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Category: News
McFarland Announces New Editor for Base Ball
McFarland is pleased to announce that Don Jensen is the new editor of Base Ball. A longtime SABR member, Jensen is the author of The Timeline History of Baseball, as well as a number of articles on early baseball, including “A Base Ball Krank’s Guide to Madison Square,” from Base Ball‘s newest number, Volume 9. He is a regular lecturer at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and recently received the Chairman’s Award from SABR’s Nineteenth Century Committee.
In addition to being a baseball historian, Jensen, a former diplomat, is a senior fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and a senior adjunct fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. He has published extensively on US-Russian relations and holds a PhD in government from Harvard.
Jensen will oversee Base Ball‘s transition from journal to annual book, a move intended to harness the publication to McFarland’s strengths—namely its book-oriented production expertise and sales-and-marketing experience—and expose contributor research to a broader audience. The first volume in what is now a series picks up with number 10 and is scheduled for fall 2017, with pre-order availability by late spring or summer.
Jensen replaces John Thorn, who guided Base Ball through its first nine years and now becomes Founding Editor. Thorn, who is also Major League Baseball’s official historian, plans to remain actively involved as an advisor and sometime contributor.
Stay tuned for more information on Volume 10.
President’s Blog: Vietnam War Memoirs
McFarland was not even five years old when we stretched our editorial mission beyond mainstream library books to include military memoirs. Founder and president Robert Franklin received an unsolicited manuscript from a Vietnam War veteran and felt McFarland just HAD to publish it (Vietnam-Perkasie: A Combat Marine Memoir, 1983). The author, William D. “Bill” Ehrhart, would become an iconic voice for soldiers struggling to understand their Vietnam War experience, through his teaching, poetry, essays and interviews. McFarland went on to publish many, many such memoirs on the Vietnam War, World War II, Desert Storm and even World War I as well as diaries and letter collections from Civil War soldiers.
Some years ago, I was representing McFarland at a conference on military history. During the course of the conference, a professor-type stopped into our booth to thank McFarland for publishing so many firsthand accounts of combat experiences. He indicated that it was an important perspective that added richly to battle statistics, battle descriptions and the politics of war. He said that our memoirs were a unique body of work, unlike the publishing output of any other publisher. It was good to get that kind of feedback from the field.
The collection of McFarland Vietnam War memoirs now represents more than three decades of publishing but its relevance will never be obsolete. The Vietnam War was almost certainly the last war using the draft, the result being soldiers from every socioeconomic stratum fighting shoulder to shoulder. From a sales standpoint, the Vietnam War memoirs were eclipsed by World War II accounts early on. This continued to be true until around 2010 when Vietnam War memoir sales numbers started showing greater strength. The sales interest has been particularly strong with ebook readers. This morning’s Amazon rankings of our best sellers in this area are:
Killer Kane: A Marine Long-Range Recon Team Leader in Vietnam, 1967–1968 by Andrew R. Finlayson (2013)—#2 Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > Vietnam War
Rice Paddy Recon: A Marine Officer’s Second Tour in Vietnam, 1968–1970 by Andrew R. Finlayson (2015)—#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > Military & Wars > Branches > Marines
The Crouching Beast: A United States Army Lieutenant’s Account of the Battle for Hamburger Hill, May 1969 by Frank Boccia (2013)—#4 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > Vietnam War
Ghosts and Shadows: A Marine in Vietnam, 1968–1969 by Phil Ball (1998)—#1 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > Vietnam War
Pucker Factor 10: Memoir of a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam by James Joyce (2003)—#21 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > Military & Wars > Branches > Air Force
To celebrate this success, Veterans Day, and most of all, our authors, their service and their remarkable stories, the McFarland staff has created an opportunity for everyone to get a meaty slice from two dozen of these fine works in a book-length collection. ’Nam Raw offers in ebook form excerpts of 24 of our Vietnam War memoirs. Because the experiences are so varied from every branch of service and the perspectives from various ranks, this is an extraordinary window on the Vietnam War experience. There are gripping descriptions of the fear of battle, bloodlust and questioning whether actions were murder alongside soaring descriptions of heroism. The best part is that you can get a copy here FREE. NOTE: You must have a computer, smartphone or e-reader to view ebook.
For convenience and in hopes of the widest distribution possible, we are also offering this unique ebook on Amazon, Google Play and Barnes & Noble (available soon) for a tiny fee. Tell us what you think!
Follow Rhonda Herman on Twitter (@RGBHerman).
McFarland Expands with New Imprint
McFarland Expands with New Imprint
JEFFERSON, North Carolina – November 3, 2016 – Scholarly publisher McFarland has announced the launch in November of Exposit Books, a new imprint combining serious nonfiction with a bookstore-first approach. Exposit’s initial offering is Finding Jacob Wetterling by Robert M. Dudley. The book covers in detail the 1989 kidnapping in St. Joseph, Minnesota, of 11-year-old Wetterling, the remarkable response from the community and local and state authorities, the 27-year investigation and its heartbreaking conclusion. The first full group of titles, set for a fall 2017 release, will likewise feature true crime topics.
“We’re releasing six titles the first season, and true crime authors Kevin M. Sullivan and Clayton Delery-Edwards are both signed on and contributing books for the rollout,” said Executive Editor Lisa Camp. “We will be publishing a wide range of titles, eventually including books about entertainment, psychology, sex, health and history. Our plan is to bring Exposit to 24 to 30 books annually.”
Submissions from authors and literary agents are invited, and should be directed to Camp’s attention at expositbooks@mcfarlandpub.com. For more information about the imprint, go to www.expositbooks.com.
Weekly Deal: Zombie Studies
If you couldn’t wait to see [SPOILER REDACTED] on The Walking Dead last night, then this Weekly Deal is for you! Through October 30, 2016, get 20% off all books about zombie studies when you enter the coupon code SPOILER!
“We’re All Infected” Essays on AMC’s The Walking Dead and the Fate of the Human
How Zombies Conquered Popular Culture: The Multifarious Walking Dead in the 21st Century
Zombifying a Nation: Race, Gender and the Haitian Loas on Screen
Zombies and Sexuality: Essays on Desire and the Living Dead
Unraveling Resident Evil: Essays on the Complex Universe of the Games and Films
The Zombie Movie Encyclopedia, Volume 2: 2000–2010
Generation Zombie: Essays on the Living Dead in Modern Culture
Race, Oppression and the Zombie: Essays on Cross-Cultural Appropriations of the Caribbean Tradition
Zombies Are Us: Essays on the Humanity of the Walking Dead
American Zombie Gothic: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Walking Dead in Popular Culture
Back from the Dead: Remakes of the Romero Zombie Films as Markers of Their Times
White Zombie: Anatomy of a Horror Film
Weekly Deal: All Hallow's Read
All Hallow’s Read is a new tradition, started by the great Neil Gaiman, that encourages gifting a scary book during the week of Halloween. If you’re curious about its origins, read this blog post, helpfully titled “A MODEST PROPOSAL (THAT DOESN’T ACTUALLY INVOLVE EATING ANYONE).” Rather than selecting a handful of our more than 100 books about horror in popular culture and literature, we’re putting ALL of our horror books on sale, this week only! Order now for delivery in time for your All Hallow’s Read gift, and get 20% off when you use the coupon code HALLOW!
Bill Warren: A Remembrance
Bill died on October 7, 2016, at age 73 (born April 26, 1943). He dedicated his books to his wife Beverly and she stood by him, and sat with him, till the very end, and it is to her we owe grateful affection and deep felt sympathy. I was born a month earlier in 1943; we saw all those great 50’s SF movies probably the same Saturday mornings. (We both went to library school but I believe he graduated from his.) My friend Don Glut (from 70’s Scarecrow Press days) alerted me—a month after McFarland was founded, April 1979—to a Big manuscript his buddy Bill was working on: It became Keep Watching the Skies! American Science Fiction Movies of the Fifties, published in two volumes (1950–1957 in 1982 and 1958–1962 in 1986); a deluxe, oversize, pricey, jacketed “21st Century Edition,” corrected, deepened, and greatly expanded, came out in 2009.
