New Books Network

About Olivia Porter

Olivia Porter is a PhD candidate at Kings College London. Her research focuses on Tai Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar and its borders. She can be contacted at: olivia.c.porter@kcl.ac.uk

NBN Episodes hosted by Olivia:

British Studies November 6, 2020

Women in British Buddhism

Commitment, Connection, Community

Caroline Starkey

Hosted by Olivia Porter
Based on detailed ethnographic research, this book explores the varied experiences of women who have converted to Buddhism in contemporary Britain and analyses the implications of their experiences for understanding …
East Asian Studies September 30, 2020

Buddhist Magic

Divination, Healing, and Enchantment through the Ages

Sam van Schaik

Hosted by Olivia Porter
As far back as we can see in the historical record, Buddhist monks and nuns have offered services including healing, divination, rain making, aggressive magic, and love magic to local …
Literary Studies August 13, 2020

Many Buddhas, One Buddha

A Study and Translation of Avadānaśataka 1-40

Naomi Appleton

Hosted by Olivia Porter
Naomi Appleton's new book Many Buddhas, One Buddha: A Study and Translation of Avadānaśataka 1-40 (Equinox Publishing, 2020) introduces a significant section of the important early Indian Buddhist text known …
Art July 20, 2020

The Buddha in Lanna

Art, Lineage, Power, and Place in Northern Thailand

Angela S. Chiu

Hosted by Olivia Porter
For centuries, wherever Thai Buddhists have made their homes, statues of the Buddha have provided striking testament to the role of Buddhism in the lives of the people. The Buddha …