University of Alberta Press

12/09/2024

Why read OF CANOES AND CROCODILES? The Sepik is the longest river in Papua New Guinea and one of the great tropical waterways of the world. In 2018, Tony Robinson-Smith and his wife Nadya bought local dug-out canoes and spent five weeks paddling its length from a tributary close to the Indonesian border to the Bismarck Sea, a distance of about a thousand kilometres. Hiring Papuans to accompany them and staying in tribal villages along the way, they ate smoked piranha and sago pancakes, heard tales of river gods and sorcerers, trained their binoculars on Rainbow Bee-Eaters, sank in a tropical storm, got lost in mosquito-filled swamplands, and hid from pirates in mangroves near the sea.
https://bit.ly/3YUpbJg

12/04/2024

Earlier this fall, there was a great interview with Aaron Kreuter, author of RUBBLE CHILDREN, on Global BC. Aaron and Jen Palma talked about Jewish rage, the book's title, and, of course, cannabis.

Watch Palma’s Picks: A look at a Jewish community in flux Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

11/28/2024

Most people know very little about Papua New Guinea, probably no more than they gleaned in an article read years earlier in a National Geographic Magazine. For example, most readers will know nothing about the history of the island of New Guinea. Why is it divided in half? Why does Indonesia control half and the other half is independent? What is the colonial history of Papua New Guinea. How (and when) did Papua New Guinea gain its independence from Australia? Readers wanting to know more will find OF CANOES AND CROCODILES an entertaining and informative adventure.
https://bit.ly/3YUpbJg

11/26/2024

We are searching for the next Director and Publisher for University of Alberta Press. The posting is up and the deadline is December 10.
This is a rare opportunity: please spread the word.
https://bit.ly/3Oe2euf

And, a reminder about how special Edmonton is!
#65 on the World's Best Cities list: https://bit.ly/3YzTgLC
The city was also named as a top 30 must visit destination by Lonely Planet this year: https://bit.ly/498nqvc

11/25/2024

Thinking of buying books as presents?
Check out Canada's History Book & Gift Guide. You'll find THE RIEL PROBLEM: Canada, the Métis, and a Resistant Hero by Albert Braz and many other great books.

https://bit.ly/40Mgjq3

11/22/2024

It's an exciting moment when a contributor to one of our theme-based anthologies comes out with her first book. That is what has just happened with SHY contributor, Eve Krakow!

Read more in this guest post by the co-editor of SHY, Rona Altrows.
https://bit.ly/3A32E3g

11/21/2024

As the narrative in OF CANOES AND CROCODILES follows the bends of the river, author Tony Robinson-Smith incorporates into its flow discussion of larger matters like the legacy of white colonization; the tension between local animist beliefs and Christianity, the religion introduced by foreign missionaries; and the relationship between wantok (“one talk”) or loyalty to clan and political corruption. The author also uses the slow pace of their voyage to contemplate the emotional strains of traveling from a technologically advanced, safer Western country to a less developed, more volatile Melanesian one.
https://bit.ly/3YUpbJg

11/20/2024

What a fascinating conversation between Troy Nahumko and host Alan Mcguire on the Sobremesa podcast about STORIES LEFT IN STONE!
They talk about everything from the city's old town to the world's oldest cave art and regional politics in Extremadura.

The Sobremesa Podcast · Episode

11/19/2024

Alberta Views magazine won 2023/24 Magazine of the Year at the Alberta Magazine Awards "in recognition of how consistently the publication engages and serves the needs of its readers."
Congratulations!
https://bit.ly/3OaYud2

11/17/2024

We are searching for the next Director and Publisher for University of Alberta Press. The posting is up and the deadline is December 10.
This is a rare opportunity: please spread the word.
https://bit.ly/3Oe2euf

11/15/2024

Our latest blog post celebrates 25 years of the Alberta Elders' Cree Dictionary/alperta ohci kehtehayak nehiyaw otwestamâkewasinahikan.
Its wide use is a testament to the dedication of Nancy LeClaire and George Cardinal, and editor Earle Waugh. The dictionary required contributions from many others in the community, including more than 100 individual Cree speakers.
The cover features art by Jane Ash Poitras.
https://bit.ly/4cWJXeN

11/15/2024

The Canadian Ethnic Studies Association biennial conference is taking place in Edmonton on Friday and Saturday, and the program is impressive and extensive. We are excited to attend and display our books!
https://bit.ly/3Z5KwPP

11/12/2024

We are so proud to have published SEPARATION ANXIETY by Gavin Bradley. The book won the Bridges of Struga International Poetry Award.

Recently, Gavin received a Horizon Award at the 2024 Alumni Awards. It was a memorable night!

https://bit.ly/3UK1UHj

11/11/2024

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
For the Fallen, Laurence Binyon

11/07/2024

Want to keep in touch?
Be sure to sign up to our email list to hear about new publications or events.
https://bit.ly/3lw6WWZ

11/01/2024

Douglas Hildebrand writes a retrospective post of the last seven years as director and publisher. He concludes in this lovely way:

"It has been a pleasure to work with and learn from such a brilliant group of professionals. I have been so very lucky to have you as my colleagues and friends. I look forward to seeing how UAlberta Press continues to grow and evolve."

We thank Doug for his remarkable contributions and wish him well in his new role as incoming Director of UBC Press.

https://bit.ly/4f9qw4l

10/31/2024

A great gift book!

“Tony Robinson-Smith and his wife, Nadya, paddle down the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, traveling through a jungle environment inhabited by villagers and Raskols (threatening criminals). The resulting story, filled with anecdotes, entertains and educates. OF CANOES AND CROCODILES is a captivating read for armchair adventurers and explorers alike.”
—Ken McGoogan, author of Shadows of Tyranny
https://bit.ly/3YUpbJg