Inspired by BBC Radio’s “Desert Island Discs,” the Peter Lang Group presents ‘Peak Reads & Playlists’.

Join us on a journey to the mountain peaks near our Lausanne headquarters where we speak with our esteemed series editors.  

In this interview format, our guests share the books, music, and food that would keep them company if they were whisked away alone to this beautiful mountain setting. They’ll explore the reasons behind their choices, revealing the impact and influence each has had on their lives. Get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the Peter Lang community.

Name: Dulce Maria Scott
Job Title: Professor, Department Chair, Social Work and Criminal Justice
Series: Interdisciplinary Studies in Diasporas

Books

> Which FICTION title would take the coveted first spot on your list?

Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet (Livro do Desassossego).

Atop a mountain, one often finds themselves in a state of contemplation, pondering the essence of human existence and feeling a spiritual connection to the wider universe. It was a challenging task to choose from the renowned Portuguese poets and writers from my earlier years in Portugal, including Eça de Queiróz, Fernando Pessoa, Florbela Espanca, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, Miguel Torga, and Aquilino Ribeiro, among several others. Ultimately, I decided on a work by Fernando Pessoa that transcends both place and time, making it universally resonant. Livro do Desassossego is a thought-provoking and deeply poetic exploration of the human condition. I first read it in Portuguese, but it has been translated into several languages, including English.

> If you were offered the chance to take a NON-FICTION title, which would you choose?

During a difficult chapter of my graduate school experience, while sharing a living space with Indian roommates, I found solace in Indian philosophy. Its profound deconstruction of the human ego deeply resonated with me. Eventually, I came across Sri Aurobindo: The Life Divine. This masterpiece not only deepened my understanding of spiritual philosophy but also fascinated me with its engagement with the Western thought I was studying in graduate school.

Sri Aurobindo: The Life Divine

> We’re feeling generous so we’ll allow you one more book, your choice of FICTION or NON-FICTION – which one makes the list?

Hermann Hess, Steppenwolf

Selecting among numerous wonderful novels was a challenge, yet I felt compelled to include Steppenwolf, particularly as I envisioned reading it while experiencing closeness to nature atop a mountain. Steppenwolf is a precursor to existentialism, foreshadowing Jean Paul Sartre’s exploration of “being and nothingness.” The novel delves into the struggle between the human ego, socially constructed within the confines of specific cultural norms, and a primordial state of being, free of the ego. Its beautiful prose and profound message left an indelible impression on me upon my first reading.  

Music

> The mountain ranges have spectacular acoustics. Which 5 MUSICAL RECORDINGS would you take to enjoy whilst up on the summit and why?

1. Vangelis, Mythodea Movement 9 With Lyrics

When at the top of a mountain, one can be overtaken by a deep sense of transcendence—a connection to something greater than oneself, to a universal and primigenius state of being. This musical composition amplifies such feelings, evoking a sense of transcendence and tapping into that primordial essence.

2. Zeca Afonso – Balada do Outono (Autumn Ballad)

Zeca Afonso’s “Balada do Outono” is somewhat melancholic, as the singer announces that he will stop singing. It draws on the imagery of flowing waters, evoking the passage of time and life’s impermanence. It is a contemplative journey that invites reflection on our connection to the divine amid the serene acceptance of mortality.

Also see the composers version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2q_ngA-X3c

3. Mariza – Gente Da Minha Terra ao vivo em Lisboa

Marisa’s “Gente da Minha Terra” (People of my Land) is another melancholic song, deeply rooted in the tradition of Portuguese fado music. It encapsulates the essence of “saudade,” the longing born from the absence of those who departed due to maritime exploration, colonial settlement, and immigration. The singer movingly acknowledges that the sadness she carries within her originates from the people of her homeland. This sentiment is quintessentially reflective of Portuguese culture.

4. Adagio in G Minor (Albinoni)

This exquisite composition has often carried me during moments of disquiet and uncertainty. Its serene melody has offered me solace and refuge, bringing peace to times of turmoil. At the top of a mountain, I would play it while seeking moments of introspection and connection with myself.

5. André Rieu: In a Persian Market

While at the top of a mountain, where moments of introspection and connection often prevail, I would also cherish times of levity. André Rieu’s rendition imbues the composition with vitality and panache. This piece, although inspired by a Persian market, makes me feel like freely dancing atop the mountain, while recognizing the diversity of humankind and the beauty of the world.

Food

Main dish: Bacalhau à Brás is a classic Portuguese dish crafted with salted cod, eggs, potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, olives, and olive oil, all cooked together. I would pair it with a fine Portuguese white wine.  

For desert: Pastéis de Nata, a delicious Portuguese custard tart, very rich in flavor. I would enjoy it along with a cup of expresso coffee.

Thank you to Dulce Maria Scott for joining us up on the mountain!

Discover the series here:  https://www.peterlang.com/series/isd

Raccordi
Studi di letteratura e altre discipline
Direzione: Valeria Merola

La collana è stata inaugurata nel 2023 e indaga tutte quelle forme di correlazione tra la letteratura e le altre discipline, a partire dalle modalità con cui il testo letterario interagisce e dialoga con soggetti, temi e scritture propri di altre aree del sapere. Raccordi investiga l’insieme di connessioni che le scienze umanistiche intrecciano con ambiti delle scienze sociali, delle scienze giuridiche ed economiche, della tecnologia, della filosofia, delle arti e della medicina.

Il primo volume Il racconto della malattia. Intersezioni tra letteratura e medicina (2023), a cura di Daniela De Liso, Valeria Merola e Sebastiano Valerio, pubblica gli atti del convegno organizzato dal Dipartimento di Scienze Umane dell’Università dell’Aquila (19-21 febbraio 2020). Dagli atti emergono le corrispondenze letterarie e scientifiche nate dall’incontro tra la letteratura e la medicina, dall’interazione di temi etico-morali, di soggetti e immagini (la figura professionale del medico, la relazione di cura, la malattia mentale e psicofisica) con linguaggi e forme di rappresentazione letteraria nella pluralità delle declinazioni possibili in campo umanistico.

