Branch Rickey: Baseball’s Ferocious Gentleman by Lee Lowenfish “The book title captures the complexity of the man who ‘made a spark that helped shape three cultures—black, white and American.’ Rickey III attended a book signing and lecture by Lee Lowenfish at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Lowenfish wrote the latest book about baseball’s integration pioneer. Rickey III calls it the best of three books about his grandfather, who as an executive with the Dodgers brought Jackie Robinson to the Major Leagues in 1947. ‘It’s a more comprehensive character study with the benefit of insight, the distillation of time, events and … Continue reading Continued Praise for Branch Rickey

Chief Bender’s Burden: The Silent Struggle of a Baseball Star by Tom Swift “A fascinating study of the hardship and prejudice Bender endured, and the character he showed in the face of it all.”—Pat Borzi, MinnPost.com “A substantial, vivid story of one of the best pitchers of the game’s early years.”—Mike Miliard, Boston Phoenix To read earlier praise for Chief Bender’s Burden, please visit http://nebraskapress.typepad.com/university_of_nebraska_pr/2008/02/starred-review.html. Continue reading More Praise for Chief Bender’s Burden

“LIL” Takes Flight There’s something surreal about the act of flight. Most of us have flown on a commercial airplane and have undoubtedly marveled at how such a large machine can defy gravity and soar through the air, carrying us and our fellow passengers to our destination of choice at rapid speed. Although for some, the act of flight is not only a novelty to be pondered in awe and wonder, but a mission—a life’s purposes. For a group of adventurous individuals, simply flying is not enough. These men and women seek out opportunities to push aeronautics to its limits, … Continue reading Linking in Lincoln: April 17, 2008

Check out this recent article from The Washington Post on Piers Mackesy’s The War for America, 1755-1783 (University of Nebraska Press, 1993). Reviewer Thomas E. Ricks calls the book a "brilliant, classic history of the American Revolution." For the full article, visit http://nebraskapress.unl.edu/product/War-for-America-1775-1783,672569.aspx. Continue reading Washington Post Highlights The War for America, 1755-1783

Alltop.com, a new site that combines the best online news into a one-stop informational experience, has included the University of Nebraska Press blog on its books page. This is a great resource for people who want to stay current with up-to-the minute news from Publisher’s Weekly, London Review of Books, Powell’s Books blog, plus many other sites and blogs that matter in the book world. Bookmark it and check back often! Continue reading UNP is alltop!

Bicycling beyond the Divide by Daryl Farmer “The book isn’t just bicycle talk. Much to Farmer’s credit—and the fact that he keeps journals—he gives us some historical background of the towns and places he visits. He also shares his personal life and his feelings, such as loneliness, anger and moments of happiness. All in all, it’s a good read for anyone contemplating a long-distance bicycle journey or some other adventure.”—Algis J. Laukaitis, Lincoln Journal Star Continue reading More Praise for Bicycling beyond the Divide

Tuesday Trivia Travels South New this month from UNP, Venezuelan Bust, Baseball Boom: Andrés Reiner and Scouting on the New Frontier by Milton H. Jamail tells the story of the man who brought Venezuela into Major League Baseball. While other teams were looking to the Dominican Republic for new talent, Houston Astros’ scout Andrés Reiner saw an untapped niche in Venezuela. Venezuelan Bust, Baseball Boom recounts how, over the next fifteen years, Reiner signed nearly one hundred players, nineteen of whom reached the majors. Today’s “TT” tests our blog readers’ knowledge of all things Venezuelan. Think you know a fair … Continue reading Tuesday Trivia: April 15, 2008