Mark Perzel talks with Matthew Wilhelm Kapell about his book, "Broadening Horizon: Essays on Environment, Culture, Identity and Myth in the Game Franchise." What begins with robot dinosaurs and post-apocalyptic storytelling becomes a deeper conversation about ecology, theology, and the cultural power of the stories we play. From “ludic eschatology” to the hero’s journey, Kapell reflects on how games shape the way we imagine both catastrophe and hope.

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: mcfarlandbooks.com/product/broadening-horizon

FEATURED TITLE: Broadening Horizon: Essays on Environment, Culture, Identity and Myth in the Game Franchise. McFarland, softcover (2025) ISBN: 9781476691923 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/broadening-horizon

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Increasingly, digital games center their narratives during or after the apocalypse. In 2017, the action role-playing game Horizon Zero Dawn offered a new take on society after the end of the world. Horizon has since become a multimedia franchise, with a second video game released in 2022, in addition to comic books, a board game, and other adaptations in development.

This collection analyzes the Horizon franchise and its presentation of the apocalypse, ecology, gender, history and more. Game story and game mechanics are fundamental to each essay and contributors offer a close reading—or close playing—of the games from perspectives as diverse as hauntology, postcolonialism, contemporary feminism, and historiography. This first collection on the Horizon franchise argues that we now live in an Apocalyptic period in the same way previous periods were known as Romantic, Modernist or Realist Periods, and makes the case that Horizon belongs at the crest of this new Apocalyptic Period and at the center of contemporary gaming and of game studies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kapell is an anthropologist and historian, with M.A. degrees in each discipline, and a Ph.D. in American Studies, who specializes in the study of cultural history, media, film, and popular culture. He is a native of Detroit, who lived and taught in Swansea, Wales, California, New York and New Jersey. Kapell is currently residing in New Jersey and teaching at Pace University in Manhattan. He's taught everything from Classics to Genetics but mostly teaches American Studies and Game Studies now. Kapell is also a series editor for the McFarland "Studies in Gaming" series.

matthewkapell.com

studiesingaming.com

OTHER BOOKS BY KAPELL

Exploring the Next Frontier: Vietnam, NASA, Star Trek and Utopia in 1960s and 70s American Myth and History (Routledge Advances in American History). Routledge, hardcover, softcover (2016) ISBN: 9781138188570 www.routledge.com/Exploring-the-Next-Frontier-Vietnam-NASA-Star-Trek-and-Utopia-in-1960s-and-70s-American-Myth-and-History/Kapell/p/book/9780367263966

mcfarlandbooks.com/series/studies-in-gaming

ABOUT MCFARLAND: McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have around 8,000 unique works for sale and publish about 350 new titles a year. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). mcfarlandbooks.com

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WEBSITE, mcfarlandbooks.com/connect/best-part-of-the-book-podcast

Zak Ford shares the most memorable, and sometimes hilarious, stories of athletes reaching the big leagues in his book, Called Up: Ballplayers Remember Becoming Major Leaguers. From receiving a call up via registered mail to the sensory overload of a 1,000-watt stadium, to the debut home run on a freezing day in Toronto, and a pitcher who finished his career with a perfect 1.000 batting average. You’ll love this heartwarming conversation about the moment a childhood dream finally becomes a reality for your favorite ballplayers.

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: mcfarlandbooks.com/product/called-up

FEATURED TITLE: Called Up: Ballplayers Remember Becoming Major Leaguers. McFarland, softcover (2023) ISBN: 9781476692791 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/called-up