Segue il volume Letterature e altre scienze. Incroci e sovrapposizioni (2023), a cura di Lorenzo Battistini, Maria di Maro, Lucia Faienza e Lorenzo Marchese. Gli autori si interrogano sulle applicazioni delle scienze come strumento di analisi critica, come oggetto e tecnica di narrazione, e come pratica ermeneutica, con la finalità di sondare attraversamenti tra i generi e individuare strumenti condivisi con cui indagare più in profondità le scienze umane e mediche-naturali. La permeabilità dei confini disciplinari si osserva nel dialogo tra la storia letteraria e le scienze, nella reciprocità dei rapporti che esse intrecciano, nelle combinazioni tematiche, negli orientamenti teorico-critici e nelle relazioni retorico-stilistiche.

Il terzo volume Psicopatografie. Il racconto della malattia mentale nella narrativa italiana del XXI secolo (2023), di Stefano Redaelli, affronta in particolare il tema della malattia mentale e della follia, con attenzione alle narrazioni in prima persona della condizione di disagio mentale. La monografia considera un corpus di testi narrativi in contesti psichiatrici post legge Basaglia, muovendo dallo sguardo del paziente al punto di vista dello psichiatra, dal romanzo autobiografico al racconto. Per i meriti letterari e scientifici di ricerca l’autore è stato insignito del “Premio Letterario Città di Girifalco”.

Sono in programmazione nella collana cinque successivi volumi.

La collettanea Le connessioni fra romanzo e teatro nel Settecento e nel primo Ottocento, a cura di Valeria G. A. Tavazzi, studierà le contaminazioni tra il genere teatrale e la narrativa nelle combinazioni adottate da autori italiani, francesi e spagnoli, dal teatro romanzesco al romanzo teatrale, con saggi sulla novella, sulla tragedia, sulle tecniche di sperimentazione e trasposizione di modelli e linguaggi, come forme ibride per veicolare le istanze innovative letterarie e drammaturgiche tra XVIII e XIX secolo, in Italia e in Europa.

Dal teatro agli studi di genere, la monografia «Viver libera o morire». Formazione ed emancipazione femminile nel Settecento di Francesco Saverio Minervini osserverà da una prospettiva storica e filosofico-letteraria il ruolo dell’educazione femminile nella storia italiana ed europea nel Settecento, con attenzione alla ricezione di testi teatrali nella produzione di poetesse e scrittrici italiane.

Dalla letteratura alla musicologia, la monografia Margherita Costa. Poetessa virtuosa di Maria di Maro presenterà il profilo poetico di Margherita Costa e attraverso lo studio critico della produzione lirica, in particolare di tre canzonieri (La Chitarra, Il Violino, Lo Stipo), testimonierà la capacità di interagire con una pluralità di generi e temi, dal filone elegiaco-amoroso alla poesia encomiastico-burlesca, in linea con il milieu lirico di Giovan Battista Marino.

Muovendo dalla critica letteraria alle scienze secondo una prospettiva comparatistica, Rachele Cinerari in Analogie e incognite. La matematica come forma di conoscenza in Paul Valéry, Robert Musil, Hermann Broch, Virginia Woolf esplorerà le connessioni tra la matematica e la letteratura. L’autrice analizzerà la relazione degli scrittori con le scienze matematiche e ne studierà la risemantizzazione dei linguaggi e delle forme espressive, dei temi e dei contenuti propri di domini scientifici, per usi figurativi, simbolici e metaforici nelle scienze umanistiche.

Infine, Carlo Baghetti in Labour narratives. Il caso letterario italiano osserverà da una prospettiva interdisciplinare le rappresentazioni artistiche del lavoro nei prodotti culturali, seguendone le evoluzioni dall’antichità ai tempi più recenti e interrogandosi sulle categorie critiche di ricezione e classificazione delle opere letterarie incentrate sulla produzione lavorativa.

Raccordi accoglie monografie, collettanee e atti di convegno che delineano nell’orizzonte letterario le intersezioni tra le discipline, tra generi testuali e tra aree del sapere scientifico. La collana ha il merito di colmare il divario tra i perimetri disciplinari intercettando sottili affinità e solide connessioni tra le scienze e le arti da inedite prospettive letterarie, con studi ricerche e analisi intertestuali e interdisciplinari rivolte a un pubblico internazionale di studiosi, in ambiti del sapere collaterali che si rivelano sempre più affini.

Comitato scientifico

Linda Bisello (Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano)
Clizia Carminati (Università di Bergamo)
Daniela De Liso (Università Federico II di Napoli)
Giorgio Resta (Università di Roma Tre)
Francesco Rullani (Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia)
Gino Ruozzi (Università di Bologna)
Gianluigi Simonetti (Università di Losanna)
Enrica Zanin (Università di Strasburgo)

Inspired by BBC Radio’s “Desert Island Discs,” the Peter Lang Group presents ‘Peak Reads & Playlists’.

Join us on a journey to the mountain peaks near our Lausanne headquarters where we speak with our esteemed series editors.  

In this interview format, our guests share the books, music, and food that would keep them company if they were whisked away alone to this beautiful mountain setting. They’ll explore the reasons behind their choices, revealing the impact and influence each has had on their lives. Get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the Peter Lang community.

Name: Dr. Jatinder Mann
Job Title: Visiting Research Fellow, University of Reading
Series: Studies in Transnationalism

Books

> Which FICTION title would take the coveted first spot on your list?

