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Archive for August, 2009

Will Powers

Friday, August 28th, 2009

It is with deep sorrow that we let you know that Will Powers, MHS Press Design & Production Manager, passed away Tuesday afternoon. He was vacationing at a family cabin in Canada with his wife Cheryl when he had a heart attack. Memorial arrangements have not yet been made, but we will post information once we have it. If you would like to make a charitable donation in Will’s name, here are organizations recommended by Will’s family:  Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Twin Cities Jazz Society.

During over 10 years of service at the MHS Press, Will produced beautiful books; he is known as a leader in national design and typographic organizations. He was a well-loved and respected colleague, and we feel his loss profoundly. We at MHS Press have already received hundreds of notes of support which we will send onto Will’s family. If you would like to send your sentiments to Will’s family, please send it to info-mhspress@mnhs.org and we will make sure they receive it.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press also ran a wonderful article about Will today.

County Fair Photo Exhibit at Minnesota State Fair

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

phpWXk8aJThe Minnesota State Fair Foundation and the Minnesota Historical Society Press are proud to present an exhibit of photos by Susan Lambert Miller from her book, Minnesota County Fairs: Kids, Cows, Carnies, and Chow. The exhibit runs all twelve days of the Minnesota State Fair at the J.V. Bailey House which is south of the Space Tower.

Susan will be signing her books on Sunday August 30th from 10 a.m. to Noon and Wednesday September 2 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Books will be available for purchase at the Bailey House.

This week’s winner of the Minnesota County Fairs quiz is Margaret from St. Cloud! She figured out what was wrong with “The Potatoe Wagon”!

Have fun at The Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Minnesota on the Map

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Minnesota on the MapOur colleagues in the Minnesota Historical Society collections department have been digitizing the society’s collection of maps. The scans are now online and viewers are able to enlarge and zoom for more detailed views. Many of the maps are featured in the book, Minnesota on the Map by David Lanegran and are on view only through September 7th at the Minnesota History Center.

Meet N.M Kelby, Author of A Travel Guide to Reckless Hearts

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Get to know N.M. Kelby, author of the new book A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts, as she reads from one of her new stories and answers illuminating questions about the art of writing.

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Emmy for Tales of the Road?

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Tales of the RoadCathy Wurzer’s Tales of the Road: Highway 61 documentary that aired on TPT is nominated for regional Emmy Awards in the following categories:

Best Historical Documentary
Best Editing-Non News (Lisa Blackstone/Robert Hutchings)
Best Videography-Non News (Denny Behr/Joe Berglove)

The book features more stories from Highway 61.

Congratulations to Cathy and her documentary team!

Meet Susan Lambert Miller Tonight

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

County Fairs Book CoverTonight, Susan Lambert Miller, author of Minnesota County Fairs will be signing books and exhibiting photographs at the Edina B&N in the Galleria shopping center. The event begins at 7. Hope to see you there!.

County Fairs Giveaway - Part 3!

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

COVER: Minnesota County FairsWe have winners from last week’s quiz. All winners will receive a copy of either Minnesota County Fairs or State Fair. The correct answer, as winner Jean put it, is ” The winning numbers are chosen where the rooster does his business.” That is absolutely right. Gross, but right.  Other winners include Penny from New Ulm, Daphne from Minneapolis, Duke from Red Wing, and Mr. Loman from St. Paul. Thanks to everyone for playing and congratulations!

Now, for this week’s quiz question. Again, send in your answer to info-mhspress@mnhs.org and we will draw a winner out of a hat next Wednesday. Your e-mail will not be used for any purpose other than to contact you if you win. Winners will be announced right here at 10000books.org next Wednesday, 8/26. Good luck!

 The quiz question is: What is wrong with this picture? 

County Fairs, by Susan Lambert Miller

Adventures in E-books

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

Pamela McClanahan, our director here at the Minnesota Historical Society Press, spoke with Star Tribune reporter Steve Alexander about the future of e-books and our foray into the e-book market. The MHS Press currently has 50 titles available as e-books, and we plan to have another 50 out by the end of the year. The e-books are currently available as Kindle editions or on the Sony Reader.

Creating Minnesota by Annette Atkins

A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts in Stores Soon!

Friday, August 14th, 2009

A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts book coverMHS Press/Borealis Books is pleased to present a new collection of short stories from acclaimed novelist N. M. Kelby, A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts. As we speak, it is on its way from our warehouse to bookstores across the country.

N. M. Kelby lives in Florida, but spent a great deal of time here in Minnesota. Many of the stories in this collection reflect upon being from the Midwest, leaving the Midwest, wanting to return to the Midwest, and just plain looking for home. The stories are funny, touching, and true. For a taste, read an excerpt from the new story  The Last Rites.

N. M. Kelby is the author of In the Company of Angels, Murder at the Bad Girl’s Bar and Grill, Theater of Stars, and Whale Season, which is now being made into a feature film! She also has a new non-fiction book this fall as well–The Constant Art of Being a Writer.

Minnesota Reads Loves Cathy Wurzer’s Tales of the Road, and We Love Minnesota Reads

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Tales of the RoadMinnesota Reads is one of our favorite book blogs. They have interesting, thoughtful reviews of a wide range of books, and they are also good followers of the regional literary scene.

In honor of their first anniversary, they have listed their favorite five books by Minnesotans along with the chance to win them! The list includes our very own Tales of the Road by the fabulous Cathy Wurzer. Here is the complete list: German for Travelers by Norah Labiner, Turtle Catcher by Nicole Helget (also an MHS Press author), The Song Is You by Arthur Phillips, and Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta. Congrats all, and happy anniversary, Minnesota Reads!