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Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

New Year’s Reading Resolution

New Year’s Reading Resolution

January 9th, 2017

Happy New Year!  It’s officially 2017! The new year is a new beginning, a fresh start. It is all about resolutions, change, and challenging yourself. Kick off this year and make it your resolution to become a more avid reader.

You can do this by reading an array of books, books by the same author, or even by completing a reading challenge. Purdue Press is here to help, below are ideas to get you started accompanied with some of our published books.

Reading Ideas

More Ideas for Books to Read

Reread a book from your childhood.
Read a book from a new genre.
Read a book that became a film.
Read a previously banned book.
Read a book by your favorite author.

Purdue University Press publishes in a variety of areas to help you tackle your 2017 New Year’s Reading Resolution: aerospace, agriculture, animal science, Purdue and Indiana, and more. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to discover what’s to come in 2017! #PurdueUP #ReadUP


Purdue & Indiana’s Community: University Press Week 2016

November 17th, 2016

readup2016_newIt’s University Press Week 2016 and this year’s theme is community. University presses have long supported all communities whether they’re local, intellectual, or cultural. Purdue University Press continues to celebrate Indiana’s community with our books and projects featuring hidden stories of Hoosier heroes, Purdue traditions, and Indiana history.

We have decided to highlight books that represent the Purdue and Indiana community in our blog along with our favorite places to read them, for University Press week. It’s a treasure trove of the striking Indiana landscapes, university traditions, and biographies of famous alumni including Official Endorsed Bicentennial Projects celebrating Indiana’s rich heritage.

turkfarmcartoon

Read: A Place Called Turkey Run: A Celebration of Indiana’s Second State Park in Photographs and Words by Daniel P. Shepardson — Official Endorsed Legacy Project
Where: The horticulture garden near Pao Hall.

Read: Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family: A Photo History of Indiana’s Early County Extension Agents by Fredrick Whitford, Neal Harmeyer and David Hovde — Official Endorsed Legacy Project
Where: The Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center where you can read and also explore more Indiana and Purdue history.

Read: Slow Ball Cartoonist: The Extraordinary Life of Indiana Native and Pulitzer Prize Winner John T. McCutcheon of the Chicago Tribune by Tony Garel-Frantzen — Official Endorsed Legacy Project
Where: Enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee and calming atmosphere at a local coffeehouse.

spacewalker_calculatedrisk

Read: Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer by Jerry Ross and John Norberg
Where: Take a break near Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering.

Read: Calculated Risk: The Supersonic Life and Times of Gus Grissom by George Leopold — Official Endorsed Legacy Project
Where: Relax on a bench near the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture on Purdue Mall.

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Read: The Deans’ Bible: Five Purdue Women and Their Quest for Equality by Angie Klink
Where:  Curl up by the fireplace in the Purdue Memorial Union on a chilly day.

Read: A University of Tradition: The Spirit of Purdue Second Edition compiled by the Purdue Reamer Club
Where: At Reflection Park next to the Bell Tower.

Read: Just Call me Orville: The Story of Orville Redenbacher by Robert W. Topping
Where: At Hicks Undergraduate Library in the study spaces.

As the holiday seasons begins find all the titles above and many more that represent several forms of community in our Winter Gift Catalog. Purdue University Press will continue to support community. Find out more on current and upcoming projects by following us on Facebook and Twitter and signing up for our Newsletter.


Q&A with Authors of “Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family”

August 15th, 2016

9781557537430Discover a hidden facet of Indiana’s long agricultural history in Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family: A Photo History of Indiana’s Early County Extension Agents. Follow the story of early extension agents on their journey through rural farmland in never before seen photos. These agents worked hand in hand with local farmers to improve agricultural practices and the way of life across the state with research from Purdue University and other institutions.

Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family is an officially endorsed legacy project for Indiana’s Bicentennial illustrating the importance of agricultural development through technology, research and extension.