Matthew Gregory Lewis’ The Monk: A Romance (1998). One of my oldest best friends strongly recommended this book to me many years ago, and I have always been so grateful that he did. The imagery in the book is quite spectacular. You are gripped from the first page to the very last. It is an excellent example of Gothic literature. It was very controversial and scandalous when it was first published, which is not surprising considering its subject matter.

> If you were offered the chance to take a NON-FICTION title, which would you choose?

Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney, and Aroha Harris’ Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History (2015). This is a wonderful book that explores the history of Aotearoa New Zealand from a Māori perspective. It covers a very broad historical period and employs an inter and multidisciplinary approach to bring a very rich narrative – both textually and visually (there are some stunning photos in the book) to life. It is a book that I drew on considerably when I designed and taught a course on the History of Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time when I was based in Hong Kong.

> We’re feeling generous so we’ll allow you one more book, your choice of FICTION or NON-FICTION – which one makes the list?

Khushwant Singh’s A Train to Pakistan (1956). There are some books that you read that just stay with you for life and this is one of those books for me. I read it in my youth. It is a novel set in the Punjab (the region of South Asia that my family is descended from) in 1947 during Partition which saw the region divided between the newly created states of India and Pakistan along religious lines (Hindus and Sikhs mainly in the former and Muslims primarily in the latter) after the end of the British Raj (British imperial rule). The associated population exchanges and communal violence after the hasty British withdrawal saw up to one million people killed and up to twenty million dispossessed. I think one of the reasons why this book really touched me on a deep level is that it is about an extremely traumatic event that affected my ancestors, and the legacy of which remains to this day with the very fraught relationship between India and Pakistan.

Music

>The mountain ranges have spectacular acoustics. Which 5 MUSICAL RECORDINGS would you take to enjoy whilst up on the summit and why?

1. Mariah Carey: Butterfly (1997). If I was ever asked who my favourite musical artist is, I would unhesitatingly reply, Mariah Carey. I have loved her music ever since I heard my eldest sister playing it when I was a kid, and I thought to myself who had the voice of this Angel. But this album in particular has a lot of meaning for me as it was released after she got divorced from a very unhappy marriage, and so it was an expression of her freedom and rebirth. At the exact same time I had just finished High School, which was not a happy time for me, as it is not for many people. So, the album encapsulated my own feelings of freedom and rebirth after a difficult several years. The title song from the album, ‘Butterfly’ is one of my all-time favourite songs of Mariah as it really showcases her song-writing skills. That is one of the things I love most about her, the fact that she is a singer-songwriter, and so her songs resonate with me more deeply as I know they have come from her heart.

2. Shania Twain: Come on Over (1999). Shania Twain is the only musical artist who I have seen live more than once: twice in London, United Kingdom (UK) and once in Ottawa, Canada when I was based there. She is up there for me in terms of best live musical performers. In fact I remember when I was at one of her concerts at Wembley Arena and she was bending over whilst singing on the stage to sign her autograph for fans at the same time. There are not many musical artists of her calibre who would even consider doing this. I also have always appreciated her life story. She was born into very humble beginnings, her parents died in a car crash, she put her fledgling music career on hold to look after her younger siblings, and then achieved spectacular success relatively late in life. This album of her’s was the first that I ever heard and I was hooked. She led the way for a lot of other Country music artists to cross over into Pop music as well.

3. Janet Jackson: Janet (1993). My favourite genre of music by far is R&B, and having grown up when I did, nothing beats 90s R&B. And this album by Janet Jackson epitomises the very best of this. I have always found the artistry behind the album quite incredible. When you listen to it you truly feel like she is telling a story over the course of the whole album. The diverse range of songs on the album is also something that I have always loved about it, from chilled songs to very upbeat ones. For me it is Janet’s best album and inspired a lot of other musical artists I think. The album also illustrates something else which had its highpoint in the 1990s: music videos. The numerous songs which were released as singles from the album quite often had amazing music videos accompanying them. The video for ‘If’ is a good example.

4. The Chicks: Taking The Long Way (2006). I am a huge The Chicks fan. But this album has got to be for me, their best. It followed the over the top backlash that they received from the Country music establishment after their lead singer said she was ashamed President Bush was from her state of Texas at a concert in London, UK. Her comments were made in the context of the United States of America’s invasion of Iraq in 2003. I will never forget attending a concert of their’s in the same year that the album was released in Sydney, Australia where I was doing my Ph.D. at the time, and they sang the song ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’ which was written as a response to the backlash that they received (including death threats!) and they got a standing ovation from the whole crowd it seemed, which was absolutely well-deserved. The album is full of defiance and whenever I need to get pumped up for something it is my go to album. It represented a new, mature sound for them as a group and truly illustrated their artistry.

5. The Corrs: Forgiven Not Forgotten (1995). The Corrs are another one of my favourite bands. I love the Irish. I truly admire and respect the impact that they have had on the world, despite their challenging history. And musically there are few other countries in my opinion of its size who have produced musical artists of such calibre. And The Corrs are an excellent example of this. I love their use of traditional Irish musical instruments, their sound, and their voices. But it is the instrumental songs from the album, much more influenced by Folk music than Pop like their later albums, which stand out for me. In fact their song ‘Lough Erin Shore’ from the album is probably my favourite instrumental song ever. I remember having this album on constant replay when I was at college in London, UK.

Food

>We couldn’t let our community feed their souls but not their bodies, so which FOOD DISH would you choose to take with you on the mountain retreat?

Vegetable Pakoras. This is a savoury Punjabi dish and they are one of my all-time favourites. They were something that my Mum taught me how to make and although I only make them a few times a year, namely at major Sikh festivals (Vaisakhi and Diwali), my partner and I (and our friends and neighbours who I often share them with) really look forward to them as they are simply delicious. I think one of the things I love most about them are the numerous ingredients that go into them and if all goes well the amazing taste that they create all together.