Over the 37 years, Bill and I forged a strong friendship—including two suppers in L.A. in the early 80’s, one in which Don Glut collected all our (including current McF president Rhonda Herman on her first plane trip) water/wine/beer glasses, filled them by eye to certain levels, then banged out upon them the Star Spangled Banner with a spoon. The Bill friendship had several memorable characteristics. True affection and respect, and unending arguments, often resembling an exasperated chief (Bill) barely restraining himself in lecturing a tolerable ignoramus (me) about such matters as “The” and “un-” versus “not” and capitalizing prepositions (he liked to). He got as good as he gave, I might add—which made our connection so lively if oft off. He followed a prescription I frequently tried to too with challenging authors: end your wroth-filled frothful letter with a smatter of sincere and jovial praise and thanks.
From a publishing business point of view, Bill’s most remarkable monument is this: His KWTS! book garnered more reviews (all raves) than any other of our almost 7,000 titles so far – AND the reviewers themselves (with lavish encomia) well outranked the usual (Harlan Ellison, John Landis, Joe Dante…).
Bill, we’ll keep Watching for you.
—Robert Franklin, founder, president emeritus and now editor-in-chief of McFarland.
Let's talk about Stranger Things!
Who’s excited about a second season of Stranger Things? We are! The popularity of Stranger Things—and other series that inspire you to spend a summer weekend indoors chain-watching Netflix—caused some of us to ask, “How soon is too soon for a book?” Is there sufficient scholarly interest in a book about season one of Stranger Things?
Let us know your thoughts! And if you’re working on a manuscript about Stranger Things (or any other current series), tell us about it on our Facebook page! And be sure to check out our resources on becoming a McFarland author.
Vietnam Memoirs Sale Extended!
This summer, we published a catalog of our Vietnam War memoirs, and it included a discount offer for our readers. Thanks to you and your enthusiastic response, we’re extending the sale! Through September 30, 2016, use the coupon code VIETNAM to get 20% off any book in this catalog!
Gen Con 2016
We’re in Indianapolis for Gen Con 2016—visit McFarland in booth 345!
2016 Westerns Catalog Available
Our new Westerns catalog is available now, featuring books about Western films and literature, and the history of the American West!
Cheryl M. Willis Visits Charlie Rose
Author Cheryl M. Willis visited New York to induct Ludie Jones into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame and to tour the Apollo Theater. Pictured here, Willis met with CBS’s Charlie Rose on set! Check out her new book Tappin’ at the Apollo: The African American Female Tap Dance Duo Salt and Pepper—and be sure to follow McFarland on Instagram.
Newly Published: Now with Kung Fu Grip!
New on our bookshelf today:
Now with Kung Fu Grip! How Bodybuilders, Soldiers and a Hairdresser Reinvented Martial Arts for America
Jared Miracle
Why do so many Americans practice martial arts? How did kung fu get its own movie genre? What makes mixed martial arts so popular? This book answers these questions for the first time with historical research.
At the turn of the 20th century, the United States enjoyed a time of prosperity but feared that men were becoming soft. At the same time, the Japanese government sponsored research to develop the best fighting techniques for its new empire. Before World War II, American men boxed and Japanese men practiced judo and karate. Postwar Americans began adopting Chinese, Brazilian, Filipino and other fighting styles, in the process establishing a masculine subculture based on physical and social power.
The rise of Asian martial arts in America is a fascinating untold story of modern history, from the origin of karate uniforms to the first martial arts themed birthday party. The cast of characters includes circus strongmen, professional cage fighters, an award winning comic book artist, the inventors of judo, aikido and Cornflakes, and Count Juan Raphael Dante, a Chicago hairdresser and used car salesman with the “Deadliest Hands in the World.” Readers will never look at taekwondo class the same way again.
Books about Outlander
The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander: The Scottish Fairies, Folklore, Ballads, Magic and Meanings That Inspired the Series
Valerie Estelle Frankel
Outlander is much more than a television romance about a World War II nurse and a Jacobite soldier in a fetching kilt. The series—and the massive serial novel on which it is based—has been categorized as a period drama, adventure saga, military history and fantasy epic. Inspired by the Irish legends of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the prophecies of Brahan Seer, the storyline is filled with mythology and symbolism from around the world, from the Fair Folk and the Loch Ness monster to wendigos, ghosts, zombies and succubae.
Literary references abound, from the Bible to the classics, to Shakespeare and the English romantic poets. The series is also rich with its own symbolism: heather and white roses, the dragonfly in amber, Claire’s blue vase and wedding gown, her wedding rings and pearl necklace. This book untangles the myriad of myths, legends, symbols and literary references found in the series.
Adoring Outlander: Essays on Fandom, Genre and the Female Audience
Edited by Valerie Estelle Frankel
What is behind Outlander fever—the hit television drama’s popularity? Is it author Diana Gabaldon’s teasing posts on social media? Is it the real history reimagined? The highly emotional melodrama?
Or is it the take-charge heroine and the sweet hero in a kilt? One of the show’s biggest draws is its multigenre appeal. Gabaldon—whose Outlander novels form the basis of the series—has called it science fiction, fantasy, romance, historical fiction and military fiction, depending on her audience.
This collection of new essays explores the series as romance, a ghost story, an epic journey, a cozy mystery, a comedy of manners, a gothic thriller and a feminist answer to Game of Thrones, and considers the source of its broad appeal.
Outlander’s Sassenachs: Essays on Gender, Race, Orientation and the Other in the Novels and Television Series
Edited by Valerie Estelle Frankel
A time travel epic featuring history and romance, Outlander—unlike most adventure series—is aimed at women audiences. The kilted male characters, the female narrator, the fantastic period costumes are atypical of male-gendered television. Both the show and the novels on which it is based address issues most series shy away from, like breast feeding, abortion and birth control. Role reversals are common—the powerful Claire rescues her virginal husband Jamie from sexual abuse. When the villainous Black Jack Randall displays his genitals to the heroine Jenny, she laughs.
This collection of new essays examines Outlander as an exploration of what it meant and means to be a capable woman, in the 18th century and in the modern world. As Claire explores different models of strength in both periods, Jamie comes to understand the nuances of male honor, power and alternative sexuality through the contrasting figures of Black Jack and Lord John. As the heroes negotiate the complications of marriage and life, they make discoveries about gender that resonate with modern audiences.
Cannabis Extracts in Medicine Reviewed in Choice
The June 2016 issue of Choice is now available, and features a review of Cannabis Extracts in Medicine: The Promise of Benefits in Seizure Disorders, Cancer and Other Conditions! The reviewer wrote: “Policy makers in states considering legalizing marijuana for medical purposes should read this well-researched book for one side in the debate…recommended.”
Keep Watching the Skies!
In case you missed it: Keep Watching the Skies!, one of our all-time bestsellers, is now available in lower-priced softcover and ebook formats! (Hardcover aficionados don’t fret – this “21st Century Edition” is still available in the hardcover, jacketed, bookmarked format, too).
Library Journal noticed the new formats, writing “this detailed chronicle from a devoted sf buff is recommended for film studies students and dedicated aficionados of the genre,” and Booklist called it “the premier reference for this subject.”
Get the softcover here, or pick up the ebook from your favorite vendor!
April 2016 Newsletter
Our April 2016 newsletter is now available—if it’s not in your inbox, and you’d like to receive our newsletters in the future, please take a moment to subscribe!
McFarland Office Closed on Friday, January 22, 2016
Because of a significant projected snowstorm, McFarland will be closed on Friday, January 22. Our office will re-open as usual on Monday, January 25.
J.J. Hainsworth Featured on Today Tonight!
Author J.J. Hainsworth (Jack the Ripper—Case Solved, 1891) was featured on Adelaide’s popular TodayTonight television program—watch the video here!
