Princeton Professor’s Book Suggestions: Six distinguished professors from Princeton University have shared their eclectic and inspiring summer reading lists, offering a glimpse into the books that occupy their shelves and minds. From scholarly nonfiction to poetry, science fiction, and beyond, these selections reflect professional interests and personal passions. Here’s a look at what they are reading and the books that have impacted them.
Tina Campt: Visual Inspiration and Poetic Exploration
Tina Campt, the Roger S. Berlind ’52 Professor in the Humanities, finds endless inspiration in "The Sweet Flypaper of Life" by Roy DeCarava and Langston Hughes. With its intimate black-and-white photographs of Harlem, this book exemplifies Campt’s research focus on “visual frequency” — imagery that evokes robust emotional responses.
On her summer reading list, Campt plans to delve into poetry with "To the Realization of Perfect Helplessness" by Robin Coste Lew and "Bluest Nude" by Ama Codjoe. She also anticipates "Devotion," a collection of essays on filmmaker Garrett Bradley, promising an enriching mix of professional and pleasurable reads as she prepares for her sabbatical.
Also Read: Columbia University's Python-Inspired Device Enhances Rotator Cuff Repair Strength Twofold
Tom Griffiths: The Intersection of AI and Human Cognition
Tom Griffiths, the Henry R. Luce Professor of Information Technology, Consciousness, and Culture, recommends two must-reads for anyone interested in artificial intelligence: "The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values" by Brian Christian and "The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI" by Fei-Fei Li. Griffiths, a co-author with Christian, appreciates the exploration of AI’s alignment with human values and Li’s insights on AI’s development.
His summer reading includes "Games: Agency as Art" by C. Thi Nguyen, which explores game design and human cognition, and "Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa" by Anthony Grafton, offering a historical perspective on magic and cognitive science. Griffiths also enjoys fiction, with "The Familiar" by Leigh Bardugo, "Dawn" by Octavia E. Butler, and "Empires" by Nick Earls topping his list.
Jacob Nebel: Philosophical Depth and Narrative Delight
Jacob Nebel, a professor of philosophy, cherishes "Reasons and Persons" by Derek Parfit, a profound exploration of morality, self-interest, and personal identity. Nebel’s summer list features philosophy books such as "The Bounds of Possibility: Puzzles of Modal Variation" by Cian Dorr, John Hawthorne, and Juhani Yli-Vakkuri, and "Bias: A Philosophical Study" by Thomas Kelly, which investigates the nature and impact of bias.
Nebel also looks forward to "The Rules of Rescue: Cost, Distance and Effective Altruism" by Theron Pummer. For lighter reading, he includes "The MANIAC" by Benjamín Labatut, "City in Ruins" by Don Winslow, "Glorious Exploits" by Ferdia Lennon, "Funny Story" by Emily Henry, and "Everyone Poops" by Tarō Gomi, reflecting his dual role as a scholar and parent.
Christy Wampole: Techno Skepticism and the Spirit of the Times
Christy Wampole, a professor of French and Italian, finds resonance in "Perspectives on Our Age: Jacques Ellul Speaks on His Life and Work." Ellul’s prescient writings on technophobia and the cultural impact of technology align with Wampole’s interests and inspire her to approach her work with an analogue spirit.
Her current project on the Zeitgeist has her reading many books on ghosts, revolutions, atmospheres, and public opinion, including "The Unnamable Present" by Roberto Calasso and "The Mood of the World" by Heinz Bude. Wampole’s list also features "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture" by Douglas Coupland, capturing the essence of her generation.
Anna Yu Wang: Music, Ethics, and Aesthetic Exploration
Anna Yu Wang, an assistant professor of music, recommends "Representing African Music: Postcolonial Notes, Queries, Positions" by Kofi Agawu, a provocative exploration of African music and the ethics of research beyond the Western canon. This book challenges and refines her thinking on these topics.
Her summer reading includes the sci-fi series "Record of a Spaceborn Few" by Becky Chambers, the memoir "Private Equity" by Carrie Sun, and "The Sea Around Us" by Rachel Carson. Scholarly works such as "Ornamentalism" by Anne Anlin Cheng, "Interspecies Communication" by Gavin Steingo, "Sound Relations" by Jessica Bissett Perea, and "Chinatown Opera in North America" by Nancy Yunhwa Rao round out her list, each engaging with the politics of difference and aesthetic experiences.
Also Read: University of Waterloo: Christopher He’s Academic Voyage in Liberal Studies
Leonard Wantchekon: Historical Narratives and Political Insights
Leonard Wantchekon, the James Madison Professor of Political Economy, treasures "Ambiguous Adventure" by Cheick Hamidou Kane, a tale of cultural identity and modern education. This novel mirrors Wantchekon’s explorations of intergenerational trauma and social mobility.
Revisiting "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi and "Burger’s Daughter" by Nadine Gordimer, Wantchekon reflects on historical and political struggles. His summer list also includes "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, capturing familial and societal dynamics in Nigeria. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Wantchekon’s reading includes "Politics Is for Power" by Eitan Hersh, "Reclaiming Participatory Governance" by Adrian Bua and Sonia Bussu, and "Real Democracy: The New England Town Meeting and How It Works" by Frank M. Bryan, emphasizing the need for informed and active citizenship.
These diverse and thought-provoking reading lists highlight the intellectual pursuits of Princeton’s faculty and offer readers an opportunity to expand their horizons with books that challenge, inspire, and entertain. Whether you are interested in philosophy, artificial intelligence, poetry, music, or political science, there is something on these lists for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Also Read: Education News, Latest Education News, University, MBA