Thank you to Dr. Jatinder Mann for joining us up on the mountain!

Discover the series here: https://www.peterlang.com/series/sit

La collana «Il secolo lungo. Letteratura italiana (1796-1918)» diretta da Claudio Gigante e Dirk Vanden Berghe si arricchisce di un nuovo volume. Voyages et voyageurs en Italie au XIXe siècle / Viaggi e viaggiatori in Italia nell’Ottocento, a cura di Sabina Gola e Dirk Vanden Berghe, è la collettanea di studi bilingue dedicata ai percorsi di viaggio, di letterati e artisti, di archeologi ed esploratori, che nell’Ottocento scelgono l’Italia come meta di arrivo e di scrittura. La nota dei curatori presenta le origini e le finalità dell’opera, che accoglie nella prima parte cinque saggi in francese presentati al convegno Amo la tua gloria e la tua bellezza di Bruxelles nel 2011 e nella seconda parte tre successivi contributi in lingua italiana. In apertura, la prefazione di Nicolas Bourginat introduce le evoluzioni storiche del viaggio italiano, attraverso i cambiamenti sociali e sociologici ritratti nelle scritture odeporiche, seguendo gli itinerari dell’immaginario romantico dal romanzo alla scrittura giornalistica, dall’Italia all’Europa.  

Philippe Antoine in Faire le voyage d’Italie studia l’esperienza viatorica, come forma di apprendimento e di ricerca che pone al centro della scena il poeta-viaggiatore e osservatore partecipante, le cui emozioni e sensazioni filtrano dalle narrazioni odeporiche. L’analisi dei testi contempla scritture di viaggio personali, autobiografiche (Chateaubriand) ed epistolari (Misson, Stendhal) non immuni all’esaltazione descrittiva del paesaggio e al fascino dell’altrove.  

Sabine Verhulst in Un romantique des Lumières en Italie: le Grand Tour d’André Jacopssen segue l’itinerario letterario dello studioso fiammingo Jacopsenn sia a livello biografico, ripercorrendo le tappe delle sue esplorazioni sulle orme dei viaggiatori del Grand Tour, dalla Francia, alla Svizzera, all’Italia, sia a livello culturale, studiando gli scritti autobiografici che raccontano il suo passaggio nei principali siti archeologici italiani e le visite alle collezioni museali nei viaggi a Napoli e in Sicilia. Le note, gli appunti di viaggio e lettere testimoniano gli incontri letterari (come a Roma con Leopardi) di un attento osservatore delle pratiche educative, mediche e religiose dell’epoca.  

Christoph De Spiegeleer in Charles Potvin et le Risorgimento: une histoire transnationale ritrae da una prospettiva transnazionale l’impegno politico-filosofico, poetico, giornalistico e teatrale di Potvin, scrittore e drammaturgo, in pieno clima risorgimentale, a partire dal viaggio del 1853 che lo condurrà dal Belgio all’Italia, da Firenze a Roma. 

Il saggio di Christine Dupont Du séjour d’étude à la promenade touristique. Artistes belges en Italie avant et après l’Unité prende in esame la letteratura di viaggio belga e in particolare si sofferma sull’evoluzione del viaggio artistico in Italia, tra gli anni Trenta e Sessanta dell’Ottocento e dopo il 1880, come esperienza di formazione per pittori, scultori e architetti belgi (Wiertz, Robert, Mathieu, Lies, Spitaels, Huysmans). Gli itinerari artistici hanno come meta imprescindibile del pellegrinaggio culturale Roma, città eterna, ma si snodano di frequente anche nell’Italia meridionale, sulle tracce di poeti e artisti italiani. Dalla corrispondenza di Heiltz, pittore di paesaggio, si nota come il resoconto di viaggio aderisca gradualmente all’orizzonte stilistico della descrizione pittorica. 

Due contributi affrontano poi in specie il cammino dei briganti: Le brigandage légitimiste dans le Sud de l’Italie post-unitaire et le marquis Alfred de Trazegnies d’Ittre di Olivier Leruth e Ludwig Richard Zimmermann: dalla Germania al Lazio meridionale per combattere i briganti di Francesca De Caprio. Leruth rievoca il viaggio del marchese Trazegnies – avventuriero belga che entra a a far parte della storia del brigantaggio meridionale in Italia – dall’arrivo a Roma, alle spedizioni con le bande armate di briganti, sino alla sua esecuzione da parte del governo piemontese, puntualmente testimoniata dalle fonti documentarie. De Caprio ripercorre il viaggio del tenente Zimmermann in Italia e la sua partecipazione alle bande dei briganti nel Lazio con un attento studio critico delle Memorie di un ex Capo-brigante, resoconto di viaggio nell’anno di brigantaggio. 

Infine, Gennaro Ambrosino in Un itinerario di viaggio tra le necropoli etrusche dell’Italia centrale. Francesco Orioli e le memorie archeologiche viterbesi presenta le esplorazioni dell’archeologo Orioli con acute analisi degli scritti, delle memorie e delle descrizioni di viaggio da una duplice prospettiva: sia didattico-scientifica, di studio e di ricerca delle antichità etrusche; sia promozionale, finalizzata alla valorizzazione dei siti di interesse archeologico nel territorio viterbese. 

La Roma dell’Ottocento come panottico del viaggio in Italia degli italiani di Stefano Pifferi conclude l’opera con una importante riflessione sulla multiforme relazione che lega la scrittura odeporica al luogo letterario (attraverso i testi di viaggio di Malpica, Acerbi, De Mojana e De Amicis), inquadrando i percorsi che hanno condotto i letterati nella capitale, per Leopardi città del passato («città d’ancien régime»), per Imbriani e Faldella proiettata nel futuro.