Hurry to take advantage of our holiday sale!
Our big holiday sale is almost over—but there’s still time to order! Use the coupon code HOLIDAY2015 for 30% off any order of two or more books!
Take Advantage of our Holiday Sale!
Still shopping for holiday gift ideas? Check out our holiday catalog, and get 30% off your order of two or more books with the coupon code HOLIDAY2015!
Authors David Krell and John Thorn on MLB Network
David Krell and John Thorn recently appeared on the MLB Network. Krell, the author of Our Bums: The Brooklyn Dodgers in History, Memory and Popular Culture, joined MLB Now host Brian Kenny to discuss his book, which was recently reviewed in the Brooklyn Eagle and the New York Post. Thorn, MLB’s official historian and the editor of Base Ball: A Journal of the Early Game, was on Hot Stove to comment on the Pre-Integration Era Committee’s voting results. Both videos are embedded below—check them out!
Books about Star Wars
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A Hospital for Ashe County Booksigning
We’d like to thank all of our local friends who made Janet Pittard’s booksigning such a success on Friday night. The Florence Thomas Art School in downtown West Jefferson was packed the entire evening, and we nearly sold out of books!
Copies of her book, A Hospital for Ashe County, are still available here, and from local Ashe County retailers.
New Superheroes Catalog Available Now!
Check out our brand-new superheroes catalog—and get 20–30% off your order today!
Use the coupon code SUPERHEROES2016 for 20% your order of one book.
Use the coupon code HOLIDAY2015 for 30% off your order of two or more books.
A Hospital for Ashe County Book Launch
Tomorrow night, December 4, 2015, McFarland and the Florence Thomas Art School will host a book launch party for Janet Pittard’s new book, A Hospital for Ashe County. The event will be held inside the Florence School at 10 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson, from four to six p.m. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and Mrs. Pittard will be autographing copies.
This newly published book is the story of the generations of supporters, doctors, nurses, emergency personnel and others whose lives are interwoven with regional health care and the planning, building and operation of (the “new”) Ashe Memorial Hospital. This legacy, brought to life through 114 photographs and personal interviews with 97 individuals, traces the development of health care in a remote Appalachian community, from the days of folk remedies and midwives, to horseback doctors and early infirmaries, to the technological advances and outreach efforts of today’s Ashe Memorial Hospital.
For more information about the event, please contact McFarland at 336-246-4460.
Weekly Deal: James Bond
As Spectre tops the box office for the second consecutive week, we’re reading about Ian Fleming’s superspy in film, literature and video games. Through November 22, 2015, get 20% off the following books with the coupon code BLOFELD! Or, pick two or more books and get 30% off with the coupon code HOLIDAY2015!
James Bond and Popular Culture: Essays on the Influence of the Fictional Superspy
The Signs of James Bond: Semiotic Explorations in the World of 007
The Legend Returns and Dies Harder Another Day: Essays on Film Series
Albert J. Luxford, the Gimmick Man: Memoir of a Special Effects Maestro
Film Fatales: Women in Espionage Films and Television, 1962–1973
Game On, Hollywood!: Essays on the Intersection of Video Games and Cinema
On the Same Page Literary Festival
We’re exhibiting this afternoon at the On the Same Page literary festival near our hometown in West Jefferson, North Carolina. If you’re in town today, stop by to see us between 3:30 and 5:30 in the Ashe County Arts Council building.
Andy Soltis Reviews Pawn Sacrifice on NPR
Multiple award-winning author and chess grandmaster Andy Soltis discussed Bobby Fischer and the current film Pawn Sacrifice with NPR’s Robert Siegel on Wednesday, September 16. Listen to the full interview below!
Books by Andy Soltis:
Mikhail Botvinnik: The Life and Games of a World Chess Champion
Frank Marshall, United States Chess Champion: A Biography with 220 Games
The United States Chess Championship, 1845–2011, 3d ed.
The Steinitz Papers: Letters and Documents of the First World Chess Champion
The 100 Best Chess Games of the 20th Century, Ranked
Los Voraces 2019: A Chess Novel
CONFERENCE: Gen Con Time!
It’s that time of year again! McFarland is in Indy for Gen Con: the original, longest-running, and best-attended gaming convention in the world! It’s no small thing to keep up with gamers from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, but we’ll do our best.
Peanuts Greatest Hits and Vince Guaraldi at the Piano
We’re excited to share that this Friday, Peanuts Greatest Hits will be released. This collection features twelve of the most memorable recordings from the beloved Peanuts television specials, all with the sophisticated yet accessible jazz stylings of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The album includes liner notes by Derrick Bang, Peanuts historian and author of Vince Guaraldi at the Piano. Happy reading, listening and watching!
EXAM COPIES AVAILABLE: The Sociology of Sports
Instructors, to examine The Sociology of Sports: An Introduction, 2d ed. as a prospective textbook for your course, contact us using our exam copy request form.
“The authors are well-informed and reasonable, and they write clearly. If this text is not the best on the market, it is at least a contender for the number-one spot. Recommended”—Choice
In its second edition, this book takes a fresh approach to the study of sports, presenting key concepts such as socialization, economics, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, politics, the media and the role of sports in society. The authors offer a critical examination but highlight also the many positive aspects of sports. Each chapter concludes with a popular culture section, showing how films, television, video games, music and short stories have contributed to our understanding of sports’ significance to our lives.
Other features include up-to-date information—such as statistics on player and owner salaries—and a look at recent controversies in sports, such as performance-enhancing drugs, domestic violence, online gambling and the growing concern over concussions and post-career health problems. The value of sports for people with physical disabilities and special needs is discussed, as well as the development of sports studies programs and the continuing importance of “sportsmanship.” The final chapter explores how social media, as well as new forms of virtual reality and the prevalence of video gaming, are reshaping the concept of what constitutes a sport.
CONFERENCES: Comic-Con Gallery
The Mission of Comic-Con
Comic-Con International San Diego is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
McFarland is getting ready to do its part at Comic-Con this week. Create awareness—check. Appreciate comics and related popular art forms—check. We’ll also copiously document all the spectacle that is this event: stay tuned.
Fan Studies and Comic-Con
With San Diego Comic-Con International commencing in just a few days, it is a timely moment to take another look at recent fan studies explorations by Ben Bolling and Matthew J. Smith (It Happens at Comic-Con), Bill Schelly (Founders of Comic Fandom), Kristin M. Barton and Jonathan Malcolm Lampley (Fan CULTure), and Karen Hellekson and Kristina Busse (Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet).
It Happens at Comic-Con: Ethnographic Essays on a Pop Culture Phenomenon
This “engrossing” (Midwest Book Review) collection seeks to expand fan studies, exploring Comic-Con International more deeply than any publication before it. Ben Bolling is a Jacob K. Javits Fellow in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Matthew J. Smith is a professor of communication and director of cinema studies at Wittenberg University, where he teaches courses in media, including television criticism and graphic storytelling.
Founders of Comic Fandom: Profiles of 90 Publishers, Dealers, Collectors, Writers, Artists and Other Luminaries of the 1950s and 1960s
In the 1950s and ’60s, a grassroots movement arose to celebrate comic books and strips, which were becoming increasingly important to American popular culture. “Meticulously researched and thoroughly documented” (School Library Journal), profiled here are the people at the heart of the movement. Bill Schelly has been chronicling the history of popular culture since the 1960s, beginning with his magazine Sense of Wonder. He has written or edited several books, and is associate editor of the Eisner Award–winning magazine Alter Ego.
Fan CULTure: Essays on Participatory Fandom in the 21st Century
This “highly recommended” (Choice) collection explores how present-day fans interact with the films, television shows, books, and pop culture artifacts they love. Kristin M. Barton is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication at Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia. Jonathan Malcolm Lampley is a prolific contributor to many popular-culture periodicals and publications.
Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet: New Essays
The essays in this “useful and thought-provoking” (SFRA Review) volume explore the world of fan fiction—its purposes, how it is created, how the fan experiences it. Karen Hellekson is a copy editor and independent scholar. She writes book reviews for Publishers Weekly and lives in Jay, Maine. Kristina Busse teaches in the Department of Philosophy at the University of South Alabama and has previously written about fan fiction and fan culture. She is the founding coeditor of Transformative Works and Cultures.
Ashe County: Where McFarland Resides
Authors, customers, friends, and fans: if you’ve ever wondered what McF’s mountain town is like, have a look at this neat response about our area from a recent vacationer. (A special nod, too, to our Boondocks friends who regularly support us in a number of ways.) We love where we live!
Tom Weaver’s Creature Chronicles Receives Rondo Award at Wonderfest
It’s Celebrate an Author Wednesday…and honestly, there’s just not enough time in the day (or the week, or month) to properly praise the prolific Tom Weaver. Among his most recent accolades is the Rondo Award, given at the Wonderfest Convention for his Creature Chronicles. Have a listen to David Schecter’s acceptance speech—good stuff! Congratulations, Tom!
BOOKSIGNING: Reflections on the New River
Reflections on the New River: New Essays, Poems and Personal Stories, edited by Chris Arvidson (of West Jefferson), Scot Pope (of Creston) and Julie E. Townsend (of Fleetwood).
From its headwaters in western North Carolina near the Tennessee line, the New River runs north 337 miles, cutting through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia on its way to the Ohio. No big cities inhabit its banks—just a few small towns along the way—and it carries no significant commercial traffic. The age of the New is debated, but it is certainly one of the world’s oldest rivers, predating the Atlantic Ocean. This anthology assembles history, poetry, essays and stories by writers who have been inspired by the ancient and secluded stream, and from those whose lives are connected to its flow. Contributors hail from Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga and Wilkes counties in North Carolina, as well as Virginia and West Virginia
The creators are celebrating Reflections on the New River with a book launch party on Tuesday, June 16th at 5:00 at the Boondocks Brew Haus in West Jefferson, North Carolina. Copies will be on hand for purchase and its editors and contributors will be there to sign books and read excerpts! Drinks and appetizers will be available for purchase. Join us for great company and great stories. Direct publicity and other questions to Beth Cox at McFarland.
Christopher Lee
At McFarland, we are mourning the loss of English actor Christopher Lee, who passed away on Sunday, June 7 at the age of 93. In a career spanning nearly 70 years, he appeared in over 200 films and rose to fame as Frankenstein’s monster and Count Dracula in a series of horror films for the Hammer studio. New generations of fans were introduced to Lee in the Lord of the Rings film series and Star Wars prequels.
Pat Venditte
Oakland Athletics pitcher Pat Venditte is an ambidextrous, not amphibious, throwing sensation who made his debut last Friday against the Boston Red Sox. Venditte was responsible for a rule change in baseball and is the first true switch-pitcher at the major league level since the 19th century, a feat first recorded by Tony Mullane in 1882.
CONFERENCE: Origins Game Fair 2015
McFarland is exhibiting at the annual conference of the Origins game Fair June 3rd-7th in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to our book display and sale, editors will be on hand to discuss manuscript ideas. Click here to browse McFarland’s books about popular culture.
The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander
Many a McFarlander will shift attention to the Outlander series finale tomorrow evening, and we hope you will, too (9 pm on STARZ). Dinna fash, Sassenachs—you’ll be especially prepared with this detailed tome in hand: Valerie Estelle Frankel’s The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander. Nous sommes prêts! More McF titles are coming down the pipeline on both the books and television series, so stay tuned!
CONFERENCE: ConCarolinas
It’s no secret that we at McFarland are fans of sf and fantasy (and horror, gaming, cosplay, and all the rest!). So we’re very excited to attend this year’s ConCarolinas in Concord, NC., May 29-31. Klingon Karaoke, anyone? See you there!
Rosemary Horowitz and Jewish Studies
It’s Celebrate an Author Wednesday and we’re praising the prolific Rosemary Horowitz and her Elie Wiesel and the Art of Storytelling (“recommended”—Choice), Memorial Books of Eastern European Jewry (“a useful tool…”—Religious Studies Review), and most recently–Women Writers of Yiddish Literature. Use the code STORY for a 20% discount on these titles now through Sunday, May 31.
TBT! McFarland author Heather Urbanski
We’re looking back today…specifically, at the year 2007 when Heather Urbanski approached us with Plagues, Apocalypses and Bug-Eyed Monsters (“Impressive”—Film and History; “provocative”—Children’s Literature Association Quarterly; “insightful”—Science Fiction Studies); then at 2010 when Writing and the Digital Generation came down the pipeline (“Captured my heart and engaged my mind”—Science Fiction Studies), and then at 2013 when we received The Science Fiction Reboot. Is the prolific Heather done? Not even close. Stay tuned for more great stuff on historical memory both in pop culture and in Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction.
(Here she is in April of 2015, receiving a special faculty award at the National Popular Culture meeting in NOLA. Keep up the good work, Heather!)
Guillermo del Toro
The first full trailer for Crimson Peak has officially dropped and we at McFarland, like most film geeks, are smitten with Guillermo. This R-rated gothic tale looks to be right up our dimly lit, fear-filled alley. Don’t get us wrong, Pacific Rim (2013), the last film he directed, had great visual effects (giant robots vs. giant monsters — we’re so there!) and giddy sense of fun, but we’re glad he’s firmly back in the horror and dark fantasy …genre.
Now’s the time to catch up on the Mexican director’s previous works (Cronos, The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labryinth, etc.) with The Supernatural Cinema of Guillermo del Toro. This new collection of essays is edited by John W. Morehead and features a foreword by frequent del Toro collaborator Doug Jones. Now if they’ll just let Guillermo finally make his At the Mountains of Madness movie, all will be right with the world — at least the terrifying underworld portion of it.
Books edited by John W. Morehead:
The Supernatural Cinema of Guillermo del Toro: Critical Essays 2015
Joss Whedon and Religion: Essays on an Angry Atheist’s Explorations of the Sacred 2013 (co-edited with Anthony R. Mills and J. Ryan Parker)
The Characters of The Walking Dead coming 2016 (co-edited with Kim Paffenroth)
CONFERENCE: Medieval Studies
One of our favorite times of year is the chance to dwell among 3,000+ of the world’s most knowledgeable medievalists. This week McFarland is participating in the 50th annual International Congress on Medieval Studies in Kalamazoo.
McFarland Does Star Wars
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas unleashed his science fiction epic, Star Wars, on an unsuspecting public. Technically it was thirty-eight years ago (May 25, 1977), but still, it seems like another universe. Two trilogies and billions of dollars later, the countdown is on for the next episode. A new trailer for The Force Awakens was recently released and we’re big enough to admit that we teared up as Han Solo told Chewbacca, “We’re home.”
Wipe away those tears and fire up the hyperdrive — the Millennium Falcon is back on the Kessel run! Check out our Star Wars-related titles, and, as always, may the force be with you.
The Monomyth in American Science Fiction Films by Donald E. Palumbo.
The Empire Triumphant: Race, Religion and Rebellion in the Star Wars Films by Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr.