BOOK DESCRIPTION: To reach the majors, a ballplayer must not only possess natural ability and world-class skills but must also overcome nearly insurmountable odds. The journey is not possible without extreme dedication. Along the way mentors play a large role, and circumstances must align. For an elite few, years of effort and perseverance culminate with putting on a big league uniform. Drawing on original interviews with more than 100 players who debuted between 1961 and 2018, this collection presents their first-person stories of how they were called up to play Major League Baseball.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Zak Ford is a former chapter leader with the Society for American Baseball Research and serves on the advisory committee of the Pacific Coast League Historical Society. He prefers human-interest baseball stories over current trends focused on statistical analysis and academic-style research and is a lifelong Giants fan. While he enjoys spending time at any ballpark, he loves exploring National Parks nearly as much. Ford lives in Cameron Park, California, with his wife, two children, dog (Hercules after The Sandlot), and cat (Buster after Buster Posey).

zakford.com

www.facebook.com/ZakFordBaseballStories

twitter.com/zakford

OTHER BOOKS BY ZAK

Beyond the Last Inning: Life and Careers After Playing Professional Baseball. McFarland, softcover (due in 2026) ISBN: 9781476699622 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/beyond-the-last-inning

ABOUT MCFARLAND: McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have around 8,000 unique works for sale and publish about 350 new titles a year. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). mcfarlandbooks.com

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WEBSITE, mcfarlandbooks.com/connect/best-part-of-the-book-podcast

Author Carla Lesh joins Mark Perzel to discuss her book, "Wheels of Her Own: American Women and the Automobile, 1893–1929," uncovering how the early automobile became a powerful tool for liberation and social justice. Explore the stories of women—including Black and Indigenous drivers—who navigated prejudice and broken-down roads to claim their independence. Check out this inspiring look at the bold pioneers who used the driver’s seat to challenge the status quo.

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: mcfarlandbooks.com/product/wheels-of-her-own

FEATURED TITLE: Wheels of Her Own: American Women and the Automobile, 1893–1929. McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476672779 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/wheels-of-her-own

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Women used automobiles as soon as they had access to them. Black, Indigenous, and White American women utilized the automobile to improve their quality of life and achieve greater freedom. These women shared unique concerns and common aims as they negotiated their way through a time when advocacy for social change was undergoing a resurgence. The years that brought the automobile to the United States, 1893-1929, also brought increased legal and social restrictions based on racism and gender stereotypes. For women the automobile was a useful tool as they worked to improve their quality of life. The automobile provided a means for Black, Indigenous, and White women to pull away from limitations and work toward greater freedom. Exploring these key issues and more, this book is a history and social exploration of women and the automobile during the early automotive era.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Carla Lesh is an independent historian and archivist living in the Hudson Valley of New York. She received her PhD in transportation history and her MA in public history from the University at Albany and her BA in history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. carlalesh.weebly.com

OTHER BOOKS BY CARLA LESH

Grist for the Mill: A Novel of the Civil War in Northwest Arkansas. BookBaby, eBook (2024) ISBN: 9798350965841 store.bookbaby.com/book/grist-for-the-mill

"Albany, New York, Plot (1793)” entry in Encyclopedia of Slave Resistance and Rebellions. Greenwood Publishing Group, (2007) ISBN: 978-0313332715 www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Slave-Resistance-Rebellion-volumes/dp/0313332711

“Project Row Houses,” Exhibit Review, The Public Historian, Fall 2003

ABOUT MCFARLAND: McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). www.McFarlandBooks.com

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CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This episode touches on alcoholism and suicide [20:10, 32:15, 34:02–35:15, 36:09]. Listener discretion is advised.

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this very candid and insightful conversation, host Mark Perzel chats with acclaimed composer Daron Hagen about his memoir, "Duet with the Past." The episode explores the "lineage of family" that knits together music history, moving from Hagen’s decision to become a composer at 14 to his encounters with legendary figures like the late Ned Rorem and David Diamond. They discuss the "intimate transaction" of writing for specific performers and the challenges of academic mentorship, which Hagen colorfully describes as "poisonous fruit." A compelling detail from the episode reveals that Hagen hears a constant "storm of music" in his head at all times—even while holding a conversation.