Here at Peter Lang Group we recently announced the launch of our 2024 Emerging Scholars Competition. Running since 2011, this competition invites emerging scholars to submit proposals in a chosen subject for the chance to be published. However, as emerging scholars, like all prospective authors, can submit proposals at any time, what is the significance of this opportunity? 

As an international academic publisher, we specialize in bringing high-quality academic titles to readers around the world. The world of academic publishing is often competitive and can be daunting to those less established in their research fields. New voices might struggle to be heard or may be less confident in where to submit proposals to, particularly when working in more niche subjects. We believe that it is crucial to nurture the next generation of scholars, signposting and supporting their paths to publication. That is why we actively seek out and champion works by emerging scholars.  

Academia thrives on new perspectives and innovation. Even in well-established areas of study, a fresh view can invite new discussion and discourse. It is this discussion that in turn can lead to new advancements and understanding. Emerging scholars may be particularly suited to this, with a willingness to challenge existing paradigms. Emerging scholars often explore areas of research that have been overlooked or underrepresented. Naturally, they will look for gaps in existing knowledge to find their own space within the academic community. Their contributions can therefore lead to a more thorough understanding of academic issues or research.  

It is also important that we, as a publishing company, invest in these emerging scholars to build strong networks and leaders for the future of academia. Authors gain confidence in publishing and so continue to drive their own research forwards, pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Sharing their findings on a global platform at an earlier stage of their career offers greater opportunity to refine views, explore related fields, and connect with other academics. Importantly, the winning titles will be offered Gold Open Access as part of the publishing contract. Making the titles freely available is one way Peter Lang Group supports these emerging scholars in sharing their work and building their own reputation.

Another important aspect of the Peter Lang Emerging Scholars competition is the choice of subject. It is so important within publishing that the titles published reflect the diversity of experiences and study within academia. Academia sees trends and focuses change year on year, affected by social, economic, and political influences around the world. By focusing on a particular subject area each year, we aim to give early career scholars working in those areas a clear route to getting published and adding their voice to the conversation. This focus also speaks to the Peter Lang Group’s commitment to promoting and publishing groundbreaking research in the social sciences and humanities.  

Our commitment to supporting emerging scholars and cutting-edge research remains unwavering. We are constantly looking for new talent and innovative research and the Peter Lang Emerging Scholars Competition offers a clear route for those working and publishing in this year’s topic of focus.  

If you’re an emerging scholar who meets the criteria, we encourage you to submit your work for consideration. Find more information and the criteria here:  

Emerging Scholars Competition 2024 – Peter Lang

In this article, Dustin Grinnell, author of Lost & Found, discusses the significance of sharing your voice as an author during book promotion, both figuratively and literally.

In the ever-evolving landscape of book promotion, authors are increasingly recognizing the significance of sharing their voices. Whether through traditional book events, social media platforms, TV and radio, or the intimacy of audio mediums like podcasts, authors have a variety of avenues to express themselves beyond the confines of their written work. This isn’t merely a trend, but rather a fundamental aspect of engaging with readers in the digital era. In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of authors embracing their voices during book promotion and how it contributes to audience engagement and their overall brand.

Self-Expression: Unleashing Creative Energy

The first benefit of sharing your voice during book promotion is the opportunity for self-expression. For many authors, the compulsion to creatively express themselves is often ingrained deeply within them. Whether it’s through a book event, a TV or radio appearance, or a social media post, the act of sharing ideas that have simmered within them can be exhilarating. By stepping into the public sphere, authors also invite scrutiny and consideration of their thoughts and concepts. This engagement not only allows authors to be “in the conversation,” but also empowers them to influence and shape it for the better.

Beyond the Pages: Revealing the Multifaceted Self

Another advantage of sharing your voice is the ability to showcase aspects of yourself beyond what’s contained within the pages of your book. While a book or story may offer a glimpse into one aspect of an author’s personality or belief system, engaging with readers directly allows for a more comprehensive portrayal of an author. Many authors’ written work, particularly fiction, is not entirely reflective of their beliefs or perspectives. Thus, platforms that enable interaction provide an opportunity to exhibit authenticity and complexity.

Insights into the Creative Process: Understanding and Connection

Sharing your voice during book promotion offers readers a window into your creative process, satisfying their curiosity while also providing insights for yourself. Participation in discussions or interviews prompts authors to reflect on their work, deepening their understanding of their motivations and inspirations. Engaging with readers also allows for valuable feedback, offering authors a gauge of how their work is perceived and its impact on audiences.

Spaces for Voice: Book Events, Social Media, and Traditional Media

Authors have a range of platforms and mediums through which they can share their voices, each offering distinct advantages.

Book Events: Engaging with Readers Directly

Book events, whether readings, talks, or signings at bookstores, libraries or at special events provide authors with direct interaction with their audience. In them, authors can address questions about their work’s origins, sources of inspiration, and themes. Structuring these events around key talking points not only guides the conversation but also ensures an engaging and informative exchange. Moreover, the experience of public speaking hones communication skills and fosters bravery in facing diverse audiences.

Social Media: Amplifying Reach and Engagement

Social media platforms offer authors a dynamic space to share their voices with a broader audience. From providing glimpses into their creative process to sharing personal updates and opinions, authors can engage with readers in real-time. While some may find navigating social media challenging, platforms like Instagram can be used to offer insights into an author’s life and work, fostering a sense of connection with followers.

Audio: Intimacy and Storytelling

Audio mediums such as podcasts offer an intimate platform for authors to share their voices. Unlike TV appearances and traditional radio, podcasts allow for deeper exploration of topics related to their work, fostering nuanced conversations and connections with listeners. Through long-form discussions, authors can delve into their creative process, engaging listeners in immersive storytelling experiences.