Culture, Identities and Technology in the Star Wars Films: Essays on the Two Trilogies by Carl Silvio and Tony M. Vinci
Sword Fighting in the Star Wars Universe: Historical Origins, Style and Philosophy by Nick Jamilla
The Star Wars Heresies: Interpreting the Themes, Symbols and Philosophies of Episodes I, II and III by Paul F. McDonald
The Politics of Big Fantasy: The Ideologies of Star Wars, The Matrix and The Avengers by John McDowell
Vader, Voldemort and Other Villains: Essays on Evil in Popular Media by Jamey Heit
The Science Fiction Reboot: Canon, Innovation and Fandom in Refashioned Franchises by Heather Urbanski
The Legend Returns and Dies Harder Another Day: Essays on Film Series by Jennifer Forrest
The Galaxy Is Rated G: Essays on Children’s Science Fiction Film and Television by R.C. Neighbors and Sandy Rankin
Game On, Hollywood!: Essays on the Intersection of Video Games and Cinema by Gretchen Papazian and Joseph Michael Sommers
Harrison Ford: The Films by Brad Duke
The Christopher Lee Filmography: All Theatrical Releases, 1948–2003 by Tom Johnson and Mark A. Miller
Daniel Coston’s North Carolina Musicians, Avett Brothers, and MerleFest
Okay, music fans….McF has mentioned MerleFest more than once in recent days—because it’s a BIG DEAL. The Avett Brothers, for example, will take over the Watson Stage at MerleFest on Saturday night at 9:30–just some of the performers covered in Daniel Coston’s North Carolina Musicians. If you’re in the NC mountains, go there. If you’re not, make plans to go there someday. In the interim, we’ll entice you with the festival line-up. Happy weekend, everyone!
Celebrating Matthew Kapell, Ace Pilkington, The Fantastic Made Visible, and Tattoos
Forget TBT. Today, in conjunction with the release of The Fantastic Made Visible, we hold Celebrate an Author Wednesday on Thursday, as that’s just the sort of thing upon which Matthew Kapell would insist. Our first conversations with Matthew began nearly a decade ago, and we’ve delightedly been part of his vision for taking over the world via critical explorations of popular culture ever since. For every book he publishes, Matthew gets a corresponding tattoo. He now bears four designs related to his McF publications, including his forthcoming essay collection on the ludic/narrative dichotomy in digital games. (For insight into the stories behind the ink, see his McF titles.)
For more than twenty years, Ace Pilkington—coeditor of The Fantastic Made Visible—has served as the literary seminar director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. In December, 2014, Ace won an Enchanted Conversation flash fiction contest with a story about Saint Nicholas, Krampus, and Grandfather Frost. In addition to his forthcoming McF book on science fiction and futurism, he’s also writing a novel that includes Ivan the Fool, Russian folklore, and Napoleon Bonaparte.
(Busy men, both.)
Drop us a line for a 20% discount on The Fantastic Made Visible, good now through Sunday, April 26th. Just use the coupon code FANTASTIC.
Ann Anderson’s High School Prom (and TBT: McFarlandite Proms of the Past)!
Love is the air…or maybe that’s just the smell of teen spirit, adolescent angst, and the hustle and bustle of dress alterations surrounding PROM SEASON. Wondering what the fuss is all about? Look no further than Ann Anderson’s High School Prom: Marketing, Morals and the American Teen. “Focusing on social and economic trends, this volume examines the evolution of the prom, the development of the billion-dollar prom industry, and the event’s place in popular culture, including its portrayal in film, television, and literature.”
Instructors, history researchers, and pop culture enthusiasts—drop us a line for more information.
And, McF fans, for further entertainment, we offer you a dose of Thursday throwback: McFarlandite prom pictures from days of yore. Enjoy!
A Library Journal Starred Review: Neil Gaiman in the 21st Century
Neil Gaiman in the 21st Century: Essays on the Novels, Children’s Stories, Online Writings, Comics and Other Works by Tara Prescott
“An intriguing anthology of essays…fascinating…academics and readers who enjoy Gaiman’s books will appreciate the care put into this impressive collection”—Library Journal
Ashe County Happenings: Girl Scouts and Book Publishing!
A message from some terrific local folks:
“Girl Scout Cadette Troop #10304 had a fun time during their recent visit to McFarland. (The girls have been working on earning their Book Artist badges.) We are so fortunate to have such a great publishing company in our own back yard where the very real process of book making may be seen. We’re grateful to president Rhonda Herman (coming in after-hours!) for showing us around and speaking to the girls about different careers in the industry. They really enjoyed watching the “chopper” through the equipment window, checking out some of the unique titles on the shelves in the warehouse, and they especially liked rooting through the trash/recycle bin! Thanks to Rhonda and Rory for letting the troop come by and for being so kind and encouraging to all of the girls.”
We love our community!
McFarland authors and friends wrap up the National Popular Culture meeting for 2015!
See you next time in Seattle!
Opening Day Sale!
It’s Major League Baseball’s opening day, and we’re condensing our usual Weekly Deal into a one-day-only mega-sale on ALL of our baseball books! That’s 20% off the list price of each of our nearly 600 baseball books in print! Use the coupon code MLB at checkout, but hurry, because the sale ends tonight!
OFF TO THE PRINTER: Symbolism and Sources of Outlander
As if the return of the Outlander television series for its second half of its first season (April 4, 9:00 p.m. EST) wasn’t enough excitement for kilt aficionados, we’ve just sent Valerie Frankel’s The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander: The Scottish Fairies, Folklore, Ballads, Magic and Meanings That Inspired the Series off to the printer! In addition to its literary, historical and mythological references, Gabaldon’s writing is also rich with its own symbolism: heather and white roses, the dragonfly in amber, Claire’s blue vase and wedding gown, her wedding rings and pearl necklace. This book untangles the myriad of myths, legends, symbols and literary references found in the series.
The book is expected later this April…pre-orders now being accepted.
BOOKSHOPS & BREWPUBS: Portland, Oregon
We’re in Portland, Oregon, preparing to exhibit at the conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Outside of exhibiting, we strive to apply the “Bookshops & Brewpubs” philosophy to our travels–in Portland, so far so good! Powell’s City of Books was today’s destination. In all candor, “city” is no exaggeration! Hardly left time for the second portion of our philosophy… #indiesfirst #acrl2015 #drinklocal
Ireland and Irish-interest books
Naomh sásta lá patrick ar!
We hope you’ve got your green on! To help celebrate the day, we’re offering a 20% discount on all our Ireland and Irish-interest offerings now through Sunday, March 22nd.
Terry Pratchett
Author of the Week: John Stewart
It’s Celebrate an Author Wednesday and our hats are off to John Stewart, winner of numerous reference book awards, and a McFarland author for more than three decades. (Really!)
His latest work is Jefferson Davis’s Flight from Richmond, a thorough study of the events surrounding April 2, 1865, when Richmond, the Confederate capital, was evacuated and burned, when the government fled, when slavery was finished in North America, and when Union forces entered the city and the outcome of the Civil War was effectively sealed. The book closely examines all relevant source material, much of it newly discovered by Stewart himself.
For more info or to order this title (or his many others), click through to the pages in McFarland’s online catalog.
African States and Rulers, 3d ed.
Photographs by Wilbur D. Jones Jr
Coastal NC folks: stop by for a look at works by our busy and talented Wilbur D. Jones, Jr.
Photographs by Wilbur D. Jones Jr.
4-8 p.m. February 25, 2015
Hannah Block Historic USO / Community Arts Center
120 South Second Street / Downtown Wilmington
This exhibit of photographs spanning seven decades by a globe-trotting Wilmington native will be on display fromFeb. 25 through March 26, 2015. The exhibit will open with a reception from 4 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the USO/Community Arts Center, featuring beer, wine, hors d’ouevres and music by Duke Ladd. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The public is invited and admission is free. The photographs are the work of Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., a Wilmington author and military historian. A retired Navy captain, former assistant to President Gerald Ford and World War II historical tour leader, Jones took photographs in dozens of countries all over the world from 1956 to 2014. His wide variety of images cover the people he encountered, landscapes and cityscapes, cultural sites and the aftermaths of wars, both ancient and modern. While his historical specialty took him to numerous World War II battlefields in Europe and the Pacific, some of which are featured in the show, Jones’ photographs span a much broader range. Examples include street life in Hong Kong and Japan in the 1950s, ruins of medieval castles along the Rhine, and the present-day waterways and domestic life of Holland. Jones’ travels have taken him to 30 countries on four continents, plus most of the major island groups in the Pacific, and to dozens of the world’s greatest cities, from Amsterdam to Tokyo. He is a member of the Cape Fear Camera Club and of the Wilmington Art Association.
