napoleon's remarkable problem-solving abilities and his inherent flaws.

David Stasavage, the Dean for Social Sciences at NYU and author of The Decline and Rise of Democracy, explores the rich history of democracy beyond ancient Greece. He discusses how weak state institutions often led to early democratic practices. Stasavage contrasts the political effects of bureaucracies in different societies and highlights the importance of literacy in governance. He also reflects on the legacy of Magna Carta, the coexistence of slavery with democratic rights, and urges a rethink of citizen-representative connections in modern democracies.

Lorenzo Castellani, a researcher at LUISS Guido Carli in Rome, delves into the paradox of Alberto Beneduce, a socialist who thrived under Mussolini's regime. They discuss the dilemma of cooperating with authoritarianism and Beneduce's fascinating dual role: opposing fascism while building influential economic institutions. Castellani highlights how Beneduce's work laid the groundwork for post-war Italian capitalism, creating a 'state outside the state' that survived fascism. The conversation also touches on Italy's pioneering state interventionism and the blurred lines in Beneduce's nationalistic ties with Mussolini.