University Press Of Kentucky: Publishing Excellence

The University Press of Kentucky (UPK) is a leading publisher of academic and scholarly books, as well as books about the state of Kentucky and the surrounding region. With a rich history spanning over 70 years, UPK has established itself as a major player in the world of academic publishing.

Established in 1943, UPK was created to serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky by publishing scholarly books that reflect the state's rich cultural heritage. Over the years, the press has grown to become one of the largest and most respected university presses in the country, publishing over 50 books per year. UPK's publications cover a wide range of subjects, including history, literature, art, music, and science.

One of the key factors that set UPK apart from other publishers is its commitment to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed books that meet the highest standards of scholarship. The press's editorial board consists of distinguished scholars from around the world, who carefully review each manuscript to ensure that it meets the press's rigorous standards.

Excellence in Publishing

UPK's commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous awards and accolades its publications have received over the years. Many of the press's books have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Kentucky Governor's Award for the Arts.

In addition to its award-winning publications, UPK is also known for its innovative approach to publishing. The press has been at the forefront of digital publishing, making many of its titles available in e-book format. UPK has also established partnerships with other presses and institutions to co-publish books and journals, further expanding its reach and impact.

Subject Areas

UPK publishes books in a wide range of subject areas, including:

History: UPK has a strong reputation for publishing high-quality history books, particularly in the areas of American history, European history, and Kentucky history.
Literature: The press publishes a wide range of literary studies, including books on American literature, British literature, and comparative literature.
Art and Music: UPK has a strong program in art and music, publishing books on topics such as art history, musicology, and cultural studies.
Science: The press publishes books on a wide range of scientific topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

Notable Publications

Some of UPK's most notable publications include:

"The Kentucky Encyclopedia" by John E. Kleber: This comprehensive encyclopedia is a definitive reference work on the state of Kentucky, covering topics such as history, culture, and geography.
"The Civil War in the Border South" by Christopher Phillips: This book is a collection of essays by leading historians on the Civil War in the border states, including Kentucky, Missouri, and Maryland.
"The Art of the South" by Martha R. Severens: This book is a comprehensive survey of Southern art from the colonial period to the present day.

Series and Imprints

UPK publishes several series and imprints, including:

The Kentucky Bicentennial Bookshelf: This series celebrates the state of Kentucky's bicentennial with a collection of books on topics such as history, culture, and geography.
The Appalachian Regional Commission Series: This series publishes books on topics related to Appalachia, including history, culture, and economic development.
The Persimmon Hill Press: This imprint publishes books on topics related to Kentucky and the surrounding region, including history, literature, and culture.

Open Access Publishing

UPK is committed to open access publishing, making many of its titles available online for free. The press has partnered with several open access platforms, including Project MUSE and JSTOR, to make its publications more widely available.

University Press of Kentucky Open Access

Digital Publishing

UPK has been at the forefront of digital publishing, making many of its titles available in e-book format. The press has partnered with several digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle and Google Books, to make its publications more widely available.

Conclusion

The University Press of Kentucky is a leading publisher of academic and scholarly books, as well as books about the state of Kentucky and the surrounding region. With a commitment to excellence and a wide range of subject areas, UPK is a major player in the world of academic publishing. Whether you're a scholar, a student, or simply a reader interested in learning more about the world, UPK has something for everyone.

Get Involved

If you're interested in learning more about UPK or getting involved with the press, there are several ways to do so:

Follow UPK on social media: UPK has a strong presence on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Attend UPK events: UPK hosts several events throughout the year, including book launches, author readings, and conferences.
Submit a manuscript: If you're a scholar or author interested in publishing with UPK, you can submit a manuscript for consideration.