African American Education in Appalachia: The Books of Betty Reed
It’s Celebrate an Author Wednesday and we’re focusing on author Betty Reed’s two titles on local history: The Brevard Rosenwald School and School Segregation in Western North Carolina. Contact us for a 20% discount now through February 22.
Kyra Hicks – Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook
It’s Celebrate an Author Wednesday and we’d like to call your attention to Kyra Hicks’ Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook.
One million African Americans spend approximately $118 million annually on quilting. Some believe that recent studies of oral histories telling of the role quilting played in the Underground Railroad have inspired African Americans to take up their fabric and needles, but whatever the reason, quilters like Faith Ringgold, Clementine Hunter, Winnie McQueen, and many others are keeping the African American traditions of quilting alive. Hicks’ work is the first comprehensive guide to African American quilt history and contemporary practices.
What the review media says about Hicks’ Black Threads: “Extraordinary…an impressive annotated bibliography…recommended”—Choice; “unique and invaluable”—Midwest Book Review; “most comprehensive and fascinating…a wealth of valuable information”—Quilt Connection; “comprehensive…an amazing reference book”—The Professional Quilter.
Black Threads is available in hardcover with a color insert for $35! To order, or for more information about the book, go to the book’s page in the McFarland online catalog.
LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW: A Calculus of Color
Kudos to Robert Kuhn McGregor, whose A Calculus of Color: The Integration of Baseball’s American League not only cracked the starting lineup for Library Journal’s annual Baseball Roundup but received the only starred review among the seven books featured. The article, which reviews the best new and forthcoming baseball titles for the year ahead, hailed A Calculus of Color as “a best sports book of 2015, and one that will stand the test of time,” adding that McGregor “slams a home run in dealing with racism in baseball and the larger picture of American life.”
Choice Review: "Quest of Her Own"
A Quest of Her Own: Essays on the Female Hero in Modern Fantasy by Lori M. Campbell
“This reviewer cannot find a weak link in this selection, which is all the more important because fantasy literature has often been overlooked in academic circles. One can hope this collection indicates a change in that attitude, or will help to being one about…recommended”—Choice
Library Journal Review: JRR Tolkien, Robert E Howard and the Birth of Modern Fantasy
About Deke Parson’s J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard and the Birth of Modern Fantasy , Library Journal says: “Parsons discusses the influence of the 1930s on three writers … J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), Robert Howard (Conan the Barbarian), and Jerry Siegel (cocreator, Superman) … elegant and thought provoking … recommended for readers interested in the fantasy genre, as well as those who wish to learn more about literary criticism and pop culture.”
For more about the book, or to order your copy, see the book in the McFarland online catalog.
AWARDS: Choice Outstanding Academic Title
Choice, the premier source for reviews for academic books, announced their 2014 Outstanding Academic Titles earlier this month. Congratulations to authors S.L. Kotar and J.E. Gessle (Cholera: A Worldwide History) and John A. Lent (Southeast Asian Cartoon Art: History, Trends and Problems) for their outstanding academic titles!
Ernie Banks
Like many baseball fans throughout the country, we mourn the passing of Ernie Banks, who died last Friday. Banks, who started his career in the Negro Leagues, became the first black player in Cubs history, and he went on to become one of the franchise’s greatest. He was also one of the team’s most beloved figures, in part because of his boundless optimism in the face of a decades-long tradition of losing. Whatever the record or the attendance, Chicago was his kind of town. He was our kind of Cub.
AWARDS: 2015 Edgar Finalists Revealed
Congratulations to Charles Brownson (The Figure of the Detective: A Literary History and Analysis) and Jim Mancall (James Ellroy: A Companion to the Mystery Fiction) whose works were nominated by The Mystery Writers of America for the 2015 Edgar Awards’ Best Critical/ Biographical category.
The annual prize is named after beloved writer Edgar Allan Poe, awarded to the best authors in the mystery genre since 1945. These awards recognize the following categories: novel, first novel, paperback original, fact crime, critical/biographical, short story, juvenile, young adult, play, and TV episode.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones Presentation at the Company Theater near Boston! Award-winning author Valerie Estelle Frankel discusses Game of Thrones, inspiration for her five books including Women in Game of Thrones. Learn how George RR Martin’s prophecies and the classic heroine’s journey foretell the ending. Daenerys’s surprising path becomes clear as she “wakes the dragon” and harnesses a surprising magic. Is Jon Snow destined to be her lover, her nemesis, her sacrifice, or all three? And what of Tyrion? Or Arya? What does Varys really want? Discover the deeper meaning of black dragons, golden roses, seasons, heraldic colors, and all the symbols of ice and fire. Share your secret longings and fears for the upcoming season, as we prepare for the oncoming storm. Saturday, February 28, 2015 – 8:00 pm. The event is on sale–tickets are down to $10 for a short time. http://companytheatre.com/game-of-thrones-a-look-beyond-the-wall/
Thank you, Dr. King
Football Time of Year: Part 2
Ohio State defeated Oregon in the inaugural CFP National Championship, marking an official end to the college football season. It wasn’t an especially memorable game, but it did feature multiple award-winning Marcus Mariota (Heisman Trophy, Davey O’Brien Award, etc., etc.) at quarterback, albeit in a losing effort. The Buckeyes claimed their eighth national title, but not to worry Michigan fans—you have Jim Harbaugh and his khakis to look forward to. And who knows, he could be the next Bump Elliot.
Weekly Deal: Elvis
Elvis would’ve turned 80 last week – some might say he did turn 80 on his own private island, or that he spent his birthday drinking coffee at an Arby’s in Terre Haute – and we’re celebrating the King in style. Through January 18, 2015, get 20% off the following books when you enter the coupon code TCB!
Elvis Cinema and Popular Culture
Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music
The Man Who Made the Jailhouse Rock: Alex Romero, Hollywood Choreographer
Fantasy Femmes of Sixties Cinema: Interviews with 20 Actresses from Biker, Beach, and Elvis Movies
Drive-in Dream Girls: A Galaxy of B-Movie Starlets of the Sixties
Fall Girl: My Life as a Western Stunt Double
Trippin’ with Terry Southern: What I Think I Remember
Catch That Rockabilly Fever: Personal Stories of Life on the Road and in the Studio
EXAM COPIES AVAILABLE: Language in the Visual Arts: The Interplay of Text and Imagery
Instructors, to examine Language in the Visual Arts as a prospective textbook for your course, contact us using our exam copy request form.
Language in the Visual Arts: The Interplay of Text and Imagery by Leslie Ross — This book discusses text and image relationships in the history of art from ancient times to the contemporary period across a diversity of cultures and geographic areas. Focusing on the use of words in art and words as art forms, thematic chapters include “Pictures in Words/Words in Pictures,” “Word/Picture Puzzles,” “Picture/Word Puzzles,” “Words as Images,” “The Power of the Word,” and “Monumental and Moving Words.” Chapter subsections further explore cross-cultural themes. Examining text and image relationships from the obvious to the elusive, the puzzling to the profound, the minor to the major, the book demonstrates the diverse ways in which images and writing have been combined through the ages, and explores the interplay between visual and written communication in a wide range of thought-provoking examples.
WEEKLY DEAL: Tolkien Studies
McFarland & Company, at your service! (Thank you, Bilbo, for teaching us proper etiquette.) While we’d like to offer you all ale, seed-cake, mince pies, buttered scones, apple tarts and cheese, we do have some fine scholarship about Tolkien to share (links listed below). And in lieu of burgling a dragon’s hoard for you, we’re extending a 20% discount with the coupon code HOARD. This “weekly” deal is good through New Year’s. (New deal coming January 2, 2015.)
