Category Archives: backlist classics

March 30, 2021

Pioneering Women in Cinema and Theater Reading List

Posted by Charrice Jones
in american history, backlist classics, black studies, film, gender studies, media studies, sexuality studies, women's history | Comments Off on Pioneering Women in Cinema and Theater Reading List

From the beginnings of silent films to the talkies we have now, women have played a pivotal role in the development of film whether it be behind the scenes or on the screen. In early theater, women challenged gender roles … Continue reading →

August 4, 2020

Pioneering Women in Music

Posted by Charrice Jones
in backlist classics, jazz, music, soul, women's history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Pioneering Women in Music

Through their unique and often challenging life experiences, the women showcased in this roundup have shaped various musical genres during their time and generations to come. From performance, to music education and beyond, these women’s works present philosophy and calls … Continue reading →

May 21, 2020

Your 2021 Olympics Reading List

Posted by Charrice Jones
in backlist classics, culture, events, gender studies, Olympic history, sports history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Your 2021 Olympics Reading List

It’s 2021 and after a long wait, the Olympic Games are returning this summer! We’ve assembled a list of titles featuring the history and impact of the Games to help you get into the Olympic spirit. From politics to social … Continue reading →

February 5, 2018

In praise of suckers and P. T. Barnum

Posted by rkcunningham
in backlist classics, biography | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on In praise of suckers and P. T. Barnum

We are now three years and one day removed from this unforgettable event: Diaper-Wearing Service Kangaroo Kicked Out of Wisconsin McDonald’s You know who else liked kangaroos? P.T. Barnum. You know who publishes his every-word-guaranteed-to-be-true* autobiography? The University of Illinois … Continue reading →

April 1, 2016

Meet the UI Press: Backlist we love

Posted by rkcunningham
in backlist classics | Comments Off on Meet the UI Press: Backlist we love

In the publishing game, “backlist” refers to books that have been published and had their time at the forefront of marketing and publicity efforts. (Books in that glittery phase of life are called “frontlist.”) A backlist book does more than sit in a … Continue reading →

December 31, 2015

Throwbacklist Thursday: New Year’s Eve on the battlefield

Posted by sfast
in american history, backlist classics, Lincoln, military history | Tagged | Comments Off on Throwbacklist Thursday: New Year’s Eve on the battlefield

New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration for most. It’s a time to look forward to better things and a time to reflect on the year that will soon be behind us. When it comes the American Civil War, … Continue reading →

September 29, 2015

Survey Says! Dishing da dirt

Posted by rkcunningham
in backlist classics, publishing | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Survey Says! Dishing da dirt

It is the time of the year when we enjoy the soil’s miraculous bounty. Plant a little seed in the ground, add water and sun, and marvel as this humble recipe yields sprawling watermelon vines, mountains of green beans, and … Continue reading →

August 13, 2015

The Tao of Ho

Posted by rkcunningham
in asian american studies, backlist classics, labor history, music | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Tao of Ho

Eighty-five years ago today, out where the warm trade winds blow, Don Ho began life in Hawai’i, one of the nicer outposts of our current reality. In time, his mellow singing entertained so many people that Don became synonymous with the … Continue reading →

July 30, 2015

Bigger than life: Sinatra’s image at 100

Posted by sfast
in author commentary, authors, backlist classics, film | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Bigger than life: Sinatra’s image at 100

Today our 1915: Whatta Year! series turns to pop culture colossus Frank Sinatra, born on December 12 of that storied year in Hoboken, New Jersey. “Ol Blue Eyes” made his name with his voice, but he was a fixture on the silver screen beginning … Continue reading →

July 16, 2015

Remembering TV pioneer Marlene Sanders

Posted by sfast
in authors, backlist classics, communication, feminist studies, labor history, media studies | Tagged , | Comments Off on Remembering TV pioneer Marlene Sanders

Journalist Marlene Sanders passed away earlier this week at age 84. In 1964, Sanders was the first woman to anchor an evening network news program when she substituted for Ron Cochran on ABC. This was just one of the many … Continue reading →