Off the Shelf

Off the Shelf is a Columbia News series in which professors discuss their recently published books, as well as what they have read recently and recommend, and who they would invite to the perfect dinner party.

Sorry for Your Trouble is a book of short stories about Irish Americans, or "Americans in Ireland.”

Professor Michael Cole's new book, "Sofonisba's Lesson," illuminates the work of an artist ahead of her time.

Professor Jenny Davidson edits a powerful work by her step-grandmother that resonates with #MeToo.

Weatherhead's Eugenia Lean traces entrepreneur Chen Diexian's unusual route to cosmetic manufacturing.

In her new book, "Stolen Song," Eliza Zingesser questions the founding of French troubadour poetry.

In her new poetry collection, "Year of the Dog," Professor Deborah Paredez invites readers to question the ways we document our history.

Claudia Breger's new book looks at films being made in Europe with alternative views of refugees, immigrants, and other marginalized communities.

In her new book, Professor Jennifer Lena examines why, if the arts have broadened in this country, they still remain unequal and elitist.

In his new book, James Shapiro explores why Americans have historically embraced the bard and why they should do so now more than ever.

In her new book, Professor Jennifer Wenzel challenges readers to imagine the lives of characters in places like Nigeria or India.

Professor Marianne Hirsch on the afterlife of student pictures, enduring memories and what she is reading now.

Historian Victoria Phillips examines the power of cultural diplomacy in her new book, Martha Graham's Cold War.