Tolkien and the Study of His Sources: Critical Essays
J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard and the Birth of Modern Fantasy
The Evolution of Tolkien’s Mythology: A Study of the History of Middle-earth
The Hobbit and Tolkien’s Mythology: Essays on Revisions and Influences
Tolkien and the Modernists: Literary Responses to the Dark New Days of the 20th Century
Picturing Tolkien: Essays on Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy
The Body in Tolkien’s Legendarium: Essays on Middle-earth Corporeality
Tolkien and Shakespeare: Essays on Shared Themes and Language
Tolkien in the New Century: Essays in Honor of Tom Shippey
Middle-earth Minstrel: Essays on Music in Tolkien
Rhonda Herman New McFarland President
McFarland founder Robert Franklin announced that he has passed the job and title of President to Executive Vice President Rhonda Herman. Franklin will assume the new title of Founder and Editor-in-Chief. Rhonda Herman joined the company in 1982 as Business Manager. She was promoted to Vice President in 1991 and to Executive Vice President in 2004. While she has worked at various times in her McFarland career in every corner of our operations, she spearheaded the initiative to establish an in-house printing facility and has focused on designing information systems in the last decade. She planned and implemented our ebook strategy during the last five years. Most recently she re-vamped technology relating to cover design and book production (400 a year). Ms. Herman graduated magna cum laude from Appalachian State University’s College of Business in 1977 and is also active with groups promoting regional economic development.
Where Your Christmas Tree Comes From
McFarland fans around the world, this is our backyard. REAL TREES MAKE SCENTS.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/12/08/map-where-your-christmas-trees-come-from/
Merry Christmas from Sales & Marketing!
The night is not Silent with these angels around!
“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.”
~ Larry Wilde, author ‘The Merry Book of Christmas’.
Weekly Deal: Christmas
The office tree is decorated, and we’re sharing the Christmas spirit with this week’s deal – through December 14, 2014, get 20% off the following books when you enter the coupon code WENCESLAS!
The Christmas Encyclopedia, 3d ed.
CALL FOR REVIEWERS: Tales of Superhuman Powers
Are you a book review editor, reviewer, or folklorist interested in receiving a media copy of Tales of Superhuman Powers: 55 Traditional Stories from Around the World? McFarland has a supply of review copies available upon request. Contact us via our review copy request form, filling out the form completely, to receive your copy.
Csenge Virág Zalka, a Hungarian storyteller, has collected 55 foltktales from around the world about supernatural abilities like superhuman strength, invulnerability, flying, heightened senses, speed, invisibility, healing, agility, precognition, telepathy, fire manipulation, teleportation, water powers, and shifting. These tales represent powers that people have dreamed of, conjured up and strived for through the ages. Many of the powers are present in popular culture, making the superheroes who wield them the direct descendants of characters such as the princess who could see through walls or the invulnerable Isfandiyar. Zalka excluded stories about magic or about gods with divine powers, and focused on less well-known stories. She included information on similar heroes, the ability in the story, sources of the powers, the origin of the story, teachings in it, the recommended age group, sources, variants, and comments.
#folklore #superheoes #comics #popculture
BOOK AWARD: Mythopoeic Society's Award for Inklings Studies
Congratulations to author Jason Fisher whose Tolkien and the Study of His Sources was awarded the Mythopoeic Society’s Mythopoeic Scholarship Award for Inklings Studies for 2014. Terrific work!
THROWBACK THURSDAY: King Arthur for the Classroom
It was fall semester 1991 that I acquired two prized possessions: Pearl Jam’s Ten and the “gray King Arthur book.” Ever since the one-of-a-kind Dr. Dennis J. McKevlin, Jr., taught his Arthurian Legends class at Western Carolina University, I’ve treasured the gray book. We used Arthur, King of Britain: History, Chronicle, Romance & Criticism, with Texts in Modern English, from Gildas to Malory (edited by Richard L. Brengle, Prentice-Hall, 1964) as our sole textbook, though generously supplemented by notes and handouts from McKevlin. For the majority of us, it was our first time encountering persons and works such as Bede, Nennius, Gildas, Wace, Layamon, The Mabignogion, and the Historia Regum Britanniae. Now, William W. Kibler and R. Barton Palmer have brought us a very useful book for the classroom, Medieval Arthurian Epic and Romance: Eight New Translations. The just published book offers new translations from Latin, Middle English and Old French of texts that exemplify the most important traditions of Arthurian literature in the Middle Ages. On my bookshelf, this one is going to line up right beside the gray book! — Karl-Heinz Roseman, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
For more about Medieval Arthurian Epic and Romance, go to the book’s page in McFarland’s online catalog. For teaching academics who would like to examine a copy for possible use in their classroom, use our exam copy request form.
#tbt #kingarthur #books #wcu
Limited edition McFarland Scottish Ale pint glasses available now!
If you missed our launch party at Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant, here is your chance to get one of our 35th anniversary commemorative pint glasses. These were only available with the purchase of a pint of our McFarland Scottish Ale on June 17, 2014, at Boondocks. We only have a few remaining, so get yours before they’re gone!
Throwback Thursday
Looking forward to tomorrow’s 35th anniversary celebration but also looking back. Weren’t we a lovely bunch five years ago? (We still are.) And hey, authors—hope you’ll join us—RSVP ASAP!
On April 1st, 1979, founder Robert McFarland Franklin departed Plainfield, New Jersey, heading south in a Volkswagen bug towing a U-Haul. With wife Cheryl behind the wheel, Robert began company operations on a yellow pad in his lap.
Thirty-five years ago, libraries provided almost the sole market (but a robust one!) for the heavily-researched books that McFarland made its specialty. Over the decades, the company won ever-growing numbers of devoted readers who appreciated the care McFarland and its authors lavished on our books. Our authors, a throng of thousands now, teach us something new every day.
We’re having an open house Friday, June 20, from noon until 5:00. Join us for tours, conversation, punch, finger food, art and books.
http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/2014/05/mcfarland-celebrates-35-years/
Beer Release & Trivia Night is here!
The day has arrived! The McFarland Anniversary Scottish Ale will be released starting at 5:00 at Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant. Purchase a pint and keep a McFarland commemorative pint glass, and grab a dinner special from Boondocks. Trivia starts at 7:00, with a focus on local history, Scottish lore and general book pop culture. Trivia will be in teams of five, so come up with a team name and be ready for fun!
Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant Commemorates McFarland’s 35th Anniversary with Special Brew on June 17
WEST JEFFERSON, North Carolina – June 12, 2014 – Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant has crafted another brew with both local ties and old country roots. In honor of the Jefferson-based publisher’s 35th anniversary, a special McFarland Anniversary Scottish Ale will be released on Tuesday, June 17, starting at 5:00. Purchase a pint and keep a McFarland commemorative pint glass. Boondocks will be offering dinner specials. Tuesday trivia night starts at 7:00, with a focus on local history, Scottish lore and general book pop culture.
Throw Back Thursday!
We’re pretty certain she’s more Firefly than Forbidden Planet, but executive vice-president Rhonda Herman sure looks like she intends to “keep watching the skies!” On her desk are more than 3000 pages of science fiction movies that from 1950 through 1962 terrified and fascinated a generation with robots and invading aliens of every kind. #tbt
Keep Watching the Skies!
American Science Fiction Movies of the Fifties, The 21st Century Edition
by Bill Warren
McFarland Celebrates 35 Years
On April 1st, 1979, founder Robert McFarland Franklin departed Plainfield, New Jersey, heading south in a Volkswagen bug towing a U-Haul. With wife Cheryl behind the wheel, Robert began company operations on a yellow pad in his lap.
Thirty-five years ago, libraries provided almost the sole market (but a robust one!) for the heavily-researched books that McFarland made its specialty. Over the decades, the company won ever-growing numbers of devoted readers who appreciated the care McFarland and its authors lavished on our books. Our authors, a throng of thousands now, teach us something new every day.
We’re having an open house Friday, June 20, from noon until 5:00. Join us for tours, conversation, punch, finger food, art and books.
Call Your Mummy on Mother's Day?