Two Purdue faculty members, Fredrick Whitford (F.W.) and David Hovde (D.H.) and archivist Neal Harmeyer (N.H.) worked together to compose this book. Each author spent countless hours in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center discovering photos and weaving together the stories of Indiana’s Extension agents, farmers and agriculture history. Find out each of their motivations and insights on the book in our Q&A with the authors: Fred, David and Neal.

What lead to the creation of this book?

4HFairF.W.While working on another book I noticed the wonderful photographs that the extension agents were taking as part of their annual reports. With the bicentennial coming up, it looked like a great time to showcase what some of the original Extension agents did as part of their efforts in getting the Extension service started in the state.

N.H. — This book came into being after it became apparent these images told the story of early 20th century Indiana agriculture. After discussing the sheer number of images, variety of subjects and activities captured, it became apparent a book would introduce readers to an important part of Hoosier history.

How was it to research within the Purdue Archives and Special Collections to determine dates, locations, and significance of each photo?


F.W
.— We were lucky from the start, that these photos were saved in the archives. The photos are one of a kind treasures. The fact that they were in folders labeled by year helped immensely. What was really encouraging was that many had names associated with them. I have used these photos in the counties where these people lived and buildings once existed. People have seen relatives like great grandfathers that they had never seen before from the photos preserved in the archives.

How does Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family tie into the culture and heritage of Indiana?

Car photo3

N.H.— As Indiana celebrates its bicentennial in 2016, one naturally looks back to its centennial. A hundred years ago, which coincides with many of the images in the book, agriculture was a way of life for many Hoosiers. As the state looked ahead to its second century, changes in technology and the agricultural marketplace were beginning to take root. Generations of families farmed the same land, always striving to maintain their family heritage. My own family is one of those, and to catch even a glimpse into the world of my ancestors was special. I think readers of Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family will also uncover those familial connections and grow to understand the work ethic, ingenuity, and strength of our Hoosier forbearers.

D.H.— This books explores an often overlooked aspect of Indiana history. Indiana remains a state with a large agricultural economy.  It tells the story of how the Purdue Extension agents helped farmers view what they were doing as a business. Also, it demonstrates how these agents, through their educational practices, improved the health of both the people and animals, the local economy, and welfare of the community as a whole.

How does Extension farming exist today and how does this project show its evolution?

F.W.— The first Extension educators were at the forefront of modern farming. They were seeing the first introductions of lime, tractors, hybrid corn, and much more.

What did you learn from working on this project?

D.H. — The subject of the book is a part of Purdue University’s and Indiana’s history I knew little about.  It was a fascinating exploration into the rural Midwestern life of the early twentieth century. It features some aspects of the technology and culture that had changed little from the pioneer period.

What was your favorite part of working on this project?

field photoN.H.— My favorite part was learning more about how different parts of Indiana worked together through Purdue Extension to improve not only their farms and way of life, but the way of life for people across the United States and the world. The ability for a farmer to take part in cutting-edge research in a controlled and targeted way meant that farmers were no longer at the whim of the elements. Instead, farmers were able to work with allies to strengthen their ability to make a living. That was, and still is, exciting and tremendously enjoyable to read and learn more about during the process of creating this book.

D.H.I enjoyed looking deep into the photographs, examining the details of the material culture, the clothing, the technology, the activities and the expression on peoples’ faces.  Many times we had discussions over which one of a half dozen images would best show the topic we were discussing. Many times it was a hard decision.

About the Authors

Fredrick Whitford
Frederick Whitford works for the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service in the College of Agriculture. He received a BS in wildlife management from Louisiana Tech University, and an MS and PhD in entomology from Iowa State University. He has authored more than 250 research, extension, and regulatory publications, and has delivered at least 5,000 presentations to a wide array of audiences. He has written several other books about the history of Indiana agriculture, all published by Purdue University Press.

Neal Harmeyer
Neal Harmeyer is an archivist at Purdue University Archives and Special Collections. Harmeyer grew up on a multigenerational family farm in northeastern Fayette County, Indiana, where he helped raise animals. He earned a BA degree in history from Purdue and an MLS degree from Indiana University.

