Our Story

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, we are recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. We have about 8,000 unique works for sale and each year we publish about 280 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (e.g., Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). You can keep abreast of the newest publications and other buzz by following our social media sites and subscribing to our monthly newsletter.

Mission Statement and Values

Mission
McFarland seeks to inform, entertain, educate and inspire thought by publishing written works of value, bringing to light diverse ideas and voices. Connecting authors and readers as a partner to each, we bridge gaps between scholarly and popular, between tradition and innovation, between learning and entertainment.

Values

Relevant & Excellent: Publish books that readers value, that advance knowledge, that serve worthy purposes. Honor our authors and readers by achieving the highest quality in our work.
Distinctive & Diverse: Embrace new cultural phenomena and trends, supporting the expression of diverse ideas from diverse voices.
Supportive & Rooted: Serve our authors as individuals within a supportive environment. Provide staff an opportunity to balance meaningful work with life and pursue passions in their jobs. Support our community’s natural and social environments, giving back to our Appalachian roots even as our publishing extends worldwide.

Company History

The Company
McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, was founded in the spring of 1979 by Robert McFarland Franklin. McFarland is located in Jefferson, North Carolina, a small Appalachian town in the northwestern corner of the state (close to both Tennessee and Virginia). From the beginning, McFarland has been a library-oriented publisher, producing comprehensive reference works and scholarly monographs on a variety of subjects. The books are manufactured to the highest specifications. They have the best design in the business, the best typography (with minutely reworked fonts for grace and easy reading), readability-oriented editing, and the finest available printing (acid-free, strong opacity paper with extra-sturdy cloth, board and paper bindings).

McFarland is now one of the leading publishers of academic nonfiction in the United States, offering about 8,000 titles in print. McFarland publishes more than 280 new titles each year for a worldwide market; almost all new books are published simultaneously in a print edition and an ebook edition. In addition to academic libraries, McFarland books have found a home with enthusiasts and savvy individuals. For example, McFarland is recognized for its serious works in such popular fields as pop culture (especially film), sports (especially baseball) and automotive history.

McFarland announced the launch in November 2016 of Exposit Books, an imprint combining popular nonfiction topics such as true crime with a serious approach. In 2019, McFarland launched Toplight Books, a nonfiction imprint focusing on body, mind, and spirit.

The Name
In addition to “McFarland” being a family name for founder Robert Franklin, it was in part chosen because of a strong North Carolina and Tennessee heritage. One early namesake, Robert McFarland, was an officer at the Battle of Kings Mountain, later spent time in or near the Ashe County, North Carolina area, then went on to become the first ever sheriff of Greene County, Tennessee. That McFarland’s grandson, Robert McFarland, fought at Vicksburg and was a justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court in the 1870s and 80s. There’s also a Scottish connection. The “McFarland’s Lantern” of Scottish folklore has been incorporated into the company logo, and the clan tartan appears on the company banner.