Choctaw Nation: A Story of American Resurgence by Valerie Lambert “[A] thorough study, one grounded in current anthropological theory but surprisingly free of the discipline’s wordy jargon. . . . [A] good book that tackles some complex issues . . . . [and] has value beyond its obvious purpose of describing the growth of the modern Choctaw Nation. There are, it seems, lessons here for other tribal groups that may be seeking greater autonomy or that are trying to escape from the ravages of allotment and termination.”—The Chronicles of Oklahoma Continue reading Praise for Choctaw Nation

To the Max! Today’s "TT" installment is a tribute to Max Horkheimer (1895-1973), the famous German philosopher and sociologist, one of the central figures in modern thought, and the director of the Institute of Social Research at the University of Frankfurt. This month, the University of Nebraska Press publishes A Life in Letters: Selected Correspondence by Max Horkheimer, edited, translated, and with an introduction by Manfred R. Jacobson and Evelyn M. Jacobson. The letters in this volume demonstrate how Horkheimer’s thought was influenced by and engaged with the historical events of the twentieth century, particularly the Holocaust and the Vietnam … Continue reading Tuesday Trivia: January 15, 2008

Encyclopedia of the Great Plains Indians edited by David J. Wishart “[W]ell written and informative. . . . This is a quality publication that scholars and aficionados of American Indian history and cultures and Great Plains and Oklahoma histories will want to read and own.”—The Chronicles of Oklahoma Read earlier praise for Encyclopedia of the Great Plains Indians at http://nebraskapress.typepad.com/university_of_nebraska_pr/2007/05/praise_for_ency.html. Continue reading More Praise for Encyclopedia of the Great Plains Indians

The Year the Stars Fell: Lakota Winter Counts at the Smithsonian edited by Candace S. Greene and Russell Thornton “Richly illustrated, The Year the Stars Fell is an outstanding contribution to the understanding of the cultures of the Plains Indians.”—American Archaeology Read earlier praise for The Year the Stars Fell at http://nebraskapress.typepad.com/university_of_nebraska_pr/2007/07/praise-for-th-1.html. Continue reading More Praise for The Year the Stars Fell

Valentines by Ted Kooser “[E]ach poem is a unique snapshot of love. The poet says it best himself: ‘all my life, I have wanted nothing so much as the love of women.’”—Publishers Weekly “Because Kooser is a master of such unpretentious scene-painting, these are poems of rich, Wordsworthian common feeling. . . . They’ve nearly all appeared in Kooser’s previous collections, but especially as accompanied by Robert Hanna’s drawings . . . they’ve never seemed more like godsends—or valentines!”—Booklist “The writing in this book is classic Kooser: simple images, down-to-earth language, insight, and uncommonly good sense, all of which combine … Continue reading Praise for Valentines

Under the Boards: The Cultural Revolution in Basketball by Jeffrey Lane “Lane’s point is interesting and  . . . valid.”—R. L. Abbott, CHOICE Continue reading More Praise for Under the Boards

Landscapes with Figures edited and with an introduction by Robert Root “[A] welcome addition to ‘nature writing’ collections . . . . [T]hese texts . . . help legitimate passionate intellectual exchanges about nature and place that reflect commitments to something other than narrowly romantic place identity politics.”—American Book Review To read earlier praise for Landscapes with Figures, please visit http://nebraskapress.typepad.com/university_of_nebraska_pr/2007/03/praise_for_land.html. Continue reading More Praise for Landscapes with Figures

Opa Nobody by Sonya Huber “[S]harp human insights on the omnipresent moral complications of living in Nazi Germany make this a worthwhile read. . . . [A] unique, imaginative take on the family memoir.”—Kirkus Reviews “Grounded in extensive research and enriched by family anecdotes. . . . The result is thoughtful discourse on political activism and the toll exacted from those dedicated to unpopular causes.”—Deborah Donovan, Booklist “In her first book, teacher and activist Huber reaches across time and space to find guidance and camaraderie in the reconstructed life of Heina Buschmann, the German grandfather she never met. . . … Continue reading Praise for Opa Nobody

Interior Places by Lisa Knopp “[A] smart sequel to Knopp’s earlier study, The Nature of Home. . . . Rapt observer, botanist, birder and chronicler of the human condition, Knopp is also, in the best literary tradition, a wanderer of lingering curiosity. . . . Elegiac, soulful and discerning.”—Kirkus Reviews “Knopp explores the potent effects of environment and emotion through 16 perceptive and responsive essays that ring with a crystalline acuity. . . . [She] filters her worldly experiences in nature and among society through a keen understanding of her relationship to both.”—Carol Haggas, Booklist “Interior Places is a great … Continue reading Praise for Interior Places

Eight Women, Two Model Ts, and the American West by Joanne Wilke “[B]eautiful, filled with sharp, sensory details . . . . The letters the women sent home are a highlight of the book, brimming with the sort of pep and optimism that seems to be a hallmark of young people during this period of American history. . . . [T]he tale [Wilke] tells in Eight Women remains compelling throughout.”—Jenny Shank, NewWest.net “[C]ompellingly conveys the passion and determination that led these brave young travelers to ‘see some things’ together . . . . Throughout the book, Wilke expertly interweaves her … Continue reading More Praise for Eight Women, Two Model Ts, and the American West