Enamored by the podcast medium, I started my own podcast, Curiously, extending an invitation to listeners to accompany me on journeys through diverse conversations fueled by my curiosity. Drawing inspiration from the 2022 documentary Stutz, in which Jonah Hill engaged in dialogue with his therapist, I interviewed my former therapist for the first episode. Since then, I‘ve produced 12 more featuring an array of guests, ranging from a biomedical engineer exploring the science of popular sci-fi films to a researcher specializing in self-compassion, who discussed the physical and mental health benefits derived from practicing kindness towards ourselves.

Building Your Brand: The Importance of Author Platforms

In the digital era, every author is a brand, and cultivating an online presence is important. Starting a podcast or maintaining an active social media presence not only allows authors to share their voices but also enhances their brand visibility. These platforms serve as avenues for promoting work, attracting new readers, and monetizing their audience. Moreover, engaging in enriching conversations and storytelling through audio formats like podcasts refines an author’s craft, further strengthening their brand and connection with their audience.

Sharing your voice during book promotion isn’t just about marketing; it’s about forging meaningful connections with readers, amplifying your brand, and honing your craft as a storyteller. By embracing diverse mediums, authors can authentically express themselves, engage with their audience, and leave a lasting impact beyond the pages of their books.

At Peter Lang International Academic Publishers, our name reflects our mission: to connect with and publish for a truly global audience. We achieve this by publishing in multiple languages with the support of a diverse international team of Acquisition Editors. Our titles cross regional and language barriers, catering of course to their specific target audiences but ensuring that access to valuable research is not limited by geographical borders. Every book we publish aspires to a global readership. 

However, our commitment to ‘thinking globally’ is balanced by a deep understanding of the power of local connections. 

Personal Stories, Universal Themes

A recent title, A ‘proper’ woman? One woman’s story of success and failure in academia perfectly exemplifies this balance. A deeply personal memoir exploring the author’s experiences over a 46-year career in academic institutions across Ireland and the UK, the subject matter is intricately linked to the author’s physical and cultural space. Even the title, with its reference to a ‘proper’ woman, grounds the narrative in the specific societal expectations of the author’s time and place. Naturally, we would expect such a title to resonate more strongly with readers from the same region or those who have similar experiences. A sense of place helps to ground the title and provide an authentic and relatable voice for the author.

However, the power of A ‘proper’ woman? lies not just in its localized perspective, but in its exploration of universal themes. Professor Pat O’Connor explores experiences of devaluation, marginalisation, and disempowerment. These are not unique to academia or Irish society; they are universal human experiences. Readers from vastly different backgrounds can still find themselves reflected in the struggles and triumphs of the author, encouraging a sense of connection. These themes can connect readers across cultures and locations so that even a book with a keen sense of place can add value to a global audience, highlighting the shared threads and perhaps offering inspiration for those facing similar challenges. 

By exploring these universal themes through a localized lens, A ‘proper’ woman? offers a deeper understanding of the human condition. Professor O’Connor’s journey highlights the challenges faced by many women in academia, but also the resilience and determination required to overcome them. This resonates with readers across the globe who have faced similar struggles for equality, regardless of their specific location or background.

Universal Themes, Local Recognition

One of the most important roles of a publisher is to recognize and support that balance between global relevance and a localized sense of place, to maximize the exposure and readership for each title. Sometimes we come across a book review that details this so perfectly for a title, all we need to do is share it.

A recent review by Dr Evelyn Mahon in the Sunday Independent explores what makes Professor O’Connor’s book so deeply personal. Dr Mahon quotes Professor O’Connor as writing “In the Ireland I grew up in, it was very clear that domesticity, self-abnegation and self-sacrifice were key motifs in defining a ‘proper’ woman.” The review recognizes that this is a candid memoir from someone whose experiences were defined in many ways by the context of time and place. For this reason, it is particularly important that we see the title reviewed in an Irish newspaper, as perhaps in many ways some references are best understood by an audience close geographically as well as ideologically. 

Dr Mahon though, also highlights some of the most important takeaways of this fascinating book, that those challenges faced by Professor O’Connor paved the way to both success and failure and that “O’Connor’s contribution to a changing Irish academia is to be applauded.” It is a universal truth that only people fighting against inequality will make positive change happen, and that path is not always smooth. This drive for equality, particularly in academic institutions, is another topic of global relevance with Dr Mahon highlighting a strength of the book as “understanding the way in which gender differences are reproduced within academic institutions.” The review touches on so many of the core themes and excellently summarizes why this book is an invaluable read for so many.

As a publishing company, we see A ‘proper’ woman? as a title that exemplifies the powerful narratives that come when a book with a strong sense of place tackles universal themes. It allows readers to connect with the author’s experiences on a personal level, while also offering broader insights into the human condition and the ongoing fight for equality. This interplay is what allows it to resonate with the global audience and leave a lasting impact, and we thank Dr Mahon for the recognition of that in this review. 

You can find the full review here: A Proper Woman review: Pat O’Connor’s engaging memoir reveals the inequities of academia | Irish Independent

Discover the book: https://www.peterlang.com/document/1376191

In seiner Rezension auf KlimabildungSalzburg.org bespricht der Artikelautor Hans Holzinger Werner Mittelstaedts neuesten Titel „Transformation und Ambivalenz. Steht die Welt vor dem Kollaps? Kurskorrektur oder Klimakatastrophe Mit einem Vorwort von Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker“:

„Werner Mittelstaedt zählt zu den Vertretern einer kritischen Zukunftsforschung in der Tradition von Robert Jungk. In seinem aktuellen Buch „Transformation und Ambivalenz“ steht die Klimakrise im Fokus. Diese sieht er aktuell als größte Gefahr für die Menschheit, wie der Untertitel des Bandes „Kurskorrektur oder Klimakatastrophe“ anzeigt. Mittelstaedt widmet sich zunächst den beiden Begriffen des Buchtitels. Unter Transformationen seien die „vielen winzigen bis sehr großen Veränderungsschritte auf praktisch allen Ebenen menschlichen Handelns zu verstehen“ (S. 15). Ihre Realisierung impliziere einen fundamentalen gesellschaftlichen Wandel, der die Lebenswirklichkeiten der Menschen fast überall auf der Erde umgestalten werde. Der Autor spricht von einem „Epochenumbruch“ (S. 16), den nicht nur Politik, Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Technologie, sondern „möglichst viele Menschen aus allen gesellschaftlichen Umfeldern“ (ebd.) zu gestalten hätten.