Ken Jeremiah, author of Living Buddhas: The Self-Mummified Monks of Yamagata, Japan and Christian Mummification: An Interpretative History of the Preservation of Saints, Martyrs and Others, was featured in a recent article by iO9 about how to mummify yourself. As one might imagine, the monks of Yamagata did not decide to mummify themselves on the spur of the moment. According to Jeremiah, there was “a 3,000-day training process for turning an ordinary ascetic’s body into a mummy’s. The key element of the process is dietary; Japanese ascetics would commonly abstain from cereals, removing wheat, rice, foxtail millet, pros so millet, and soybeans. Instead, they would eat things like nuts, berries, pine needles, tree bark, and resin (which is why the diet of the sokushinbutsu was called mokujikyo, or tree-eating.” Go here for io9’s entire article about self-mummification.
And good for the month of May, there is a 20% discount on mummy books with the coupon code MUMMY. Mummy Books from McFarland:
Living Buddhas: The Self-Mummified Monks of Yamagata, Japan
Christian Mummification: An Interpretative History of the Preservation of Saints, Martyrs and Others
Mummies in Nineteenth Century America: Ancient Egyptians as Artifacts
The Mummy Unwrapped: Scenes Left on Universal’s Cutting Room Floor
The Mummy in Fact, Fiction and Film
Modern Mummies: The Preservation of the Human Body in the Twentieth Century
The Egyptian Pyramids: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Reference
Ancient Egypt in the Popular Imagination: Building a Fantasy in Film, Literature, Music and Art
Boris Karloff: A Critical Account of His Screen, Stage, Radio, Television and Recording Work
CONFERENCE: International Congress on Medieval Studies
Kalamazoo, Michigan, is the home of Bell’s Brewery and the International Congress on Medieval Studies. If you are in K’zoo, stop by the McFarland book stand and remind senior acquisitions editor Gary Mitchem that we’re counting on him to return with some Hopslam and a rune-hallowed seax!
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Treeplanting in 1995
A comparison of treeplanting in 1995 to that of 2014…in tree years, we’re all still quite young!
TEXTBOOK: An Introduction to World Cinema, 2d ed
In print since 2000 and now in its second edition, this textbook provides two things: the history of film as an art form and an analysis of its impact on society and politics. Chapters are arranged chronologically, covering the major developments in film, like the advent of talkies or the French New Wave. Each era is examined in the context of several exemplary films commonly viewed in film studies courses. Thus students can watch Birth of a Nation and Intolerance while studying the innovations made by D.W. Griffith from 1910 to 1919. The scope is global, embracing the cinematic traditions of Asia, Latin America and Africa, as well as the ever important American and European output. Thoughtful articles from film scholars are included.
The flexible structure of An Introduction to World Cinema allows a variety of options for classroom use or personal study. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.
BOOK REVIEW: Isabel Allende: A Literary Companion
Allende, anyone? Booklist recently reviewed Isabel Allende: A Literary Companion thusly: “an expertly crafted study guide and tribute…the entries are rich in relevant historical detail, insightful literary criticism, and reflections on Allende’s place among contemporary writers of serious fiction…engaging essays on specific Allende writings…an erudite, affectionate, and wonderfully rich treatment of Isabel Allende and her work.”
We couldn’t agree more. Allende–”la Famosa” to her fellow Chileans–is the world’s most widely read Spanish language author. Her bravura study of the interwoven roles of women in family history opens the minds of outsiders to the sufferings of women and their children during years of social and political nightmare. Her powerfully honest, revelatory works touch the pulse points of humankind. This reference work provides an introduction to Allende’s life as well as a guided overview of her body of work. Designed for the fan and scholar alike, this text features an alphabetized, fully-annotated listing of major terms in the Allende canon, including fictional characters, motifs, historical events and themes. A comprehensive index is included.
For more about the book, or to purchase directly from McFarland:
http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-7127-0
For more McFarland Literary Companions:
http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-categories/mcfarland-literary-companions/
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Aprons at McFarland?
When the 1990s began at McFarland, one could spot some neon colors and oversized sweaters in the office. However, the popular fashion trend was aprons…radiation protection aprons. Every expectant mother on staff (and there were a lot!) got one. You might ask yourself, “What, was the typesetting equipment powered by nuclear reactors?” We can’t be certain, but the equipment was most definitely large enough to contain said reactors. We have photographic evidence…
Senior Acquisitions Editor Signs up 12-Volume Mark Grace Bio
Senior acquisitions editor Gary Mitchem has signed up a new manuscript to the baseball line titled Taking Care of Business: The Mark Grace Story in 12 Volumes. Grace (a Winston-Salem, North Carolina, native) played first base for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks and owns the 148th best career on-base percentage in the majors.
“While all details are not yet set, we plan for one volume to exhaustively cover Grace’s doubles, another to do the same for his sac flies, and another volume to be completely dedicated to his relief pitching career,” said Mitchem.
Adam Phillips in the sales department is particularly optimistic about the book’s prospects. “With Mark Grace, the glass is always at least half-full,” said Phillips.
A lettered, limited edition for left-handed readers will hit the market Summer 2014, with the library edition following late in the year.
OBITUARY: Robert G. "Hank" Utley
Author Robert G. “Hank” Utley passed away Wednesday, March 19. Hank was a gifted storyteller with an incredible heart, and was very passionate about his community. McFarland has been a big fan of Hank’s ever since he and coauthor Scott Verner first shared their manuscript about the independent Carolina League. Through his own books and his research contributions to others, Hank introduced us to the mill town institution of outlaw ball. Well, Hank Utley is also a mill town institution. Hank’s books were not just about baseball; they were about the people. Whether he was covering intense rivalries like that of the Kannapolis Towelers and the Concord Weavers, or relating the many facets of mill town life, Hank did an incredible job with his research and preservation. Thanks to Hank, we will always remember this fascinating slice of history. Hank, too, will always be remembered.
Links:
Obituary in the Independent-Tribune
Article about his work with the Boys & Girls Club
The Independent Carolina Baseball League, 1936–1938: Baseball Outlaws by R.G. (Hank) Utley and Scott Verner
Outlaw Ballplayers: Interviews and Profiles from the Independent Carolina Baseball League by R.G. (Hank) Utley , and Tim Peeler with Aaron Peeler
The Easter Monday Baseball Game: North Carolina State and Wake Forest on the Diamond, 1899–1956 by Tim Peeler
Baseball in the Carolinas: 25 Essays on the States’ Hardball Heritage edited by Chris Holaday
Zombie Studies Gain Ground on College Campuses
McFarland authors Kyle Bishop and Christopher Moreman take zombies seriously. So do we. It may be in your best interest to follow suit. Read for your lives, people!
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304851104579361451951384512
Celebrate 2014 with the best possible gift: books!
Our holiday sale ends today, Dec. 31st, so don’t delay! Best wishes to all from your McFarland friends…happy reading! Enjoy 20% off your order through today. On the McFarland website, use coupon code HOLIDAY in the cart as you are checking out. Or, call toll-free 800-253-2187 (Mon-Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm Eastern Time). http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/2013/11/holiday-sale/
North Carolina Civil War Monuments
Love North Carolina? Love history? Have a listen to author Doug Butler who recently discussed his North Carolina Civil War Monuments on NPR’s WFDD. Enjoy!
Just a reminder folks, enjoy 20% off your order through December 31st. On the McFarland website, use coupon code HOLIDAY in the cart as you are checking out. Or, call toll-free 800-253-2187 (Mon-Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm Eastern Time). http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/2013/11/holiday-sale/
REVIEW: Encyclopedia of Fairies
Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and Mythology is “meticulously researched” and “most helpful” according to the American Library Association in the most recent issue of Booklist. From the A-senee-ki-waku of northeastern North America to the Zips of Central America and Mexico, this encyclopedia includes more than 2,500 individual beings and species of fairy and nature spirits from a wide range of mythologies and religions from all over the globe. Entries include variations of the fairy name, as well as sources for that particular entry. There is a lengthy introduction to the subject, an extensive bibliography and a complete index.