David M. Hovde
David M. Hovde, the research and instruction librarian in the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center, is an associate professor of library science and has been at Purdue University since 1989. He has authored or coauthored numerous monographs, books, book chapters, and articles in archaeology, history, semiotics, and pedagogy.


PURDUE PRESS MIDYEAR REVIEW

July 22nd, 2016

 

Happy Summer! We hope you are taking time to enjoy the sunshine and catch up on some reading.

It is an exciting time for the Press. We have released many new titles in the past several months and want to provide you a quick review. From Languages and Literature to Regional books on Purdue and Indiana we have great new reads.

Regional: Purdue & Indiana

Languages and Literature // Jewish Studies

Veterinary Sciences & Animal Studies

Business // Library Sciences



Regional: Purdue & Indiana

Our regional titles showcase the history and beauty of Indiana. Enjoy stunning photos of Indiana’s striking landscapes and scenery. Adventure into outer space with the memoirs of one of Indiana and Purdue’s first astronauts. Dig deeper into our agricultural history and learn about extension farming.


Calculated Risk: The Supersonic Life and Times of Gus Grissom

Grissom

“George Leopold’s Calculated Risk: The Supersonic Life and Times of Gus Grissom rescues its subject’s reputation by presenting his life and career in full. The book is fascinating and haunting, and its impressive research exonerates Grissom from the charge of being a hapless astronaut who, in his peers’ parlance, ‘screwed the pooch’ . . . thrillingly told, taking readers into the cosmos with Grissom, conveying the sense of wonder and danger that accompanied these early voyages.”

The Wall Street Journal

Calculated Risk is an Official Endorsed Legacy Project for Indiana’s Bicentennial.

 

 


Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family:  A Photo History of Indiana’s Early County Extension Agents

9781557537430

Indiana’s rich agricultural history is brought to life in this new regional book. Follow the story of early extension agents on their journey through rural Indiana in never before seen photos.  These agents worked hand in hand with local farmers to improve agricultural practices across the state with research from Purdue and other institutions. This book is an officially endorsed legacy project for Indiana’s Bicentennial.

 

 


SlowBall Cartoonist: The Extraordinary Life of Indiana Native and Pulitzer Prize Winner John T. McCutcheon of the Chicago Tribune

9781557537300

“Tony Garel-Frantzen sketches a vivid portrait of iconic cartoonist and correspondent John T. McCutcheon during a time when newsprint left an indelible mark on the public consciousness.”

–Tom Wolfermann, Chicago Essayist and Humanist

 

 

 

 

 

 


Forthcoming September 2016!  A Place Called Turkey Run: A Celebration of Indiana’s Second State Park in Photographs and Words

9781557537560

“Daniel Shepardson has created a masterpiece of stunning photography coupled with a narrative which explains the natural history of one of Indiana’s most beloved parks.”

–Daniel W. Bortner, Director, Indiana State Parks

A Place Called Turkey Run is an Official Endorsed Legacy Project for Indiana’s Bicentennial.

 

 

 

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Languages and Literature // Jewish Studies

We have published a wide range of books in Languages and Literature. Discover the humanistic perspectives of terrorism or the secularization of modern French Literature.

Learn more of life within the Jewish Labor Bund during interwar Poland in our newest book in Jewish Studies.


Re-Visioning Terrorism: A Humanistic Perspective

9781557537331

This collection of interdisciplinary essays offers a broad range of perspectives on terrorism. It provides philosophical interpretations, historical analysis, and narrative representations of terror in a modern light.

“This work is significant to both scholarship and public enlightenment insofar as it touches upon a topic that, in the current period of world instability, has never been more timely, and analyzes it with an innovative approach.”

Nicoletta Pireddu, Associate Professor, Department of Italian and Comparative Literature Program Georgetown University

 

 


Reconsidering the Emergence of the Gay Novel in English and German

Wilper Front Cover.indd

“In Reconsidering the Emergence of the Gay Novel in English and German, James P. Wilper presents a freshly nuanced view of gay literature at what was, arguably, the most crucial time in its development. By the simple expedient of comparing four distinctive novels, two in English and two in German, Wilper gets to the heart of a debate that resonates even today. Wilper’s subtle and economical book casts light not only on their fiction, but on the social history it represents.”