Was hat dies mit Ambivalenz zu tun? „Wir wollen etwas verändern, aber scheuen uns, dafür etwas zu tun oder zu unterlassen.“ (S. 18) Dies gelte, so Mittelstaedt, nicht nur für einzelne Menschen, sondern das Handeln ganzer Länder oder Staatengemeinschaften, die die Ambivalenz der Bürger und Bürgerinnen widerspiegeln, wie etwa die bislang 27 Klimakonferenzen der Vereinten Nationen seit 1995 zeigen würden: „Seitdem hat sich die Erwärmung beschleunigt und die Schäden in der Biosphäre und für die Menschen durch die Klimakrise werden Jahr für Jahr größer, weil praktisch nichts erreicht wurde.“ (S. 19) Wir seien gefangen im Fortschrittsversprechen und der Wachstumsgläubigkeit: „Durch das enorme Wirtschaftswachstum im noch jungen 21. Jahrhundert wurde das gesamte Erdsystem stärker als jemals zuvor im Anthropozän belastet.“ (S. 50) Mittelstaedt spricht hier von einem „drohenden Wachstumsdilemma“ (S. 73), denn das bestehende Wachstumsparadigma sei alles andere als nachhaltig, wenn das Wachstum aufgrund von zunehmenden Klimakatastrophen jedoch einbreche, drohten „soziale Unruhen und politische Krisen nie gekannten Ausmaßes“ (ebd.). Der Rechtsruck und die Proteste in Europa durch die Gas- und Energiekrise hätten einen kleinen Vorgeschmack darauf geliefert. Eine Megakrise wäre auch unter dem Einsatz klugen Handelns und allergrößter Disziplin der meisten Menschen nicht mehr zu lindern.

Im Zentrum der globalen Transformation steht die Umstellung der Energieversorgung. Auch hier habe der Krieg Putins gegen die Ukraine die Krisenhaftigkeit unseres Energiesystems deutlich gemacht, so Mittelstaedt. Flüssiggas (LNG) sei davor nur als Ergänzung, etwa für LKW-Treibstoff, verwendet worden. Im Zuge der Gas-Krise sei dieses aber zum Ersatz für russisches Gas geworden – mit problematischen ökologischen Folgen: „LNG aus den USA mit hohem Fracking-Anteil ist mehr als 6-mal und das aus Australien rund 7,5-mal klimaschädlicher als Pipeline-Gas aus Norwegen.“ (S. 93)

Mittelstaedt fordert ein neues „Aufstiegs-Narrativ“ (S. 134), das Klimaschutz in allen Bereichen und Berufen ins Zentrum stellt. Und er plädiert für ein neues „Fortschritts-Narrativ“ (S. 135). Dieses müsse vermitteln, dass gesellschaftlicher Fortschritt sich nur noch erzielen lasse, „wenn Menschen ein neues Verständnis im Umgang mit der Biosphäre und der Begrenztheit der Erde entwickeln und danach handeln“ (ebd.) Da kommt die „neue Aufklärung“ von Ernst U. v. Weizsäcker ins Spiel, der ein Vorwort zum Buch verfasst hat.

Einschätzung: Werner Mittelstaedt vermittelt die Dringlichkeit der Umsteuerung und zitiert zahlreiche Fakten, die diese untermauern. Seine Vorschläge zur Transformation sind pragmatisch und reformorientiert. Sie reichen vom Stopp der Flächenversiegelung über den Ersatz von Kunststoffen durch biobasierte Ersatzstoffe bis hin zu Tempolimits auf Straßen und auf den Weltmeeren sowie einer deutlichen Verteuerung des Flugverkehrs. Auch eine faire Verteilung des Wohlstands und die Begrenzung der Reichen mit ihrem gigantischen CO₂-Fußabdruck wird angesprochen. Heftig kritisiert werden die neuen Militarisierungsschritte, die ökologisch desaströs seien und für die Transformation nötige Ressourcen verschlingen. Der Autor setzt auf strukturelle Veränderungen und damit auf eine Zähmung des Kapitalismus – die Systemfrage stellt das Buch so nicht. Deutlich wird, dass der Wandel auch unserer Denkmuster und kulturellen Bilder von Fortschritt notwendig ist, wie die 95 neuen Wertorientierungen und Handlungsmuster am Ende des Buches nochmals vor Augen führen. Ein Buch, das einmal mehr die Dringlichkeit der Umsteuerung aufzeigt.“

Der Artikel wurde am 01. März 2024 von Hans Holzinger auf klimabildungsalzburg.org unter dem folgenden Link veröffentlicht https://klimabildungsalzburg.org/2024/03/01/werner-mittelstaedt-transformation-und-ambivalenz/

Mehr Informationen zu „Transformation und Ambivalenz. Steht die Welt vor dem Kollaps? Kurskorrektur oder Klimakatastrophe Mit einem Vorwort von Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker“ von Werner Mittelstaedt erhalten Sie unter dem folgenden Link https://www.peterlang.com/document/1358981

‘Barbie was about a plastic doll with big boobies’, said Jo Koy at the Golden Globes. As Greta Gerwig answered, Jo Koy is ‘not wrong’. But Barbie, the timeless symbol of girlhood, has been more than just a toy: she’s been a source of joy and controversy, sparking conversations about women’s bodies, empowerment, and societal standards. Barbie spreads idealistic beauty standards and, as the movie demonstrates, she can alter the way girls look at their bodies. Barbie is designed to strike the perfect balance between being sexualised enough and being respectable, but what impact does it have on young girls?

