04/22/2009

Ron Eller's Book Earns Weatherford Award

Three University Press of Kentucky (UPK) titles were honored with distinguished awards recently. The Appalachian Studies Association and Berea College presented the prestigious Weatherford Award to Ronald D. Eller for his book published by UPK, "Uneven Ground: Appalachia since 1945." Additionally, the Popular Culture and American Culture Association recognized UPK books “Homer Simpson Goes to Washington: American Politics through Popular Culture” and “Why We Fought: America’s War in Film and History” with its Popular Culture Awards.

Eller, former director of UK's Appalachian Center and associate professor of history at the University of Kentucky, received the 2008 Weatherford Award for nonfiction. Named for former Berea College President Willis D. Weatherford Jr. and his father, Willis D. Weatherford Sr., who made significant contributions to the development of the Appalachian region, the award recognizes published works that "best illuminate the challenges, personalities, and unique qualities of the Appalachian South."

In "Uneven Ground: Appalachia since 1945," Eller examines the recent transformation of Appalachian life analytically as the region struggles to progress in coordination with society's standards and expectations. Pointing out the economic and political issues faced by the region during this time period, Eller explores the impact of the war on poverty and other great society initiatives.

The Appalachian Studies Association was created under a mission to further education about the Appalachian region as well as to "promote and engage dialogue, research, scholarship, education, creative expression, and action among scholars, educators, practitioners, grassroots activists, students, individuals, groups and institutions."

Offices for the administrative, editorial, production and marketing departments of UPK are found at the University of Kentucky, which provides financial support toward the operating expenses of the book publisher. For more information or to purchase one of these award-winning books, call 1-800-537-5487.

Whitney Hale - UK Public Relations