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: mcfarlandbooks.com/product/duet-with-the-past

FEATURED TITLE: "Duet with the Past: A Composer’s Memoir." McFarland, softcover (2019) ISBN: 9781476677378 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/duet-with-the-past

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Composer, conductor and operatic polymath Daron Hagen has written five symphonies, a dozen concertos, 13 operas, reams of chamber music and more than 350 art songs. His intimate, unsparing memoir chronicles his life, from his haunted childhood in Wisconsin to the upper echelons of the music world in New York and Europe. Hagen’s vivid anecdotes about his many collaborators, friends and mentors—including Leonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Gian Carlo Menotti, Paul Muldoon, Ned Rorem, Virgil Thomson and Gore Vidal—counterpoint a cautionary tale of the sacrifices necessary to succeed in the brutally unforgiving business of classical music.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Daron Hagen is a multifaceted American artist; a composer, writer, and auteur filmmaker celebrated for pioneering the operafilm genre. His internationally acclaimed Bardo Trilogy streams worldwide. Across five decades, Hagen has composed 13 operas, 5 symphonies, 12 concerti, and more than 250 art songs. His works have been performed by the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Seattle Opera, among others. Hagen has taught at Bard, Curtis, the Chicago College of Performing Arts, and the Princeton Atelier. Hagen studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Curtis, and Juilliard, and continues to create and direct from his home in upstate New York.

Website: www.daronhagen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaronHagenOfficial/

OTHER BOOKS BY DARON HAGEN

"Exploring Operafilm: Making The Bardo Trilogy." McFarland, softcover (Coming in 2026) ISBN: 9781476699561 https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/exploring-operafilm/

ABOUT MCFARLAND: McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and publish about 350 new titles each year. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). www.McFarlandBooks.com

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Mark Perzel welcomes author Ellen Williams to discuss her book, "Raven and Crow: The Mythology, Art, and Science of Our Favorite Black Birds." Hear about the extensive global mythology surrounding these birds, exploring their fascinating roles as creators and tricksters. Williams also shares amazing scientific insights, noting that crows and ravens are great communicators, toolmakers and rank among the most intelligent animals on the planet. Did you know researchers have identified that ravens possess "theory of mind," allowing them to predict what another animal or human is thinking or about to do? A truly fascinating listen!

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: BESTPART

Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: mcfarlandbooks.com/product/raven-and-crow

FEATURED TITLE

Raven and Crow: The Mythology, Art and Science of Our Favorite Black Birds. McFarland, softcover (2025) ISBN: 9781476695006 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/raven-and-crow

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Ravens and crows, both members of the Corvidae family, have long captured human imagination. Ornithologists have noted their problem-solving capabilities, but the interest extends beyond science. Artists are moved to depict them, while backyard bird enthusiasts delight in their antics. Found around the world, the raven and the crow have inspired thousands of myths, legends, and fairytales. These stories regard corvids as powerful beings, with the crow sometimes seen as a witch or a goddess in disguise, and the raven portrayed as a creator-trickster being. The fascination with these birds spans centuries, and they are represented in mythology from every corner of the planet.

This book explores the multi-dimensional aspects of ravens and crows; they are the subject of scientific research as well as ancient texts and artwork. From traditional and contemporary renderings of the birds in art, to the wealth of mythology about them, the enigmatic nature of the birds remains a point of fascination for many. Recent scientific findings have revealed a use of language, problem-solving skills, and the ability to count, positioning these birds at the intersection of science, mythology, and art.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellen Williams is a retired museum professional with a deep interest in art and culture. Her career started at the American Museum of Natural History, in the Special Projects Department, where she organized events that eventually included the first Margaret Mead Film Festival, now a renowned showcase for international films on culture. She worked as Director of Education at the New England Science Center in Worcester, MA to develop exhibitions, school programs, adult lectures, public events, and small craft flights over Massachusetts' spectacular fall foliage. Ellen Williams can sometimes be found at the Katonah Museum of Art, working on interpretive materials and docent training for cutting-edge contemporary art shows as well as inspiring cultural exhibitions that explore the intersection of art and society.

