In the final post for #UPWeek 2023, the University Press of Kentucky is pleased to spotlight Mandi Fugate Sheffel, owner of the Read Spotted Newt. As an independent bookseller in eastern Kentucky, Mandi values the importance of sharing stories and diverse voices in the region. In this powerful guest post, Mandi expresses her love of books, language, and her devotion and commitment to serving and representing the Appalachia region. The first novel I fell in love with was Catherine Marshall’s Christy. Originally published in 1968, my copy was a mass-market paperback with Kellie Martin as Chri ..read more

One of the ways in which the University Press of Kentucky exercises its unique ability to #SpeakUP is through our constant development of new series, each with a dedicated editor or editors. Establishing a new series and committing ourselves to its evolution gives the authors and works published within that series a valuable opportunity to receive attention that can uniquely appreciate that book’s highly specific needs and merits, based off of the content and/or thematic elements that run through the overall series. In the video below, Davis Shoulders, co-owner of Atlas Books and one of the e ..read more

Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr., writer, activist, and author of the critically-acclaimed poetry collection Gay Poems for Red States, celebrates the University Press of Kentucky and its support of varied, diverse, and important voices. The Press strives to be champions for individuals with identities that remain underrepresented in the literary world, and that mission is more important than ever at such a critical moment for marginalized communities worldwide ..read more

On this second day of #UPWeek2023, the University Press of Kentucky answers the question “Who does our press help #SpeakUP?” University presses’ mission is to give voice to the scholarship and ideas shaping conversations around the world, so it’s crucial that we uplift and amplify individuals and stories from communities that are too often lost in the mainstream. In today’s guest post, Dr. Melissa Helton, literary arts director at Hindman Settlement School, writes about the devastation of the catastrophic flash flood of July 2022 that claimed the lives of more than 40 people in Central Appal ..read more

For more than 80 years, the University Press of Kentucky has been publishing award-winning and critically-acclaimed books and highlighting diverse and knowledgeable voices from Kentucky and beyond. While the books published range in topic from film to military history, poetry to public health, Kentucky—its people, history, and culture—has been at the heart of everything we do. We speak up for the commonwealth, but also for readers and writers everywhere, because we understand that books have the power to educate, empower, enlighten, and entertain. And in a world where so much happens every da ..read more

What is UK’s One Day Fundraising Event? For 24 hours on April 19, 2023, University of Kentucky alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends will support their favorite college, program or cause through One Day for UK—the University’s annual giving day. From the beginning, UK has pioneered new ways to carry out its mission and ensure brighter futures in our state and beyond. And one thing has always been true: when UK alumni, faculty, staff, students and supporters lift together, we can achieve anything. On One Day for UK, join in the fun and make a gift that will help us build upon our mo ..read more

The University Press of Kentucky has a strong showing so far! Scroll down to see all the accolades we’ve picked up so far this season! Winner of the 2022 Weatherford Nonfiction Award Winner of the American Botanical Council 2023 James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award 978-0-8131-8381-7 | Hardcover $27.95 Winner of the World War One Historical Association annual Norman B. Tomlinson, Jr., prize for 2022 978-0-8131-8240-7 | Hardcover $29.95s Winner of the 2022 Thomas D. Clark Medallion 978-0-8131-9547-6 | Hardcover $40.00s Winner of the 2022 Henry Clay Book Award for Public Pol ..read more

Check out all the amazing events coming up featuring our authors and the Press! January January 22-29, 2023, Virtual Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Convention TBRCon2023 is an all-virtual sci-fi/fantasy/horror convention, streaming live from Jan. 22-29, 2023. With 30 live panels, 25 author readings, 3 podcast recordings and 3 D&D sessions, the third edition of FanFiAddict’s Stabby Award-winning convention aims to offer viewers countless in-depth discussions on SF/F/H, writing craft, publishing, marketing and much more! TBRCon2023 is absolutely FREE, available to stream live on  ..read more

We are sad to announce that former University Press of Kentucky Director Kenneth Cherry passed away Kenneth Holland Cherry, 87, director emeritus of the University Press of Kentucky, died Friday afternoon November 18, 2022. He had been in Hospice care in Centerville, Ohio. He is survived by Sylvia Salem, his wife of 50 years, and children, Anne Keeton of Kettering, Ohio and Scott Gibbs of Cary, North Carolina, and three grandchildren, James, John, and Elizabeth. “Ken” Cherry came to UPK from the University of Tennessee Press in 1987. Before that, he served in United States Army intelligence in ..read more

With almost the entire catalog of University Press of Kentucky books on sale this weekend, it’s a great time to pick out presents for the bourbon lovers in your life! Stick around for the biggest savings at the end of the list! 30% Off Bourbon Is My Comfort Food by Heather Wibbels is a beautiful batch of boozy bourbon beverages brought together by the best bourbon bartender we know. The Cocktail Contessa concocted the coolest collection of cup compositions, you’ll drink it down like a distilled dream. List price: $27.95 Sale price: $19.57 Alliteration not included. Which Fork Do I Use wi ..read more