BOOKSHELF

[FACULTY AUTHORS]

Continental Strangers: German Exile Cinema 1933-1951 by Gerd Gemunden

“I wrote this book because i was interested in the role German- language exiles played in the film industry in the 1930s and 1940s,” says gemunden. “most of them were refugees from Nazism but could not express their opposition to Hitler openly.” the film prof found a more complicated story than anticipated. “There were indeed many smaller films that advocated an anti-fascist agenda, and archival research showed that even the big studio productions were fraught with conflict and compromise,” he says. (Columbia University Press)

The Island of Knowledge: The Limits of Science and the Search for Meaning by Marcelo Gleiser

The physics professor recasts science in a new light by exploring its philosophical and religious roots. “I present science as a gateway to some of the deepest and most meaningful questions of existence, more a map of the human soul than a collection of formulas,” he says. “my hope is that this book will be an informative—but mostly transformative experience for the reader.” (Basic Books)

Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter by Randall Balmer

A religion prof and historian of evangelicalism, Balmer has always been interested in the underdog. “one of the axioms among historians is that history is written by the victors,” he notes. “i wanted to call attention to a figure who, because of his troubled presidency, has often been overlooked or dismissed by historians. I hope that this book prompts a reconsideration of Carter and the totality of his life and career, not merely his presidency.” (Basic Books)