VIDEO: Making Music and Having a Blast on Book TV 28 Jul 2010, 12:00 pm

Book TV taped the Best of the Best from the University Presses program at the American Library Association meeting last month. Our book, Making Music and Having a Blast, is the first one featured in the program. Hilary Albert from the Mahopac Public Library presented the book and said that she "really loved it." Watch the video to see why she wishes that this book was around when she was a student.

PODCAST: The Year's Work in Lebowski Studies 28 Jul 2010, 9:54 am

The Lebowski Podcast posted a new episode featuring The Year's Work in Lebowski Studies's editors Aaron Jaffe and Ed Comentale. The podcast was recorded during Aaron's and Ed's appearance at Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville the day before the Lebowski Fest. Listen to the podcast here.

Book review: Clay Times Three 26 Jul 2010, 8:00 am

We're always excited any time we receive a good book review, but it is especially gratifying to get one before the book is actually out! Such is the case with our forthcoming book, Clay Times Three. Jon Kay of the Journal of Folklore Research had this to say about the book:

"Clay Times Three: The Tale of Three Nashville, Indiana, Potteries represents an important first step in chronicling the rich pottery traditions of Brown County, Indiana. ... This book is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Brown County history, American pottery, and the arts and crafts of Indiana."

Read the rest of his review here.

Book review: Johnny Cash and the Paradox of American Identity 25 Jul 2010, 9:00 am

"Edwards’ astute study reveals how Cash transcended the role of singer/musician and transformed into an iconic representation of America itself, full of contradictions, bluster, and large-than-life imagery." —Bob Batchelor, The Journal of American Culture

Choice reviews - July 2010 24 Jul 2010, 12:00 pm

Before July ends, I thought I should let you know about the titles reviewed in this month's issue of Choice (requires subscription):

Colonialism and Violence in Nigeria
"This book is another strong contribution from Africa's most prolific historian. . . . Recommended."

The Islamic Manuscript Tradition
"This handsome, large-format volume presents eight essays written in conjunction with an exhibition of the rich collection of Islamic books at Indiana University. . . . This book is a pleasure to hold and to read. . . . Highly recommended."

The New African Diaspora
". . . engaging, thought-provoking, and wide-ranging . . . Highly recommended."

Observational Cinema
"Arguing from the works of André Bazin, Colin Young, Herb Di Gioia, and others, the authors make a case for continuous long shots, respectful engagement with subjects, a humanistic perspective that values the quotidian of people's lives, and a reluctance to indulge in pre-information about the subject matter of films' targeted topics. . . . Recommended."

Performing Messiaen's Organ Music
"Drawing on intensive experience with the music and his close relationship with Messiaen, the author provides organists and others interested in this music with an engaging, accessible narrative that sheds much new light on Messiaen's complex music, which has confounded performers for many years. . . . Highly recommended."

Women and Islamic Revival in a West African Town
". . . explores the timely and difficult topic of the impact of modern forms of Islamic revivalist movements on the Hausa-speaking population of this West African community. . . . Recommended."

Booksigning: Beer, Sociability, and Masculinity in South Africa 24 Jul 2010, 8:00 am

Anne Kelk Mager, author of Beer, Sociability, and Masculinity in South Africa, will sign copies of her book from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31 at the Cape Town Book Fair. The booksigning will take place at the UCT Press stand, M2. More details on the event can be found at the UCT Press website.

Author interview: Bonnie Blanchard on KUOW 23 Jul 2010, 3:43 pm

Bonnie Blanchard, author of Making Music and Enriching Lives and Making Music and Having a Blast, talked with KUOW's Dave Beck about her experiences as a music student and teacher. Listen to the interview here.

Book review: Refugees and Rescue 23 Jul 2010, 12:00 pm

"The papers of James Grover McDonald represent a major resource for the research of one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the twentieth century. ... The editors of the present volume have ... considerably illuminated, both for the scholarly community and the public, how Americans and their leaders coped with the Third Reich." —Wolfgang G. Schwanitz, Jewish Political Studies Review

Booksigning: Rita Kohn at Lennie's 23 Jul 2010, 10:11 am

Rita Kohn be signing copies of True Brew at Lennie's Wednesday, July 28 from 5-7 p.m. The Bloomington Brewing Company (BBC), which is located adjacent to Lennie's, is one of the featured breweries in the book. Brewers from the BBC will join Kohn for the booksigning. For more details on the signing, visit Lennie's Facebook page.

Author event: Daniel Orr at Daveed's 22 Jul 2010, 10:34 am

Daveed’s restaurant chef-owner David Cook will host FARMbloomington’s chef Daniel Orr for a dinner Saturday, August 7 in Cincinnati, OH. The two chefs will create a 12-course meal with dishes from Orr’s award-winning cookbook, FARMfood. The event will begin at 7 p.m. with a reception where guests can meet Chef Orr and purchase his cookbook. Dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. and is $45 per person, plus a la carte wine, tax and gratuity. Wine selections will be from the portfolio of Vintner Select. The dinner is currently sold out, but there is a waiting list available. Please call 513-721-COOK for details.