Midway through summer, it’s likely you have already cracked open a book or two on your summer reading list. Regardless, University Press of Kentucky has a selection of new releases to consider adding to your must-reads.
Fighting the Cold War: A Soldier’s Memoir, by retired four-star Army General John Rogers Galvin, is a personal memoir of more than 60 years of international history. During his 45 years of service, Galvin fought on the front lines of the Cold War and eventually moved all the way up to NATO Supreme Commander. He is widely respected as a soldier and scholar, and stands out as one of the most brilliant strategic thinkers of his generation. This book shares commentary not only on Galvin’s life and times, but also on timeless issues such as leadership, strategic thinking, family and relationships.
Kentucky Maverick: The Life and Adventures of Colonel George M. Chinn, written by Carlton Jackson, details the life of a legendary and highly decorated Marine whose military career spanned both world wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A native of Mercer County, Chinn was a 20th century renaissance man, along with a genius thinker. He left behind ideas for innovative weapons that are still in use today. The biography brings together tales of gunplay and politics while revealing Chinn’s sense of humor and unbending will.
Obama at War: Congress and the Imperial Presidency, written by Ryan C. Hendrickson, examines in four major case studies President Obama’s use of militaristic force in his first term. Hendrickson demonstrates that, much like his predecessors, Obama has protected the executive branch’s right not only to command, but also to determine when and where American forces are deployed. “Obama at War” establishes that the imperial presidency poses significant foreign policy risks, and concludes with possible solutions to restore a more meaningful balance of power to the branches of government.
Mellencamp: American Troubadour, written by David Masciotra, examines the life and career of one of America’s most important and underrated songwriters, arguing that he deserves to be celebrated alongside other highly decorated artists. This is the first major biography of the legendary musician, and it will charm fans and music enthusiasts alike who are interested in the development of roots rock and roll and Americana music.
In My Life as a Mankiewicz: An Insider’s Journey through Hollywood, Tom Mankiewicz and Robert Crane collaborate to detail the journey of Mankiewicz through the inner world of the television and film industries. Starting with his first job as production assistant, the book follows him all the way to establishing himself as a member of the Hollywood screenplay writing elite. The duo also dives into his professional development as a writer and director, while also chronicling his friendships and romantic relationships with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Alfred Hitchcock is known for such signature works as Notorious and Vertigo, but Hitchcock Lost and Found goes beyond these works to explore forgotten, incomplete and lost productions from all stages of his career, including his early years in Great Britain. Authors Alain Kerzoncuf and Charles Barr highlight another perspective of the filmmaker’s career and achievements, along with his short, war-effort projects during World War II.
In Crane: Sex, Celebrity, and My Father’s Unsolved Murder, UPK takes readers to a darker space behind the scenes of a brutal Hollywood crime. Robert Crane and Christopher Fryer tell the story of how Crane dealt with his celebrity father Bob Crane’s 1978 murder. In this memoir, the two discuss the unsolved murder, and Robert Crane’s subsequent career writing for Playboy and Oui magazines and serving as John Candy’s personal assistant.
In Hollywood Presents Jules Verne: The Father of Science Fiction on Screen, author Brian Taves investigates the huge mark that writer Jules Verne left on cinema. Verne has inspired filmmakers since the early silent period, and continues to entice audiences more than a hundred years after his works were originally published. Taves illuminates how, as these stories have been made and remade over the years, each new adaptation looks back not only to Verne’s words, but also to previous screen adaptations to make them effective. This comprehensive study will appeal not only to fans of the writer’s work, but also to readers interested in the ever-evolving relationship between literature and film.
Ziegfeld and His Follies: A Biography of Broadway’s Greatest Producer will take readers to New York City’s famed Broadway stages. The biography, written by Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson, looks at Broadway show producer Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. Known for extravagant performances filled with catchy tunes, high-kicking chorus girls, striking costumes, and talented stars, Ziegfeld revolutionized performance at the turn of the 20th century. “Ziegfeld and His Follies” offers an in-depth look into the life and legacy of the producer with a well-rounded account of the man as a father, husband, son, friend, lover and an alternately ruthless and benevolent employer.
From University Press of Kentucky, the scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, representing a consortium that now includes all of the state universities, five private colleges and two historical societies. UPK’s editorial program focuses on the humanities and the social sciences.