The American craft tradition did not just appear, fully-formed and mature. Where have our craft practices come from? How does the tradition continue? Tonight at 8pm on PBS-TV, the Peabody award-winning series CRAFT IN AMERICA will feature several craft experts on the segment titled, “Origins.” Each of the artists featured in “Origins” ties their work [...]

The following is a guide to Bald Head Island written in the form of a children’s book:
One summer we took the ferry to an island.  We stayed in a little house on the beach and watched the ocean move.  We put on suntan lotion and laid towels out on the sand.  We built castles that [...]

Continuing along the North Carolina piedmont, Davidson County is worthy of a pitstop. Founded in 1822 and named for Revolutionary War General William Lee Davidson, Davidson County is home to many unique and historical sites.
North Carolina is well known for it’s barbecue, but none is quite like the kind you get in Lexington–defining its own [...]

We’re starting a new series today – Tar Heel Trek will feature a different North Carolina county each week. Drawing on information from UNC Press’ great books about North Carolina, we’ll highlight the history, culture, and people that help give each place its character. We hope these posts will inspire you to look deeper and [...]

Yesterday Governor Bev Perdue signed legislation making Grandfather Mountain North Carolina’s newest state park. Hugh Morton (1921-2006) inherited the 2500-acre property and developed part of it into a tourist attraction, including a famous “mile-high” swinging bridge. Morton’s family will continue to operate the tourist site and nature center there.
My family vacations as a child were [...]

Ever had the urge to nail a strand of your hair into a mirror but thought, “Hey, if I nail anything into this mirror, it’s gonna shatter”?  Well, think again—in the ’50s anything was possible: they nailed human hair into faux mirrors, splotched paint across the canvas, and even put everyday chairs on display, all [...]

I’ve added a few more press blogs to our university press blogroll recently, and I wanted to bring them to your attention and encourage you to go check them out.
Island Press focuses on environmental issues. Their Eco-Compass blog features posts by authors discussing green development, conservation, wildlife, sustainability, population growth, and more.
NYU Press, whose blog [...]

America’s favorite traditional woodworker, Roy Underhill, recently talked to Mother Earth News about his brand new book, The Woodwright’s Guide: Working Wood with Wedge and Edge. The next time someone asks me what famous (not dead) person I’d like to have dinner with, I’m going to have to say Roy Underhill. Wait a sec . [...]

Keeping with the coastal Carolina theme of the past couple of weekend roadtrips, this week’s suggestions get you in the kitchen and on the move. Guides for preparing seafood, bird watching, and visiting historic architecture after the jump…

The biggest annual trade show in the American book biz, BookExpo America was held in Los Angeles this year from May 29 to June 1. UNC Press had a double booth and featured several great books coming up on our Fall 2008 list. Pics of our booth and a peek at some forthcoming gems, after [...]