Is Barbie empowering me?

Barbie’s journey has been one of evolution, responding to societal critiques that initially labelled her physique as unrealistic. Over the years, she has transformed to embrace diversity, introducing dolls of different ethnicities, body shapes, and professional roles. We discover many of the roles she has had in the film: Barbie has been a pilot, a mother, a builder, a teacher, and a president – she has done all of it.

Despite these positive changes, debates persist about how Barbie’s representation might impact body image and the empowerment of young girls. Critics argue that Barbie’s look perpetuates narrow beauty standards, potentially influencing negative body perceptions among the young. While Barbie has evolved over time, many argue that this change hasn’t been happening just to make women feel empowered. The Barbie film directly confronts this issue, featuring a scene where the idea of an ‘ordinary Barbie’ is initially dismissed by Mattel’s CEO, only to be embraced when the potential for profitability is highlighted.

Navigating beauty standards

In March 2024, Peter Lang Publishing Group is publishing my first book, titled Bra Wars: The Struggle against Decency. Inside, I discuss Western societal norms regulating breasts and the pressure to conform. I explore how the smooth appearance created by the bra, which conceals the nipples, has come to be the preferred model, due to its conformity to norms of decency in Western society. Showing the nipple, or going braless, is viewed as overly sexualised and thus dangerous.

Barbie’s design is interestingly the perfect example of this model. As I discuss in my book, women’s breasts have long been regulated by decency norms, and the Barbie doll confirms this ideal: breasts should be high, big, round, and have a perfectly smooth shape. Her design raises critical questions about what is considered ‘appropriate’ content for children and its potential impact on evolving societal norms. But the concealed nipples go beyond a design choice: they symbolise a broader societal unease with the depiction of authentic women’s bodies. They also contribute to a potential sense of shame surrounding the body from an early age.

The idealised form that Barbie represents – with an impossible figure, long legs and thigh gap – represents the societal expectation for women to prioritise their appearance in a culture where their primary role often seems focused on being visually appealing, but in the ‘right’ way. Women have to strike the perfect balance between being ‘sexy enough’ but not ‘too sexy’, being respectable, but not being prudish. And this perfect balance is what Barbie is all about: an ‘ideal’. A poignant monologue in the Barbie film, delivered by Gloria, explores this societal pressure on women to be ‘perfect’ and the conflicting expectations they face.

The intentional omission of the nipple on the Barbie doll points to the balancing act toy manufacturers face in creating products that resonate broadly without causing controversy. The concept of decency tied to Barbie’s breasts invites a closer examination of cultural norms and how the reinforcement of traditional ideals in seemingly insignificant ways like toys, ads, movies or books may impact societal perceptions.

Empowering through imagination

Barbie’s enduring strength lies in her capacity to inspire imaginative play. Many people fondly recall spending countless hours crafting stories and adventures with their Barbie dolls. This facet of play serves as a catalyst for creativity and empowerment, allowing children to dream beyond societal expectations. Barbie, in her various forms, has been an inspiration for many girls who felt like they would grow up to be like her.

Barbie’s legacy is complex, touching on issues of women’s bodies, empowerment, and societal norms. While her concealed nipples provide a starting point for these discussions, they represent only a fraction of a more extensive narrative. Barbie, in her own right, reflects our evolving perspectives on beauty and power. She shapes the way girls and, later, women, see their bodies and what they internalise they should look like. Engaging in open conversations about these topics contributes to reshaping perceptions and fostering a more inclusive environment for generations to come.

Bra Wars delves into the complex interplay between femininity, bras, and societal expectations and invites you to redefine your understanding of what it means to be ‘decent’ in a patriarchal society. Based on interviews with women today, my book contributes to this conversation, drawing connections between societal expectations and the representation of women’s bodies in popular culture, with dolls like Barbie conditioning the way girls look at themselves.

Bra Wars: The Struggle Against Decency https://www.peterlang.com/document/1326012

Dr Janet Bubar Rich became enchanted with horses in myths and legends while working on her Ph.D. in Mythological Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. During class breaks, she would look at the horses in the field across from the campus and, being so impressed with the magnificent animals, she began researching the symbolic meaning of the horse image across cultures over time. She found the symbolism to be similar in ancient Greek, Nordic, Hindu, and Buddhist mythologies, as well as in Native American legends, films such as Seabiscuit, and popular plays like War Horse. Enchanted by the way the horses “enable people to go further and move faster” than they can otherwise go, Dr. Rich was inspired to write a book that was published by Peter Lang International Academic Publishers in 2016 entitled Riding on Horses’ Wings: Reimagining Today’s Horse for Tomorrow’s World.

In her book, Dr. Rich points out that once Native Americans adopted horses for hunting and riding, the horse image started entering their stories. Parents would tell their children, “If you’re good, you’ll get a horse and the horse of your dreams will take you into the skies,” she discloses. The horse became a god figure for them as it did in so many cultures across the globe over time. Horses have been a symbol of ascent across virtually all cultures throughout history.

In her book, Riding on Horses’ Wings, Dr. Rich explores how horses inspire soulful imagination, and investigates how historical and mythological love of horses has, in our technological age, become the love of high horse-powered vehicles.

Rich refers to her book as a cautionary tale, cautioning readers and listeners to pay attention to horse power and with it, the need to protect horses and all organic life, including plants, water, and human life. We need to remain cognizant of getting too caught up in “horse power” and instead focus on “getting back to the horse.” The book puts forth a call for channeling our love of horses into action; of “taking life by the reins” and making the changes needed for the survival of horses and other species on earth, our home.