www.ellenwilliams.net

OTHER BOOKS BY ELLEN WILLIAMS

Imagining Heaven: Depictions of the Afterlife in World Art Across the Millennia. McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476690452 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/imagining-heaven

We Are Stamford: Immigrants in The City That Works. Building One Community, Stamford, CT, Photography by John Moore; Edited by Ellen W. Williams, softcover (2024) https://b1c.org/wearestamford/

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). www.McFarlandBooks.com

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER, http://eepurl.com/iPkvx2 and FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, www.facebook.com/BestPartOfTheBook

This episode is for Christmas horror fans, featuring host Mark Perzel and author Matthew C. Dupée with his book, "A Scary Little Christmas: A History of Yuletide Horror Films, 1972–2020." Dupée discusses the origins of Christmas horror during the silent film era and examines how filmmakers blend the holiday's sacred traditions with horror, touching on controversies like "Silent Night, Deadly Night." Explore the subgenres of yuletide horror, such as psycho Santas, stocking snuffers, Christmas zombies, and even killer Christmas trees. Dupée shares filmmaker anecdotes and offers his recommendations for both new and seasoned horror fans. Get into the "Christmas" spirit with this episode!

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: BESTPART

Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: mcfarlandbooks.com/product/a-scary-little-christmas/

FEATURED TITLE

"A Scary Little Christmas: A History of Yuletide Horror Films, 1972–2020." McFarland, softcover (2022) ISBN: 9781476679990 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/a-scary-little-christmas/

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Controversial yet beloved among audiences, Christmas-themed horror movies emerged in the early 1970s and gained a notorious reputation with "Silent Night, Deadly Night" (1984), depicting Santa as an ax-wielding maniac. Some parents and conservative groups condemned the film, while others embraced the portrayal of Yuletide as a backdrop for fear and dread. Drawing on interviews with directors, producers, special effects artists, photographers and actors, this book celebrates the sordid, colorful history of the Christmas horror subgenre. Psycho Santa films such as "Christmas Evil" (1980) and 3615 code "Père Noël" (1989) are examined, along with “Yule-Die” slashers like "The Dorm that Dripped Blood" (1982), "Black Christmas" (1974) and "Silent Night, Bloody Night" (1972). Commercial successes like "Gremlins" (1984) and "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" (2010) are covered, as well as more recent releases such as "Better Watch Out" (2016), "Red Christmas" (2016) and "Deathcember" (2019). Rare photographs, promotional materials and an annotated filmography are provided.

OTHER BOOKS BY MATTHEW C. DUPÉE

"We're Here For The Krites: The Making Of Critters." Harker Press, hardcover/softcover (2025) ISBN: 9798989013098 www.harkerpress.com/krites-about

For personalized copies: www.matthewdupee.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A lifelong horror film enthusiast, Matthew has written about horror films for "Rue Morgue," "Offscreen," and "Bright Lights Film" Journal. He is a contributor to "Rue Morgue" and the "Morbidly Beautiful" website and is currently writing three books: "Dark Harvest: A History of Thanksgiving Horror;" "A Conduit to Hell: The Making of Neon Maniacs;" and "Rad Dreams: The Making of Albert Pyun's Postapocalyptic Rock Opera." 

www.matthewdupee.com

Instagram: @matthieudupee 

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). https://mcfarlandbooks.com

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Vampires, demons, the undead, oh my! This episode features a conversation with author Theresa Bane, focusing on her latest book, "The Undead in World Mythology and Folklore: An Encyclopedia," alongside her previous works like "Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology and Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures." Theresa talks about the universal fear of death that gives rise to undead myths across every culture, the evolution of vampires from ancient plague-carriers to modern figures, the broad scope of demons, and the concept of the revenant. Check out this episode to uncover more fascinating details and diverse global myths.

LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: BESTPART

You can get a 25% discount on these 3 featured titles when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: 

The Undead in World Mythology and Folklore: An Encyclopedia. McFarland, softcover (2025) ISBN: 978-1-4766-9561-7 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-undead-in-world-mythology-and-folklore/

Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology. McFarland, softcover (2020) ISBN: 978-1-4766-8177-1 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-vampire-mythology-soft/

Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. McFarland, softcover (2012) ISBN: 978-0-7864-6360-2 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-demons-in-world-religions-and-cultures/

OTHER BOOKS BY THERESA BANE

The G.I. Joe Roster: Characters of the Toy and Media Universe. McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 978-1-4766-9304-0 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-g-i-joe-roster

Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland, softcover (2020) ISBN: 978-1-4766-7688-3 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-mythological-objects

Encyclopedia of Spirits and Ghosts in World Mythology. McFarland, softcover (2016) ISBN: 978-1-4766-6355-5 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-spirits-and-ghosts-in-world-mythology

Encyclopedia of Giants and Humanoids in Myth, Legend and Folklore. McFarland, softcover (2016) ISBN: 978-1-4766-6351-7 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-giants-and-humanoids-in-myth-legend-and-folklore

Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. McFarland, softcover (2016) ISBN: 978-0-7864-9505-4 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-beasts-and-monsters-in-myth-legend-and-folklore

Encyclopedia of Imaginary and Mythical Places. McFarland, softcover (2014) ISBN: 978-0-7864-7848-4 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-imaginary-and-mythical-places

Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and Mythology. McFarland, softcover (2013) ISBN: 978-0-7864-7111-9 mcfarlandbooks.com/product/encyclopedia-of-fairies-in-world-folklore-and-mythology

Folklore and Food: Folktales that center on family, food, and down-home cooking. Schiffer Publishing, softcover (2012) ISBN: 978-0-7643-4220-2 schifferbooks.com/products/folklore-food

Folktales and Ghost Stories of North Carolina's Piedmont. Schiffer Publishing, softcover (2011) ISBN: 978-0-7643-3745-1 schifferbooks.com/products/flktl-ght-storiesnc-piedmnt

Haunted Historic Greensboro. Schiffer Publishing, softcover (2009) ISBN: 978-0-7643-3745-1 schifferbooks.com/products/haunted-historic-greensboro

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vampirologist, Theresa Bane, is the author of numerous encyclopedias on mythological subject matters such as creatures, demons, fairies, ghosts, giants, mythic locations, and vampires. In addition to having written articles for online magazines, books on regional folklore, RPG supplements, and G.I. Joe, she has been featured on many radio, podcasts, and television shows, such as William Shatner’s “Weird or What” for her knowledge and expertise on the undead.

When not writing, Bane educates audiences about the differences between traditional mythology and horror fiction. A diehard gamer originally from the NY/NJ area, she currently resides in the Shenandoah Valley with her husband and their dogs.

Scaldcrow Games: Bare Bones Multiverse, a tabletop RPG: www.scaldcrow.com

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). www.McFarlandBooks.com

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Featuring an engaging interview with Peter Cammann, author of "The Flies Are Too Damn Small: Adventures of a Deeply Flawed Angler." Cammann shares his journey from newspaper reporter to fishing writer and the evolution of his unique storytelling approach that embraces humor and self-deprecation. Discover Cammann's philosophies on fishing, his humorous observations on anglers and the pursuit of fish, and the art of balancing the joy of sharing fishing experiences with the responsibility of conservation. You'll truly appreciate the wit and wisdom in Cammann's collection of fishing tales. 

