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Artwork for Asian Review of Books

Asian Review of Books

New Books Network
India
World War II
China
British Empire
Colonialism
Indian Ocean
Japan
Racism
Egypt
Hindu Nationalism
Hinduism
Second World War
Chinese Communist Party
Japanese American History
Slavery In the Islamic World
Mount Fuji
Suraj Milind Yengde
Dead Sea
World War I
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

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Artwork for Asian Review of Books

Latest Episodes

The U.S. dollar is the world’s most important currency. Trade is priced in dollars, the world’s central banks keep U.S. dollars in reserve, some places–including my home of Hong Kong, peg their currencies to the dollar. But what explains the U.S. dol... more

Slavery was a key part of pre-modern Islamic society, spanning from soldiers to concubines. And one of the most revealing repositories of evidence we have for how slavery worked in practice comes from the Cairo Geniza, a cache of hundreds of thousand... more

Doha, a North Korean spymaster, is found stabbed in an alley in Oxford. Doha tells his mentee–another North Korean spy named Yohan—to go to the Oxford Soju Club, a restaurant in the British college town. That starts a dance between three different Ko... more

Panini’s Ashtadyayi is one of the most famous works in Sanskrit, a so-called “linguistic machine” that, through its 4,000 words, allows someone to generate words and grammar. Generations of commentators have tried to figure out exactly how to best in... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jinwoo Park
Author of Oxford Soju Club
Dundurn Press
Episode: Jinwoo Park, "Oxford Soju Club" (Dundurn Press, 2025)
Rishi Rajpopat
Author of Panini's Perfect Rule, A Modern Solution to an Ancient Problem in Sanskrit Grammar
Harvard University Press (publisher) and University of Macau (affiliation mentioned)
Episode: Rishi Rajpopat, "Panini's Perfect Rule: A Modern Solution to an Ancient Problem in Sanskrit Grammar" (Harvard UP, 2025)
Guido Tabellini
Author of Two Paths to Prosperity, Culture, Institutions in Europe and China, 1000 to 2000
Bocconi University
Episode: Avner Greif et al., "Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Nicholas Evan Sarantakes
Author, The Battle of Manila, Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War
United States Naval War College
Episode: Nicholas Evan Sarantakes, "The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Prarthana Prakash
Writer/ interviewer; with background in business and culture
Episode: Mahesh Rao, "Half Light" (Penguin Random House India, 2025)
Mahesh Rao
Author of Half Light, novelist and short fiction writer
Episode: Mahesh Rao, "Half Light" (Penguin Random House India, 2025)
Olivier Hein
Author of Borneo, The History of an Enigma
Hurst Publishers
Episode: Olivier Hein, "Borneo: The History of an Enigma" (Hurst, 2026)
Rian Thum
Author of Islamic China and Asian History
University of Manchester (Senior Lecturer)
Episode: Rian Thum, "Islamic China: An Asian History" (Harvard UP, 2025)
Warwick Ball
Archaeologist and author
Reaktion Books (author of Ancient Civilizations of Afghanistan)
Episode: Warwick Ball, "Ancient Civilizations of Afghanistan: From the Earliest Times to the Mongol Conquest" (Reaktion, 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
#88
Singapore/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#102
Belgium/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#221
Singapore/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#224
Belgium/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Rishi Rajpopat, "Panini's Perfect Rule: A Modern Solution to an Ancient Problem in Sanskrit Grammar" (Harvard UP, 2025)
Q: How has your view of Panini changed after this work?
He remains a genius, though the interpretation of his system can be simplified; the results show elegance and simplicity, supporting a view of Panini as an extraordinary mind rather than an overhyped tradition.
Rishi Rajpopat, "Panini's Perfect Rule: A Modern Solution to an Ancient Problem in Sanskrit Grammar" (Harvard UP, 2025)
Q: What was your reinterpretation of the meta-rule about conflicts—how does it work in practice?
The later rule should win only if it applies to the right-hand side part of the word; this means that when two rules apply, the one that governs the rightmost portion of the word takes precedence, solving many conflicts.
Avner Greif et al., "Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Q: So what's your take on this? I mean, what do you see as the core reasons behind Europe overtaking China?
Europe's fragmentation allowed for trial-and-error experimentation and the emergence of private associations that evolved into corporations, shaping legal codes and facilitating inclusive institutions; in contrast, China's centralized bureaucracy and clan-based organization directed resources but limited the kind of knowledge diffusion and institutional experimentation that fueled Europe's industrial growth.
Avner Greif et al., "Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Q: You know, I want to start by talking about the puzzle your book is trying to explain, which is kind of the great divergence. You know, what is this idea, and what are some of the normal explanations as to what caused it?
The great divergence is a long-run puzzle comparing why Europe eventually outpaced China economically and institutionally; there isn't a single explanation, but the book argues that early unification in China and later fragmentation in Europe led to different institutional paths, with Europe developing more inclusive, democratic institutions and a bottom-up legal system that promoted knowledge accumulation and the Industrial Revolution.
Mahesh Rao, "Half Light" (Penguin Random House India, 2025)
Q: So Mahesh, thank you so much for coming on the show today. What inspired this novel and its two timelines around the 2014 Darjeeling setting and the 2018 landmark judgment?
The inspiration lies in the moment of decriminalization itself and how it reframes personal lives; using two timelines allowed me to explore how past experiences and future possibilities intersect, with the landslide as a catalyst for the lovers' world and the 2018 judgment as a social hinge that reshapes their futures.

Audience Metrics

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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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Which podcasts are similar to Asian Review of Books?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Asian Review of Books:

1. Conversations with Tyler
2. Ones and Tooze
3. The LRB Podcast
4. The Rachman Review
5. Past Present Future

How many episodes of Asian Review of Books are there?

Asian Review of Books launched 5 years ago and published 288 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. Jinwoo Park
2. Rishi Rajpopat
3. Guido Tabellini
4. Nicholas Evan Sarantakes
5. Prarthana Prakash
6. Mahesh Rao
7. Olivier Hein
8. Rian Thum

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