University of New Mexico Press History and Specializations
สรุปใจความสำคัญ
- Founded in 1929, the University of New Mexico Press began by publishing pamphlets and university reports.
- The press specializes in Southwestern and Western American history, Native American studies, and Latin American border studies.
- During the Great Depression, staff worked without pay for a period to ensure the press's survival.
The University of New Mexico Press (UNMP) is a distinguished university press located at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Established in 1929, the press has evolved from a small-scale operation producing university pamphlets into a respected publisher of scholarly and trade books focusing on the American West and beyond.
Specializations and Publications
UNM Press is renowned for its expertise in several niche academic and cultural fields. Its catalog specializes in:
- Southwestern and Western American History and Literature
- Archaeology and Anthropology
- Latin American and Border Studies
- Native American Studies
- Travel, Recreation, and Children's Books
The press also manages several specialized series, including the Dialagos Series in Latin American Studies, the Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series, and the Barbara Guth Worlds of Wonder Science Series for Young Readers. Currently, domestic distribution for the press is handled by Longleaf Services, a division of the University of North Carolina Press.
Early History and Development
The Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico unanimously approved the creation of the press on June 1, 1929. In its infancy, the press functioned primarily as a printing facility for the university, producing reports, journals, and pamphlets. Paul A.F. Walter Jr. became the first director on July 15, 1930, bringing printing machinery from his father's plant to the UNM campus.
The transition to full-length books began in the early 1930s. While Givers of Life by Emma Estabrook was one of the first books produced by the facilities, New Mexico History and Civics by Lansing Bloom and Thomas Donnelly, published in September 1933, is considered the first official UNMP book due to its advertising and distribution.
Navigating the Depression and War Years
Under the leadership of Fred E. Harvey, who took over in 1933, the press expanded its hardcover offerings. One of the most enduring successes from this era was Practical Spoken Spanish by Arthur L. Campa and F.M. Kercheville (1934), which remains in print today.
The Great Depression brought significant financial challenges. At one point, staff members agreed to work without pay during summer months until book sales could compensate them. Director Harvey personally traveled throughout New Mexico to sell books to schools and bookstores to keep the operation viable.
In 1940, the press played a pivotal role in celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Coronado expedition. This led to the publication of the Coronado Historical Series, featuring works by prominent historians such as Herbert E. Bolton and Frances V. Scholes, as well as an anthropological series titled Pioneers in Anthropology.
คำถามที่พบบ่อย
What is the primary focus of the University of New Mexico Press?
The press specializes in scholarly and trade books on Southwestern and Western American history and literature, archaeology, anthropology, Native American studies, and Latin American and border studies.
Who was the first director of the UNM Press?
Paul A.F. Walter Jr. became the first director of the press on July 15, 1930.
What was the first official book published by UNMP?
New Mexico History and Civics, published in September 1933 by Lansing Bloom and Thomas Donnelly, is considered the first official UNMP book.