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Asian Review of Books

New Books Network
World War II
India
China
Hong Kong
Japan
Nanjing Massacre
Bernhard Sindberg
Tokyo Trials
Operation Gratitude
The Enclave
A Slight Angle
United States
Han Dynasty
Mongolia
Xiongnu
Mughal Empire
Jhaveri Family
US Navy
Britain
Cultural Identity

The Asian Review of Books is the only dedicated pan-Asian book review publication. Widely quoted, referenced, republished by leading publications in Asian and beyond and with an archive of more than two thousand book reviews, the ARB also features long-format essays by leading Asian writers and thinkers, excerpts from newly-published books and reviews of arts and culture. Support our show by becom... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes269Founded5 years ago
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Latest Episodes

The Great Wave is perhaps the most famous piece of Japanese artwork: a roaring blue wave and three boats on the ocean. And far in the background is Mt. Fuji. And that’s actually what Hokusai’s famous woodprint is about: Mt. Fuji, volcano and Japan’s ... more

The Assassins and the Templars. Two groups that are now part of popular legend–and not just because of Assassin’s Creed, the massive video game franchise starring the former as its heroes, and the latter as its villains.

Steve Tibble takes on both ... more

In 1924, the Al-A‘waj, also known as the Crooked, set sail from Kuwait on a trading journey around the Persian Gulf, through the Strait of Hormuz, to Western India and, eventually, back to the Gulf. Dhows had sailed this route for centuries—and would... more

In 2016, Ludovic Orlando, a genetics researcher, embarked on the Pegasus Project, an ambitious endeavor to use genetics to discover the origin of the modern horse. There were plenty of theories as to who domesticated horses first–but Ludovic’s team c... more

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Recent Guests

Steve Tibble
Honorary research associate at Royal Holloway University of London and author of 'Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood'
Royal Holloway University of London
Episode: Steve Tibble, "Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood" (Yale UP, 2025)
Fahad Ahmad Bishara
Associate Professor of History and author of 'A Sea of Debt'
University of Virginia
Episode: Fahad Ahmad Bishara, "Monsoon Voyagers: An Indian Ocean History" (U California Press, 2025)
Ludovic Orlando
A genetics researcher who embarked on the Pegasus Project to discover the origin of modern horses
Episode: Ludovic Orlando, "Horses: A 4,000-Year Genetic Journey Across the World" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Justin Marozzi
Former Financial Times and Economist foreign correspondent, and author of several books on Islamic history.
Pegasus Books
Episode: Justin Marozzi, "Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World" (Pegasus Books, 2025)
Harini Nagendra
Professor of Ecology at Azim Premji University and a well-known public speaker and writer on issues of nature and sustainability.
Azim Premji University
Episode: Harini Nagendra, "Into the Leopard's Den: A Bangalore Detectives Club Mystery" (Pegasus Crime, 2025)
Stephen C. Mercado
Author of Japanese Spy Gear and Special Weapons, How Noborito's Scientists and Technicians Served in the Second World War and the Cold War
Independent Author
Episode: Stephen C. Mercado, "Japanese Spy Gear and Special Weapons: How Noborito's Scientists and Technicians Served in the Second World War and the Cold War" (Pen & Sword Military, 2025)
Aletta André
Dutch historian and journalist covering South Asia
Episode: Abhimanyu Kumar and Aletta André, "The House of Awadh: A Hidden Tragedy" (HarperCollins India, 2025)
Abhimanyu Kumar
Indian poet and journalist with experience in politics, arts, culture, and minority issues
Episode: Abhimanyu Kumar and Aletta André, "The House of Awadh: A Hidden Tragedy" (HarperCollins India, 2025)
Moudhy Al-Rashid
Honorary fellow at the University of Oxford's Wolfson College, specializing in ancient Mesopotamian language and history
University of Oxford
Episode: Moudhy Al-Rashid, "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History" (W.W. Norton, 2025)

Host

Nicholas Gordon
Host of the Asian Review of Books podcast. A knowledgeable figure in discussions around Asian literature and history.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 19 ratings
  • Great interviews

    Nicholas Gordon is a great interviewer. I look forward to each and every episode of this podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Harry Victor
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the thought-provoking nature of the interviews and discussions, emphasizing the host's ability to engage meaningfully with guests.
There is a notable recognition of the podcast's contribution to uncovering lesser-known aspects of Asian history and literature.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#143
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#56
Hong Kong/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#73
Indonesia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#131
Hong Kong/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#153
Indonesia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#235
Netherlands/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Rosinka Chaudhuri, "India's First Radicals: Young Bengal and the British Empire" (India Viking, 2025)
Q: What did the Young Bengal group achieve?
They are credited with forming the first Indian Political Party and promoting various reforms, although their contributions have historically been overlooked.
Rosinka Chaudhuri, "India's First Radicals: Young Bengal and the British Empire" (India Viking, 2025)
Q: Why do you call this group India's First Radicals?
They were the first to think politically outside of religion while advocating for social reforms, marking the modern understanding of the term 'radical.'
Rosinka Chaudhuri, "India's First Radicals: Young Bengal and the British Empire" (India Viking, 2025)
Q: What was India like when these thinkers emerged?
India was under the control of the British Empire, experiencing significant changes due to the expansion of the East India Company and the socio-political upheaval during the early 19th century.
Abhimanyu Kumar and Aletta André, "The House of Awadh: A Hidden Tragedy" (HarperCollins India, 2025)
Q: What's your conclusion on Begum Wilayat Mahal's story?
We see the binary of her being royalty or not as a problematic framing; focusing on her full identity and activism provides a deeper understanding of her life and struggles.
Abhimanyu Kumar and Aletta André, "The House of Awadh: A Hidden Tragedy" (HarperCollins India, 2025)
Q: What actually got her in trouble in Pakistan?
Her identity as a Kashmiri activist for independence and the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Liaqat Ali Khan contributed to her troubles.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Review of Books

What is Asian Review of Books about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Conversations revolve around Asian literature, history, and cultural dynamics, often engaging with notable authors and scholars who explore a range of topics from historical narratives to modern societal issues. The discussions are enriched with insights on the significance of various literary works, the complexities of identity within different cultural contexts, and the ongoing impact of historical events on contemporary society. Unique elements such as the examination of lesser-known aspects of Asian history and literature also set it apart, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the multifaceted nature of Asia's past and present. The content is particularly relevant for individuals seeking a deeper appreciat... more

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1. Ones and Tooze
2. Empire
3. Economist Podcasts
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How many episodes of Asian Review of Books are there?

Asian Review of Books launched 5 years ago and published 269 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Asian Review of Books?

Recent guests on Asian Review of Books include:

1. Steve Tibble
2. Fahad Ahmad Bishara
3. Ludovic Orlando
4. Justin Marozzi
5. Harini Nagendra
6. Stephen C. Mercado
7. Aletta André
8. Abhimanyu Kumar

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