–Gregory Woods, Nottingham Trent University

 

 

 


Confronting Evil: The Psychology of Secularization in Modern French Literature

Adobe Photoshop PDF

“This book is a fascinating study of how four influential modern French authors have wrestled with spirituality and secularization in coming to grips with the problem of evil.”

–Johnathan Krell, University of Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 


Forthcoming August 2016! Cultural Exchanges between Brazil and France

Adobe Photoshop PDF

Explore the historic relationship between France and Brazil through original interdisciplinary essays. This is the first and only collection of studies between the two nations that addresses their interactions in various disciplines and discourses. It broadens the global perspectives in the field of international relations.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Twenty Years with the Jewish Labor Bund: A Memoir of Interwar Poland

“Marvin S. Zuckerman’s translation will do enormous good for historians in Poland. Many of them will be able to read Goldstein’s book, informing themselves not only about the Bund, but about prewar Warsaw, including Prague, Targowek, and Powazki. For most people, it is easier to read English than Yiddish, and because it is originally in Yiddish, this important book is very little known.”

 

–Dr. Martyna Rusiniak-Karwat, Polish Academy of Sciences

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Veterinary Science and Animal Studies

Understand the human-animal bond and the politics surrounding our four-legged companions in our new books a part within the category of Veterinary Studies. Be prepared for veterinary school and the requirements necessary for admission.


 Free Market Dogs: The Human-Canine Bond in Post-Communist Poland

 Free Market Dogs opens our minds to the dramatic changes in Polish people’s relationships with dogs following the fall of communist control of Eastern Europe, when Western ideas poured into Poland after years of restriction. Readers will be surprised by the ways that culture, nationality, and legislation can dramatically change how we think about and experience our so often intimate relationships with dogs, and moved by the deep feelings that are present in our centuries-old friendship with them. While maintaining a focus on Poland, Free Market Dogs delivers a story of universal appeal to those who love dogs.”

–Robert W. Mitchell, Foundation Professor of Psychology and Animal Studies, Eastern Kentucky University

 


Pet Politics: The Political and Legal Lives of Cats, Dogs, and Horses in Canada and the United States

9781557537324

“By concentrating specifically on companion animals, Professors Hunter and Brisbin provide a unique and insightful contribution to the burgeoning field of human-animal studies. In addition to its scholarly impact, this book is ideal for graduate or upper-level undergraduate courses in political science, sociology, and human-animal studies.”

–Steven Tauber, Chair, Department of Government & International Affairs, University of South Florida, and author of Navigating the Jungle: Law, Politics, and the Animal Advocacy Movement

 

 

 


Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements: 2016 Edition for 2017 Matriculation

“We understand that getting started and making sense of all the choices and requirements can be challenging, but you’ve come to the right place by accessing this publication, which provides the essential information you need to begin your journey.”

–Dr. Andrew McCabe, Executive Director of AAVMC

 

 

 

 

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Business // Library Sciences

The newest books on Business and Library Sciences provide an understanding of research, teaching, and management.


Project & Program Management: A Competency Based Approach, Third Edition

In its 3rd Edition, Project and Program Management sheds light on new insights gained from teaching and research. This edition focuses more on the qualitative nature of program management to broaden the readers understanding of key concepts. It also uses learning scenarios to show different approaches to instruction.

 

 

 

 

 


Laying the Foundation: Digital Humanities in Academic Libraries 

White-Gilbert_front cover.indd

Laying the Foundation: Digital Humanities in Academic Libraries is the approachable collection of digital humanities writings we’ve been waiting for. All types of librarians interacting with the humanities will find this book a practical reference and a step toward the future. Laying the Foundation further introduces digital humanities as a function of all libraries-for the good of our collective future. The experiences and case studies contributed to this book will no doubt become the building blocks of programs in public and academic libraries.”

–Emma Molls Scholarly Communication and Social Sciences & Humanities Librarian Iowa State University Library

 

 

 

 

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