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Receive a 25% discount on this title when purchased from McFarland's website by using the code BESTPART at checkout: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-flies-are-too-damn-small/

FEATURED TITLE

The Flies Are Too Damn Small: Adventures of a Deeply Flawed Angler. McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476695860 https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-flies-are-too-damn-small/

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Peter Cammann has written about fishing for more than 30 years. In that time, he has explored at length the lasting questions of fishing, chief among them, why anyone would spend their time doing it. This book presents the odd tales, confessions and musings of a deeply flawed angler, well-acquainted with the limits of his own abilities. These humorous tales are presented by the author as a kind of answer to why so many people spend hours in the water, facing off with fish, sometimes only to release them right away. Occasionally profound and always funny, Cammann’s unique perspective on the sport will delight even those who have never cast a line.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Cammann has written about fishing and the outdoors for more than 30 years.  He is the author of three books on this subject, including Fishing Vermont’s Streams and Lakes. His work has also been featured in On the Water, Coastal Angler, Vermont Magazine, The Fisherman, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Fly Fisherman, Vermont Life, Outside Bozeman, as well as on various web sites, including About-Flyfishing and Urban Desires.  He also wrote and produced a segment that was aired in Vermont during the 1990s, originally on WNCS and then later on WDEV called The Streamside Guide. 

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OTHER BOOKS BY PETER CAMMANN

"Fishing Vermont's Streams and Lakes: A Guide to the Green Mountain State's Best Trout and Bass Waters (Backcountry Guides)." Countryman Press, softcover (1992) ISBN: 9780881502398 

• https://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Vermonts-Streams-Lakes-Backcountry/dp/0881502391 
• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fishing-vermonts-streams-and-lakes-peter-f-cammann/1112788090

"Ultralight Spin-Fishing: A Practical Guide for Freshwater and Saltwater Anglers," Countrymen Press, softcover (2000) ISBN: 9780881503012 

• https://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Spin-Fishing-Practical-Freshwater-Saltwater/dp/0881503010 
• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ultralight-spin-fishing-peter-f-cammann/1141254751

"SlipNot." Catch & Release Publishing, Kindle edition (2013)

• https://www.amazon.com/SlipNot-Peter-Cammann-ebook/dp/B00EUIEIFQ

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). https://mcfarlandbooks.com/

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Dive into the captivating story of the "Star Wars" radio dramas, exploring their creation and the significant impact they had on NPR. Authors Maria Jose Tenuto and John Tenuto highlight the crucial role of writer Brian Daley, whose talent and connection to the "Star Wars" universe were instrumental in the success of these audio productions. Find out how the radio dramas masterfully translated the visual experience of the films into an audio format, showcasing the challenges and triumphs involved in their production, including securing rights and the artistry of sound design. You'll appreciate the enduring legacy of these unique "Star Wars" adaptations and their profound influence on NPR's trajectory.

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FEATURED TITLE

The "Star Wars" Radio Dramas: Brian Daley and the Serialization That Saved NPR. McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476695631 https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-star-wars-radio-dramas/

BOOK DESCRIPTION

By 1977 National Public Radio (NPR) was in trouble, plagued by too little funding and small audiences. The phenomenal success of its adaptation of "Star Wars" as a radio drama in 1981 gave NPR the needed ratings, publicity, and boost in donations that kept it afloat at exactly the time it was threatened the most. Most importantly, "Star Wars" brought a new audience to NPR. As it did in theaters, where George Lucas’s films redefined movie making, so too did NPR’s "Star Wars" forever change the artistic world of radio drama.

