We’ve published a LOT of books over the past decade, so picking THE top ten books we’ve published over that span of time is an impossible task. Ask us tomorrow and we’ll give you a different list. Still, this a good a snapshot of the best of what we do, and we’re happy to have been able to put these books out in the world.
“Charleston Syllabus resonates deeply with me because my job was located a few blocks away from Emmanuel AME at the time of Charleston Nine tragedy. The book’s significant and insightful texts range from historical essays and speeches to modern poems and songs, contextualizing centuries of harrowing race relations. The fact that UGA Press jumped at the opportunity to publish such a timely resource speaks to the Press’s keen eye for relevant, thought-provoking books. It also shows the Press’s acknowledgement of systemic racism and desire provide contextualized reference materials by members of diverse communities.”—Candice Lawrence, Publicist and Social Media Coordinator 
“In the vein of Carol Adams’ classic The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory, Laura Wright’s inescapably controversial and indisputably directional study envisions, defines, and theorizes an area that the author calls vegan studies. The Vegan Studies Project alternately complements and contests the Press’s long and distinguished lists in ecocriticism, feminist theory, and animal studies. Wright’s unpacking of vegan identity and discourse has proven to be truly foundational, opening up a new field of study: widely cited, broadly reviewed, often anthologized, and centered in symposia in the U.S. and internationally.”—Patrick Allen, Acquisitions Editor 
“It’s probably not my place to say whether the consolidation of the major trade publishers is a good or bad thing. One thing I think is clear, however, is that it has created opportunities for UPs to expand into the trade space in a way that was more difficult ten or fifteen years ago. Smokelore by Jim Auchmutey is a case in point. Auchmutey, a former reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, had been hired by the Atlanta History Center to guest-curate an exhibit on the history of barbecue in the early 2000s, and this book was the result of his work on the exhibition. Smokelore is a beautifully illustrated book that brings to life in print the regional flavor, culture, and traditions that have developed around barbecue. It’s also the kind of regional trade book that used to be common from the New York trade houses. But because of our close relationship with the AHC, publishing the book was a no-brainer, and we were able to bring it out in time to coincide with the exhibit. It was a fantastic opportunity and a joy to work on. Plus, BBQ. Come on!”—Jason Bennett, Publicity and Social Media Manager 
“Clyde Woods/Development Drowned and Reborn: The Blues and Bourbon Restorations in Post-Katrina New Orleans. It is an innovative work of Black Geographies scholarship with rich storytelling on the aftermath of Katrina. Brings a global perspective to a very American experience. Won the AAG Global Award (“For public understanding of geography”), thereby fulfilling all three of our university’s mission goals: research, teaching, and outreach.”—Mick Gusinde-duffy, Executive Editor 
“Stephen Moore’s The Longer We Were There is a memorable example of UGA Press’s creative nonfiction series that came to mind recently as the author’s story of his experience as a soldier in the war Afghanistan war resonated with recent events. The author’s coming of age as a part-time soldier is an interesting literary narrative in itself, but the book also makes a substantial contribution in informing readers about the lived experience of the Afghanistan War on the ground, in its everyday and confusing aspects that are missing from conventional accounts. Most strikingly, the book closes with the story of the struggles and frustrations of a young translator who is trying to obtain a visa and move to the United States, and it allows readers immediate access to his hopes and disappointments. When I heard similar stories earlier this year, I felt that I was able to put them in context and understand the human aspect much better than I would have if I had not come across this book a few years earlier. Moore’s story is a perfect example of how university presses can help provide a deeper level of understanding and inform the public.”—Thomas Roche, Project Editor 
“This is the quintessential UGA Press book, intersecting with three core strengths of the Press’s list: African American studies, environmental studies, and literary studies. When it was published, the work forced readers to reconsider the degree to which African American poets engage with nature in their work, while also contributing to the evolving environmental justice movement. It does what great anthologies should do; it makes us see the included work in a new light and contributes to ongoing discussions about genre, literary craft, and issues pertinent to the moment at hand.”—Jon Davies, Assistant Director for EDP 
“I highlight this book for a number of reasons. The book itself does a remarkable (and intentional) job of illuminating King’s thoughts on the pernicious effects of racial capitalism and connecting those to modern struggles. And it does all of that it an easily digestible 150-page package. This is also a title that the Press has made available via Open Access through our participation in the Sustainable History Monograph Pilot. Because the authors see contemporary activists as a central audience for the book, making the book freely available via our Manifold instance (and a number of other online repositories) was of the utmost importance. And as the latest title in our Morehouse College King Collection Series on Civil and Human Rights, Prophet of Discontent also highlights the robust partnerships that the Press has fostered with institutions throughout the state and the larger southeast over the last decade.”—Nathaniel Holly, Acquisitions Editor 
“An engrossing essay collection that is part traditional essay, part nature writing, and part lyric. The book’s focus on people’s thoughts about different invasive or unwanted species is fascinating, as Peters explores and questions the ways we treat nonhuman creatures (which often mirror the ways we treat ourselves). These essays—which run the gamut from playful and funny to dark and grotesque—ask us to reconsider our feelings about “misfit” species, revealing surprising similarities we share with them and urging us to reevaluate humanity’s place in the universe. A strong representative of the Press’s growth into creative nonfiction.”—Beth Snead, Acquisitions Editor 
“As we reach toward the second year of a pandemic-riddled world, I still feel a similar need to reflect on the impacts that death and mourning has on myself and around the world. American Afterlife is a wonderful exploration into the beautiful practices of mourning across the United States and across time. This work is a witty and tragic collection of tales sure to be a bittersweet yet soothing balm to a grieving heart. This creative nonfiction work is additionally a precursor to the Crux series here at UGA Press, the literary nonfiction series that has been immensely engaging for me as a reader.”—Elizabeth Adams, Rights and Permissions Coordinator/Intellectual Property Manager 
“There is no other book like Plants in Design. As a gardener, I was immediately drawn to this title when it was acquired. Landscape design books often focus on the design elements of gardens but lack sufficient plant recommendations for specific regions and climates. Gardening books, on the other hand, often focus on plants but fail at helping gardeners with the design and composition. Davis and Nichols’s accomplishment is that they have pulled together design principals and plant details into a unified work, one that will serves the master gardener and the beginning gardener equally well. What makes it unique and something only the UGA Press could have done is our close relationship with UGA’s College of Environment and Design, where Davis and Nichols are based. Plants in Design is proof that when institutions like ours smartly leverage the resources available to us it can result in some extraordinary projects. In addition to all that, it also happens to be a truly beautiful book.”—Steven Wallace, Marketing and Sales Director
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