I enjoy surfing the Internet to find resources for books about Kentucky. Recently I came upon the University Press of Kentucky‘s website and was pleased to see that their spring 2015 catalog is available.
If you’ve not tapped into this resource, you ought to consider doing so. You’ll find an assortment of great books, in a variety of genres.
To start, I will focus on a few books that bring us a ‘taste’ of Kentucky:
First up in the queue are two books by the late Linda Allison-Lewis. You may recall, she often wrote for Kentucky Living Magazine.
In Kentucky’s Best – Fifty Years of Great Recipes you’ll find many classic Kentucky dishes including burgoo and Owensboro barbeque.
“From the perfect mint julep to Benedictine, from a classic hot brown to cheese chutney, Kentucky’s Best captures the full range of the state’s culinary delights.”
From my perspective this book combines dishes that are both traditional and gourmet. And, you’ll find recipes from all corners of Kentucky.
In her book Kentucky Cooks: Favorite Recipes from Kentucky Living, the focus is on the rich culinary tradition with a distinctive regional flair. The recipes “reflect the unique heritage of the Commonwealth.”
Next in line is Bourbon Desserts by Lynn Marie Hulsman. I really like this one and, I suspect, in a state famous for its bourbon, few among us would not.
“The flavor of bourbon adds flair and sophistication to every occasion. Celebrations in the Bluegrass State—or any state, for that matter—are never complete without the unique richness of this signature drink.”
You will find ways to enhance your parties and celebrations. Whether it is bourbon balls, eggnog, or an icy mint julep, this collection tells you how to do it.
And speaking of bourbon, The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book by Joy Perrine and Susan Reigler, with photographs by Pam Spaulding, is a treat.
According to the University Press of Kentucky, “Interest in bourbon, America’s native spirit and a beverage almost exclusively distilled in Kentucky, has never been greater. Thanks in part to the general popularity of cocktails and the marketing efforts of the bourbon industry, there are more brands of bourbon and more bourbon drinkers than ever before.”
Herein, you will discover an easy-to-follow handbook featuring numerous recipes from seasonal drinks to after-dinner cocktails to Derby specialties to curative toddies.
PS, if you’re having a party, don’t forget to invite yours truly.
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I mentioned earlier that the University of Kentucky Press offers many genres.
Two books that are featured in their 2015 Spring Catalog that should have wide appeal are: Crane: Sex, Celebrity, and My Father’s Unresolved Murder by Robert Crane and Christopher Fryer.
Growing up, one of my favorite TV shows was Hogan’s Heroes. On June 29, 1978, the star of that show, Bob Crane, known to millions of fans as Colonel Hogan, was discovered brutally murdered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Crane’s eldest son, Robert, was called to the crime scene to identify his dad.
“In this poignant memoir, Crane discusses that terrible day and how he has coped with the unsolved murder of his father,” for nearly forty years. He attempts to reconcile the good and sordid sides of his celebrity father, and of his own fascinating life.
Mellencamp: American Troubadour, by David Masciotra, is a book that should receive great interest, especially here in the Tri-State. John Mellencamp has had numerous Top 40 hits, has been nominated thirteen times for the esteemed Grammy, and is a member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Yet, despite hits like “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town,” and “Cherry Bomb,” “the rough and tumble small-town guy writing songs about everything he learned about living is often omitted from the ranks of America’s songwriting elite.” This is a thoughtful analysis of a rock-and-roll superstar.
Remember, you can find out about the foregoing books and hundreds more from the University Press of Kentucky here.
Expect a review of Rick Robinson’s The Advance Man next week.
Donald Then, a novelist and experienced editor and journalist, is NKyTribune’s literary editor. He will review books written by local authors or those with a Northern Kentucky setting. Reach him at author@djamesthen.com Visit his website at www.djamesthen.com.