That a radio network, dependent exclusively on audio, would find a lifeline in one of the most visually dynamic movies ever released is the stuff of irony. Utilizing new interviews with creatives such as Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Ann Sachs (Princess Leia), Perry King (Han Solo), and director John Madden, and archival research, this book details how an unlikely alliance of academics, radio executives, Lucasfilm employees, actors, and behind-the-scenes artists banded together, despite the obstacles, to create a unique and consequential work. It is also the story of how writer Brian Daley was the fulcrum who made it all possible.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maria Jose Tenuto and John Tenuto have been authors and sociology professors for 27 years. Maria Jose was named the 2019 Illinois Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year by the Illinois Community College Trustee Association. John was named the 2020 Association of Community College Trustees’ Central Regional Faculty Member Award winner, recognizing him as one of the top five community college educators in the nation. The couple’s research has been featured in "Wired" magazine, "USA Today", "Chicago Sun-Times," and on CBS, Netflix, WGN, the History Channel, and the BBC. They have been invited to speak at the Official Star Trek Convention, Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Celebration, the St. Louis Science Center, and by the future birthplace of Star Trek’s James T. Kirk, Riverside, Iowa, and the town of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada. They were consultants on the United States Postal Service Star Wars Droids stamps.

After moving to Altoona, Iowa, they can each now legitimately quote James T. Kirk, and say, “No, I’m from Iowa. I only work in outer space.” They have been married for 26 years and have a 22-year-old son named Nicholas Jose Tenuto.

https://thetenutos.blogspot.com/

Other books by the Tenutos:

• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan: The Making of the Classic Film (2023) from Titan Books. Hardcover. ISBN: 9781789099751 https://thetenutos.blogspot.com/2024/12/star-trek-ii-wrath-of-khan-making-of.html
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: The Making of the Classic Film (2025) from Titan Books. Hardcover. ISBN: 9781835412893  https://thetenutos.blogspot.com/2024/12/star-trek-iii-search-for-spock-making.html

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). https://mcfarlandbooks.com/

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Author Donna Tesiero shares insights into her book, "A Revolutionary Woman: Elizabeth Freeman and the Abolition of Slavery in the North." Tesiero details Freeman's journey from enslavement in New York to her pivotal role in abolishing slavery in Massachusetts through a groundbreaking court case. The conversation explores the stark differences in the treatment of slaves between New York and Massachusetts in the 18th century, the abuses Freeman endured, and her extraordinary resilience and influence. Learn how Freeman's courage and moral strength not only secured her own freedom but also left an enduring legacy on those around her, including the renowned novelist Catharine Maria Sedgwick. This is the inspiring story of a woman whose fight for freedom helped shape the course of history.

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FEATURED TITLE

"A Revolutionary Woman: Elizabeth Freeman and the Abolition of Slavery in the North." McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476694535 https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/a-revolutionary-woman/

BOOK DESCRIPTION

At the end of the American Revolution, Elizabeth Freeman was an enslaved widow and mother living in Massachusetts. Hearing the words of the new Massachusetts state constitution which declared liberty and equality for all, she sought the help of a young lawyer named Theodore Sedgwick, later Speaker of the House and one of America’s leading Federalist politicians. The lawsuit that she and Sedgwick pursued would bring freedom to her and her daughter, as well as thousands of other enslaved people.

After leaving her enslaver’s family to work for the family of Theodore Sedgwick, she effectively became the foster mother to his seven children when his wife Pamela became a chronic invalid, enabling Sedgwick to pursue his political career. Two of his sons would credit her with saving their lives. His daughter Catharine Maria Sedgwick, one of the most famous female novelists of the early decades of the nineteenth century, would make her the model for one of her most celebrated heroines. This biography details Elizabeth Freeman’s life and the far-reaching influence of her battle for freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Tesiero holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell, a law degree from Columbia, and master’s degrees from Harvard and Lesley University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

OTHER BOOKS BY DONNA

• "Six Nations Diplomat: Molly Brant and the American Revolution" McFarland, softcover (2025) ISBN: 9781476694542  https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/six-nations-diplomat/
• "The Choosing Time" Self-published (2013), softcover. ISBN: 9781480081963. A historical novel for teens. https://www.the-choosing-time.com/

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academic Title, ALA Outstanding Reference Work) to the mainstream (Hugo, Edgar, Stoker, and Eisner, among others). www.McFarlandBooks.com

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